Current Transformers Suppliers, Saudi Arabia

What are current transformers and which types do Saudi buyers order?

A current transformer (CT) scales a heavy primary current down to 1 A or 5 A so that meters and protection relays can measure it. In Saudi Arabia CTs are fitted in switchgear for SEC network feeders, Aramco and SABIC plant substations, generator panels, and building main boards. They are part of the transformers family for Saudi Arabia, and they pair with voltage transformers in every metering and protection circuit. The units they watch are covered under power transformers and distribution transformers.

IEC 61869-2, edition 1.0 dated 18 September 2012, covers newly manufactured inductive current transformers for measuring instruments and protective devices from 15 Hz to 100 Hz, so it applies directly to the Saudi 60 Hz system. It replaced IEC 60044-1 and IEC 60044-6, which older Saudi specifications may still name.

Hitachi Energy lists current, inductive and capacitive voltage and combined instrument transformers for 25 kV to 800 kV. Socomec supplies split-core CTs paired with DIRIS and COUNTIS meters. The CT feeds meters described on the energy meters and monitoring page and relays that trip circuit breakers in low-voltage switchgear.

How should you size a current transformer for ratio, class and burden?

Size a CT from its ratio, accuracy class, burden and, for protection, its accuracy limit, then check the thermal and short-time ratings against the fault level. Errors here show up as wrong billing or a relay that fails to trip during a real fault.

• Ratio and short-time rating. Select the primary just above normal load, and verify the CT survives the fault current at the board for the clearing time.
• Class. Billing and tenant metering use tight metering classes; protection uses 5P or 10P with an accuracy limit factor, or PX where the relay maker defines a knee-point voltage.
• Burden. Add relay or meter burden to the secondary cable resistance. In large substations a 1 A secondary reduces cable burden.
• Safety. Never leave an energised CT secondary open. Use shorting blocks and test blocks.

Give the supplier the model numbers of the relay and meter. Utility-owned metering points may also fix the class, test points and seal arrangement, so request the metering specification before ordering.

How do Saudi heat, dust and humidity affect current transformers?

Climate attacks the CT's housing, terminals and creepage rather than the core. Inland summer heat, shamal dust and coastal salt create most field problems.

• Heat in panels. Switchgear rooms in Riyadh and Qassim can run hot, and busbar load current adds heat. Check the thermal rating at the panel's actual internal temperature.
• Dust. Dust on outdoor insulators plus night dew leads to flashover. Specify extended creepage and plan washing or live-line cleaning.
• Salt and humidity. At Jubail, Yanbu, Jeddah and Dammam, use gasketed terminal boxes, stainless or tinned hardware and heaters in HV marshalling kiosks.
• Altitude. Highland sites in Asir can change insulation clearances, so state the elevation for outdoor units.

Which standards and approvals apply to current transformers in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi CTs are specified to IEC 61869 and accepted by SEC, National Grid SA, Aramco or the project consultant. Instrument transformer makers publish SEC approval status for specific products, so ask for it. As of 2026 we could not confirm whether CTs sit on a SABER regulated list, so ask your clearing agent.

Aramco states that all suppliers must register and that registration does not guarantee business. For regulated imports SABER issues a product certificate and a shipment certificate valid only for that shipment. See our SASO and SABER guide for industrial equipment.

How do you choose a current transformer supplier in Saudi Arabia?

Buy low-voltage CTs from electrical distributors who hold stock and can give a class and burden datasheet. Buy medium and high-voltage CTs through the switchgear builder or directly from the instrument transformer maker, with approvals confirmed for your network.

• Hitachi Energy instrument transformers for medium, high and extra-high voltage.
• Socomec split-core CTs for low-voltage sub-metering with its meter ranges.

Ask for routine test certificates for each CT, ratio and polarity marking, the core wiring diagram and approval evidence. Our sourcing guide covers vetting. To compare offers, post your requirement with ratio, class, burden, voltage level and quantity.

What affects the price and lead time of current transformers in Saudi Arabia?

Price follows voltage level, cores, accuracy class and short-time rating. Low-voltage CTs are catalogue items. High-voltage CTs are engineered per project.

• Voltage and insulation. Cost rises quickly above 33 kV.
• Cores and class. Extra cores, tight classes and PX cores add material and testing.
• Witnessed tests. Utility or Aramco inspection extends the schedule.
• Origin. Low-voltage CTs usually come from stock in Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam, while medium and high-voltage units are imported through King Abdulaziz Port, Jubail or Jeddah Islamic Port.

Switchgear builders normally own CT lead time inside the panel order, so fix CT data before panel drawings are approved.

Sources

• IEC webstore: IEC 61869-2:2012 Instrument transformers, Part 2: current transformers
• Hitachi Energy: instrument transformers
• Arteche: instrument transformers approved by SEC and other Middle East utilities
• Aramco: become a supplier
• Intertek: overview of the Saudi SABER system