LTCT stands for Low Tension Current Transformer meter, a type of meter used for measuring the power consumption of relatively smaller electrical loads.
These meters are designed to accurately record energy usage for loads typically ranging from 26 kW to 99 kW. They employ a current transformer (CT) to step down the high current flowing through the service wires to a lower, safer, and more manageable level for the metering circuitry. This allows the meter to measure power consumption without directly handling the potentially hazardous high current.
Here's a breakdown of key aspects:
- Low Tension (LT): Refers to the voltage level of the electrical supply. In many regions, low tension implies voltage levels below 1000 volts AC.
- Current Transformer (CT): A device used to measure high alternating currents. The CT produces a reduced current accurately proportional to the current in the circuit, which can then be safely measured by the meter.
- Meter: The instrument that records and displays the amount of electrical energy consumed over a period of time.
Why Use LTCT Meters?
LTCT meters are used because directly measuring the high current in LT circuits can be problematic for standard meters. Current transformers offer several advantages:
- Safety: Isolates the metering circuitry from the high-voltage circuit, enhancing safety for meter readers and maintenance personnel.
- Accuracy: Provides accurate measurements of high currents, which would be difficult or impossible to obtain with standard ammeters or wattmeters.
- Standardization: Allows for the use of standard metering components regardless of the primary current level.
- Range: Effectively measures power consumption within a specific range (e.g., 26 kW to 99 kW) making them suitable for various commercial and industrial applications.
In Summary:
An LTCT meter is a metering device utilizing a current transformer to safely and accurately measure the power consumption of low-tension electrical loads, typically in the range of 26 kW to 99 kW.
