SCT-010-000 current transformer protection

The YHDC SCT-010-000 clip-on or non-invasive current transformer is widely used in DIY energy monitor applications, and is readily available on eBay for A$6 including post.

A key issue with current transformers is that current in the primary winding will cause excessive voltages in the secondary winding unless the secondary winding is suitably loaded. The broad rule of thumb is NEVER disconnect the output connections whilst current flows through the primary.

 

YHDC's website is typical of Chinese web sites, and I could not find a datasheet for information on the internal circuit and possibly internal protection.

This article details tests on a transformer purchased around Feb 2017.

Seeing online discussion where there was no mention of the risk of damage if the output was disconnected, I performed a simple test where I monitored the output voltage with an external load (burden) sufficient to cause 50V on the secondary, 50V should be well within winding insulation ratings (4.7kΩ for this transformer at 20A). In the event, voltage was limited, so the external load was removed and the SCT-010-000 was measured bare with about 20A of primary current.

Above, the output voltage is clearly limited to about 18Vpp, the clipping indicates a circuit similar to two inverse series 9V Zeners across the output. My own experience with Chinese Zener diodes is that they have very wide tolerance, and that might suggest that individual CTs may vary 20% or more… but that is not terribly important as they would normally operate at less than 5Vpp with microprocessor projects.

Digging further, a datasheet was found elsewhere on the net

Above is the schematic given in the datasheet. It shows a TVS which behaves similarly to two inverse parallel Zener diodes. The test above indicates the peak output voltage is about 20Vpp.

So, with the limiter contained in the assembly, it is safe to unplug the CT from its external load whilst current flows in the primary circuit.

These comments are specific to the SCT-010-000, and in particular of the version that was tested. Similar products may behave differently