Solar Lattice

DetectionMethod

Phase current measurement

ID
method:phase-current-measurement
IRI
https://solarlattice.org/kb/method/phase-current-measurement
Status
active
Also known as
Secondary Current Measurement

Phase current measurement records the current in each AC phase through current transformer secondary inputs. Each phase, A, B and C, has its own in and out terminals. A metering relay manual lists phase current checks for finding errors in the operating current: magnitude, negative-sequence current and phase angle. A high negative-sequence current points to two crossed phases. If the measured current magnitude does not match the expected value, or negative-sequence current appears, the CT may be connected to the wrong tap. To find incorrect CT polarity, compare the angle of each phase against one reference phase. The magnitude check also shows when the load current is too low for a valid test. Inverter readings are less precise than a dedicated meter. One inverter reports AC current as a three-phase average. Stated accuracy is 1 percent of AC current for one inverter family and plus or minus 3 percent for another.

<!-- review notes

Claims

produces

c1 verified · fact Negative-sequence current imbalance

Negative-sequence current is the listed way to find two crossed phases, and one of the listed ways to find a CT wired to the wrong tap.

verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-23

c2 verified · fact Phase angle deviation

Incorrect CT polarity is found by comparing the angle of each phase with a reference phase.

verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-23

c3 verified · fact Expected vs measured current mismatch

Comparing the expected current with the measured current magnitude points to a CT wired to the wrong tap.

verified by: review-workflowverified on: 2026-10-23

Referenced by

Data