Editing Current transformer (section)

== Safety ==
Current transformers are often used to monitor high currents or currents at high voltages. Technical standards and design practices are used to ensure the safety of installations using current transformers.

The secondary of a current transformer should not be disconnected from its burden while current is in the primary, as the secondary will attempt to continue driving current into an effective infinite [[Electrical impedance|impedance]] potentially generating high voltages and thus compromising operator safety. For certain current transformers, this voltage may reach several kilovolts and may cause [[electric arc|arcing]]. Exceeding the secondary voltage may also degrade the accuracy of the transformer or destroy it. Output voltage in open operation is limited by core saturation since the primary flux is no longer canceled by secondary flux, smaller current transformers may not actually incur dangerous voltages when operating nominally. Faster current transients from loads being switched on etc. can however still induce dangerous voltage levels due to high current slope.<ref name=SHEE11/>