current sensors

We offer over 1,300 various current sensor models from trusted brands like Veris, Mamac, Senva, and others. Find the best CT solution in our stock!
View Details Senva Sensors C-2300 Fixed, 0.35-200A, split core  | Blackhawk Supply
$198.18 each
View Details Senva Sensors C-2345 Analog 4-20mA, 30/60/120A, split core  | Blackhawk Supply
$15.86 each
View Details Senva Sensors C-2320-L Preset, 0.45-50A, split core  | Blackhawk Supply
$30.90 each

-----

Everything You Need to Know About Current Sensors

Current sensors are electronic devices that measure and detect the flow of electric current in a circuit. They are essential in many applications where accurate measurement and control of a current are required, be that a data acquisition system, HVAC, or a building automation system.

What Are Current Sensors?

Current sensors are devices that measure the electric current flowing through a conductor. They are important because they enable the monitoring and control of currents in various applications, including power monitoring, electric vehicle charging, renewable energy systems, industrial automation, and smart grids.

Applications of Current Sensors

Current sensors find widespread use in various industries and applications, including:

  • Power monitoring and control systems: Current sensors are used to measure the amount of power consumed by different electrical devices and systems.
  • Electric vehicle charging: Current sensors are used to measure the charging current and monitor the battery's state of charge in electric vehicles.
  • Renewable energy systems: Current sensors are used to measure the current generated by renewable energy systems such as solar panels and wind turbines.
  • Industrial automation: Current sensors are used in industrial automation to monitor and control the current flowing through different machines and systems.
  • Smart grids: Current sensors are used in smart grid systems to monitor and control the flow of electricity in the grid.

Different Types of Current Sensors

Current Sensors

There are several types of current sensors available in the market. Some of the commonly used types are:

Hall Effect Sensors

A Hall Effect sensor uses the principle of the Hall Effect to measure the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through a conductor. They are contactless and do not require a physical connection to the conductor.

Advantages:

  • Contactless measurement
  • High accuracy
  • Wide dynamic range

Disadvantages:

  • Limited frequency response
  • Sensitive to external magnetic fields

Applications:

  • Motor control
  • Power supplies
  • Industrial automation

Split-Core Sensors

SPLIT-CORE

Split-core current sensors are designed to be installed around an existing conductor, eliminating the need to disconnect the circuit. They are widely used in retrofit applications, where it is difficult to access the conductor.

Advantages:

  • Easy to install
  • Suitable for retrofit applications
  • Non-invasive measurement

Disadvantages:

  • Limited accuracy
  • Limited frequency response
  • Sensitive to external magnetic field

Applications:

  • Building automation
  • Energy monitoring
  • Power quality analysis

Solid Core Sensors

SOLID CORE

Solid core current sensors are designed to be installed around a conductor during installation. They provide accurate and reliable conductor current sensing.

Advantages:

  • High accuracy
  • Wide dynamic range
  • Isolated measurement

Disadvantages:

  • Requires physical connection to the conductor
  • Limited flexibility

Applications:

  • Power monitoring
  • Protection relays
  • Energy metering

Closed-Loop Current Sensors

Closed-loop sensors use a feedback loop to provide accurate and stable measurements of the current flowing through the conductor. They are widely used in applications where high accuracy and stability are required.

Advantages:

  • High accuracy
  • Stable measurement
  • Wide dynamic range

Disadvantages:

  • Expensive
  • Requires additional circuitry

Applications:

  • Industrial automation
  • Motor control
  • Power supplies

Open Loop Current Sensors

Open-loop sensors provide a voltage output proportional to the current flowing through the conductor. An open-loop sensor does not require a feedback loop and is typically less expensive than a closed-loop current sensor.

Advantages:

  • Low cost
  • Easy to use
  • Suitable for low-frequency applications

Disadvantages:

  • Limited accuracy
  • Limited dynamic range
  • Sensitive to external magnetic fields

Applications:

  • Lighting control
  • HVAC control
  • Battery management systems

Сurrent Transformers

A current transformer is a passive device that uses a magnetic core to induce a current in the secondary winding proportional to the current flowing through the primary winding.

Advantages:

  • High accuracy
  • Wide dynamic range
  • Isolated measurement

Disadvantages:

  • Limited frequency response
  • Requires physical connection to the conductor

Applications:

  • Power monitoring
  • Protection relays
  • Energy metering

Rogowski Coils

Rogowski Coils are flexible current sensors that measure the rate of change of the current in a conductor. They are contactless and do not require a physical connection to the conductor.

Advantages:

  • Contactless measurement
  • High-frequency response
  • Large dynamic range

Disadvantages:

  • Low accuracy
  • Sensitive to external magnetic fields

Applications:

  • High-speed motor control
  • Power Electronics
  • Current transient analysis

Operating Principles of Current Sensors

Current sensors operate based on various principles such as magnetic field, the Hall Effect, and electromagnetic induction. The following are some of the commonly used operating principles of current sensors:

Magnetic Field Principle

Magnetic sensors use the magnetic field produced by the current flowing through a conductor to measure the current.

Hall Effect Principle

A Hall Effect current sensor uses the Hall Effect to measure the magnetic field generated by the current flowing through a conductor.

Current Transformers

Current transformers use the principle of electromagnetic induction to measure the current flowing through a conductor.

Rogowski Coils

Rogowski Coils measure the rate of change of current in a conductor using electromagnetic induction.

Choosing the Right Current Sensor

Choosing the right current sensor depends on specific application requirements such as measurement range, accuracy, frequency response, and physical constraints. It is essential to consider the cost, performance, and availability of the sensor before making a decision.

Conclusion

At Blackhawk Supply, we offer a wide range of high-quality current sensors from leading manufacturers such as Veris Industries, NK Technologies, and Senva. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you choose the right current sensor for your application.

Visit our website to browse our selection of current sensors and contact us for expert advice and support.

Committed to customer satisfaction
as experts in Current Sensors