Current sensors, sometimes called current transducers or current meters, are electronic devices designed to measure and monitor the amount of current flow in an electrical circuit or conductor. These components are significant in electrical and electronic systems–producing quantifying outputs (like the voltage, digital/analogue signals, and currents) for real-time monitoring, control, or further processing. A current sensor comes in various types and works by converting the current passing through a conductor into an easily measurable signal. Current sensors can optimise energy usage, ensure safety, and automate processing by easily integrating into multiple control systems, making them ideal for various industries.
Popular Types of Current Sensors:
Current sensors come in several types, each with different operational principles and applications. Some common types of current sensors include:
- Hall Effect Sensors – A current flowing through a conductor creates a magnetic field around it. Hall effect sensors measure the strength of this magnetic field and convert it into an electrical voltage proportional to the current. They are non-contact sensors and can be used for both DC and AC measurements.
- Hall Effect Current Sensors (Integrated) – These are integrated circuits that incorporate Hall effect sensors, amplifiers, and signal conditioning components into a single package. They are compact and provide a digital or analogue output, making them suitable for multiple current measurement applications.
- Shunt Resistors – Shunt resistors are low-resistance resistors (placed in series with the circuit) that measure the voltage drop across them, which is proportional to the current passing through. They are often used in low-current applications where precision is essential, such as current measurement in electronic circuits.
- Current Transformers (CTs) – Current sensing transformers are commonly used for measuring high currents in AC circuits. They comprise a primary winding and a secondary winding that is connected to a measuring instrument. CTs step down the current and are safely measured with standard instruments.
- Rogowski Coils – Rogowski coils are flexible current sensors that use a coil of wire wound around the conductor carrying the current. They do not have a magnetic core like CTs, making them suitable for measuring rapidly changing currents and high-frequency AC currents. Rogowski coils are commonly used in power quality analysis and for monitoring electrical equipment.
Typical Applications of Current Sensors:
Current sensors are significant in various applications across different settings, including:
- Overcurrent Protection
- Motor Control
- Power Monitoring and Management
- Battery Management
- Renewable Energy
- Electrical Substations
- Power Inverters
- Industrial Automation
- Home Energy Monitoring
- Electric Vehicle Charging
- Current Measurement for Research
- Automotive Applications
- Welding Machines
- Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
- Electric Grid Monitoring.
Best Current Sensors at Enrgtech: Why Choose Us?
Enrgtech offers the best-quality current sensors from reputable manufacturers, ensuring users receive high-quality and reliable products at competitive pricing. We usually offer technical support and an efficient shipping/delivery process, ensuring you receive your products on time.