Current Transducers

An absolute fundamental of electrical monitoring and one of the most effective mechanisms for measuring and converting current for a massive spectrum of electrical processes, the RS range of current transducers features a huge array of AC and DC current sensors to meet all of your applicational needs.

We only supply current transformer sensors from the very best manufacturers in the industry, and you'll find hundreds of products from the likes of Cutler Hammer, Dwyer Instruments, Carlo Gavazzi, and more. Likewise, you can choose from a variety of current transducer types, including closed loop, closed switch and solid core transducers at highly competitive prices.

You can read on to find out more about current transducers and their operation or start browsing our full range right away using the filters at the top of the product listings. If you need any help in selecting the right product for your needs, get in touch with our dedicated team and we'll be happy to help.

How do current transducers work?

The role of current transducers is to measure a variety of electrical currents and convert them into standardized signal data outputs that can be interpreted and utilized by process control systems. Often interchangeably termed as current sensors or current transformers, current transducers are available in a broad selection of sizes and technical specifications to measure different ranges of current.

The exact science behind the measurement process can differ dependent on the device being used. Flux gate transducers, toroid transducers, Hall effect sensors, and Rogowski coils are all widely used forms of current transducer - however, regardless of the specific measuring principle being utilized, all current transducers work via the same mechanism: induction.

Induction is a highly effective and, crucially, interference-free principle for electrical monitoring which senses and quantifies current via picking up the magnetic field of the wire being measured. Inductive current transducers can be mounted around a wire without making contact with it and use a sensor and signal converter in a non-conductive casing to measure the magnetic field manifesting from the wire before translating and transmitting the data into a standard reading for use by the process control terminal.

What are current transducers used for?

The applicational uses for current transducers are more or less endless. They generate crucial information required for status and metering monitoring on power grids, measuring and managing electrical current to generators and electrical substations. Current sensors are also used across industry and manufacturing to assist with the efficient and safe operation of a huge range of electronic devices.

Their role in electrical systems is multi-faceted. Not only can current transducers sense the use of electricity but, feature-dependently, they can also turn electrical devices on or off and help the user to understand whether machinery is working optimally or requires attention.

What are the benefits of using current transducers?

While current transducers are not the only device out there for measuring and converting electrical current, they do offer a number of benefits to the user that make them a widespread choice across industry and manufacturing.

Accurate contact- and interference-free measurement

Because current sensors work via the principle of induction, they don't need to be directly connected to the current itself. This means that there's no risk of electronic noise distorting the signal, and therefore no risk of false readings caused by interference.

Multi-faceted use

Many current transducers offer more than just current-sensing. Choose a current sensor with on-board switching capability and you'll be able to turn devices on or off as per the needs of the system and measurement of the current within it. Different types of current sensor can also be chosen for simpler installation - for example, split core transducers that feature an open-and-close aperture for time-saving fitting around existing wires.

Analog signal transmission

Current transducers convert the input current into a standardized analog output signal, making it much more readily usable by process control systems. Analog data can be used to enhance a variety of functions relating to the electrical device and can be transmitted over much larger distances.

Why choose RS for current transducers?

You'll find a wide variety of AC and DC current sensors available in the RS range. Choose from easy-to-install solid or split core transducers, current sensor relays that can switch power on or off according to voltage changes and a range of Hall effect sensors, Rogowski coils, toroid transducers, and many more types of current sensor to suit your applicational needs.

It's that wide range of choice from the industry's best suppliers that makes us one of North America's leading electrical retailers. When you shop with RS, you know that you can rely on us for quality, cost-effective products that cover every base. Whether you're a trade professional or hobbyist user, we're confident that you'll find a great selection of products to suit your requirements.

We've also got a top-class customer service team on hand to help you. You can contact us today if you need help with your order, or head over to our expert hub where you'll find a wide range of useful resources and industry information.