CT BURDEN TESTER

UTEC 585

The UTEC 585 is a handheld CT burden tester for checking current transformer secondary circuits in service. It shows the CT secondary current before and after a selected burden is added and calculates the percent change, so you can see whether the CT holds its output under added burden.

It is rated to 20 A, with ANSI burdens of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 ohms that can be combined up to 15.8 ohms, and it runs on six AA batteries.

The UTEC 585 with a semi-transparent piece of equipment in the background.

Product Highlights

The 585’s microprocessor samples the CT secondary current just before and just after the burden is added, so changing service load doesn’t cloud the result. The burden is applied for a controlled time, however long the button is held, which protects the internal burden elements.

Before every test, the 585 checks for over-current, over-temperature, low battery, and continuity of the CT secondary path through the tester. If the continuity check fails, it blocks the test and alerts the user, which helps prevent an open CT secondary. The unit won’t turn on until the connection lead is attached.

The UTEC 585 on a transparent background slowly becoming transparent.

Features

Designed for Accurate CT Burden Testing
  • Before-and-after CT secondary current with the calculated percent change, plus minimum, maximum, and present current.
  • ANSI burdens of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 ohms, combinable into 121 more values up to 15.8 ohms.
  • Rated to 20 A, measuring 0.1–20 A at ±1% of full scale (±2% with burden added).
  • Pre-test safety checks for over-current, over-temperature, low battery, and secondary-loop continuity.
  • Handheld (7.5 × 4.3 × 3.9 in, about 5 lb) with a backlit display, six AA batteries, and a soft carry bag.
The UTEC 585 on a semi-transparent blue background.

Time-Controlled CT Burden Testing

A Burden Test, Step by Step
  1. Connect the 585 to the test switch with its connection lead and safety probe. The unit powers up only once the lead is attached.
  2. Select a burden with the front-panel switches, one ANSI value or a combination.
  3. Push Add Burden. The 585 applies the burden for a controlled time and samples the current before and after.
  4. Read the result: the before and after current and the percent change, then decide whether the CT’s output drop is acceptable.

Which UTEC CT Tester Fits the Job?

Both UTEC testers check CTs in service, without interrupting the customer. The UTEC 585 is a handheld burden tester for fast checks. The UTEC 505 adds CT admittance, ratio, and phase angle testing, plus optional CT and PT burden testing and CT demagnetization.

For complete meter site analysis that includes CT and PT testing, see the RADIAN RW-30X and RW-31X or the Powermetrix 6618A.

UTEC 585 UTEC 505
Tests CT burden CT admittance, ratio, and phase angle; service voltage, current, and phase angle; CT and PT burden and CT demagnetization (option)
Current 0.1–20 A secondary 0.1–25 A secondary; 10–3,000 A primary with clip-on probes
Burdens ANSI 0.1–8.0 ohms, combinable up to 15.8 ohms ANSI 0.1–8.0 ohms; PT burdens 25–175 VA (option)
Power Six AA batteries Rechargeable battery or line power
Data Before, after, and percent change on screen Stores 13 site test records for download
Best for Quick burden checks at the test switch Complete in-service CT and PT analysis

UTEC 585 FAQ

What does a CT burden test show

A burden test adds a known resistance to the CT secondary loop and measures how much the secondary current drops. A small drop means the CT can carry its burden and stay accurate; a large drop points to a CT that may under-register at the meter.

The 585 provides the ANSI standard burdens of 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 ohms. Turning on more than one switch combines them, for 121 more values up to 15.8 ohms.

Before each test, the 585 checks that the CT secondary path through the tester is continuous. If the check fails, it stops the test and alerts the user. It also checks for over-current, over-temperature, and low battery.

The 585 connects to the meter's test switch through an optional connection lead with a Superior or Westinghouse test switch safety probe. Specify the probe type when ordering.

Choose the UTEC 505 Transformer Analyzer when you need more than a burden check: CT admittance, CT ratio, primary-to-secondary phase angle, and service voltage and current, with optional CT and PT burden testing and stored test records.

Accessories

The A0585811R00 585-02 is a Current Lead Set, Superior Test with Safety Probe. 7.5 feet long, Wide Blade compatible to most Test Switches.

A0585811R00 585-02

View More
The A0585812R00 585-03 is a Current Lead Set, Westinghouse Test Switch Safety Probe, 7.5 feet long, narrow, thin blade dedicated the Westinghouse Test Switch.

A0585812R00 585-03

View More
world leader

Can't Find What You're Looking For?

Let our teams of qualified professionals help you make the right choice.
A meter tech using the WECO 8030 in a shop.
SSI equipment over a blue green background.
A meter technician using a WECO Test Board in a meter shop.
A side by side of the WECO 9200 and the WECO 8030
WECO SMART AMI Meter Farms installed at a site.
A meter technician using the Powermetrix 6618A in the field on a meter.
The Radian Research RS-933 on a semi-transparent background.
The WECO 4150X with optics arm on a transparent background.