Product Overview
The COL-24 / COL-36 outdoor oil-immersed current transformer is a medium-voltage instrument transformer designed for outdoor distribution systems, pole-mounted metering points, substations, feeder measurement and relay protection. The product uses an oil-immersed insulation system with an outdoor porcelain / composite insulating body and a sealed metal base, providing reliable dielectric performance for exposed service conditions such as humidity, rain, dust and tropical environments.
This product should be positioned differently from indoor epoxy cast-resin CTs. Its core value is outdoor oil-immersed insulation, long creepage distance, high impulse withstand capability and utility-side metering reliability. The COL-24 version is suitable for 24kV class systems, while the COL-36 version can be used for 36kV class distribution projects. Standard secondary output is normally 5A, with 1A available according to project requirements.
Product Type

| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product name | Outdoor Oil-Immersed Current Transformer |
| Model | COL-24 / COL-36 |
| Application | Current measurement, energy metering and relay protection |
| Installation condition | Outdoor |
| Insulation type | Oil-immersed insulation system |
| Product structure | Outdoor upright CT with sealed base and primary terminal connectors |
| Voltage class | 24kV and 36kV medium-voltage systems |
| Rated secondary current | 5A standard; 1A available by project confirmation |
| Ratio type | Single-ratio reference configuration |
| Typical accuracy | 0.2S / 0.2 / 0.5S / 0.5 for metering; protection class by agreement |
Product Positioning
The COL series is best described as an outdoor oil-immersed metering CT for 24kV and 36kV distribution networks. Compared with dry-type indoor CTs, it is not optimized for compact switchgear installation; it is optimized for outdoor insulation coordination, weather resistance, terminal connection reliability and utility metering service.
| Positioning Point | Technical Meaning | Website Expression |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor oil-immersed design | Transformer oil improves internal insulation and heat dissipation | Designed for exposed outdoor feeder and metering applications |
| 24kV / 36kV platform | Suitable for medium-voltage distribution networks | COL-24 for 24kV systems and COL-36 for 36kV systems |
| Metering accuracy | Supports 0.2S / 0.2 / 0.5S / 0.5 classes | Suitable for revenue metering and distribution measurement |
| High impulse withstand | 125kV BIL reference for COL-24 | Designed for outdoor insulation coordination and lightning impulse stress |
| NEMA pad / compression terminal | Outdoor primary connection arrangement | Supports field connection to overhead or substation conductors |
Applications
- 24kV and 36kV outdoor distribution feeders
- Outdoor utility metering points and revenue metering systems
- Pole-mounted metering units and outdoor substation yards
- Medium-voltage distribution line current measurement
- Feeder monitoring, protection relay input and SCADA signal circuits
- Industrial outdoor substations and grid connection points
- Tropical, humid or exposed service environments requiring oil-immersed insulation
Features
- Outdoor oil-immersed insulation: Transformer oil and sealed construction support stable insulation performance and heat dissipation in outdoor service.
- High metering accuracy: 0.2S, 0.2, 0.5S and 0.5 accuracy options support utility metering and distribution measurement.
- 24kV / 36kV coverage: COL-24 and COL-36 variants cover common medium-voltage distribution voltage levels.
- High impulse withstand capability: COL-24 reference insulation data includes 125kV impulse withstand voltage and 65kV power-frequency withstand level.
- Outdoor terminal connection: NEMA pad or compression-type primary connector can be specified according to the project.
- Field-oriented base design: Four-hole mounting layout and grounding clamp support outdoor installation and maintenance.
Operating Principle
The COL outdoor current transformer converts the primary line current of a medium-voltage circuit into a standardized low secondary current signal, normally 5A. The primary current flows through the outdoor primary terminal path, while the secondary winding provides an isolated proportional output for meters, relays or monitoring devices.
The oil-immersed insulation system improves internal dielectric strength and supports heat dissipation under outdoor operating conditions. For metering use, the CT must maintain accuracy within the specified burden. For protection use, the CT must provide sufficient output under fault-current conditions according to the required protection class and accuracy limit factor.
Model Designation
| Code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| COL | Outdoor oil-immersed current transformer series |
| 24 | 24kV highest system voltage class |
| 36 | 36kV highest system voltage class |
| Single ratio | One rated primary current / one rated secondary current combination |
| 5A / 1A | Rated secondary current option |
Technical Data
| Item | COL-24 Reference | COL-36 Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Product type | Outdoor oil-immersed current transformer | Outdoor oil-immersed current transformer |
| Highest system voltage | 24kV | 36kV |
| Rated insulation level | 24/65/125kV | Project-specific 36kV insulation level by confirmation |
| Rated frequency | 50Hz or 60Hz | 50Hz or 60Hz |
| Rated secondary current | 5A standard; 1A available | 5A standard; 1A available |
| Primary current range | 5A to 400A according to catalogue reference; 20–600A market reference | 20A to 600A market reference |
| Rated output | 30VA or 40VA according to accuracy class and ratio | 10VA to 30VA reference by project specification |
| Accuracy class | 0.2S / 0.2 / 0.5S / 0.5 | 0.2 / 0.5 / protection class by agreement |
| Ambient temperature | -25°C to +55°C | -25°C to +55°C reference |
| Creepage distance | Minimum 600mm reference | According to insulation level and pollution requirement |
| Approximate mass | 35kg reference | Project-specific |
| Applicable standards | IEC 61869-1, IEC 61869-2, GB/T 20840.1, GB/T 20840.2; legacy IEC 60044-1 / GB20840 references by agreement | IEC 61869-1, IEC 61869-2 and project-specific requirements |
Selection Table
The following table is reorganized for website display. Long table headings are split into multiple lines to improve responsive layout.
| Model | Highest
System |
Rated
Primary |
Rated
Secondary |
Accuracy
Class/ |
Short-Time
Thermal Current |
Rated
Dynamic Current |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COL-24 | 24kV | 5–300 | 5A or 1A | 0.2S: 30VA 0.2: 30VA 0.5S: 30VA 0.5: 40VA |
80 × I1n | 200 × I1n |
| 400 | 0.2S: 30VA 0.2: 30VA 0.5S: 30VA 0.5: 40VA |
31.5kA | 100kA | |||
| COL-24 | 24kV | 20–200 | 5A | 10VA market reference | Project-specific confirmation | |
| COL-24 | 24kV | 250–600 | 5A | 10VA market reference | Project-specific confirmation | |
| COL-36 | 36kV | 20–200 | 5A | 10VA market reference | Project-specific confirmation | |
| COL-36 | 36kV | 250–600 | 5A | 10VA market reference | Project-specific confirmation | |
Note: The table is for preliminary selection. Final current ratio, burden, accuracy class, protection class, insulation level, terminal connector and test requirements shall be confirmed according to the nameplate, approved drawing and factory test report.
Outdoor Construction
| Construction Item | Technical Description |
|---|---|
| Insulation body | Outdoor oil-immersed insulation structure with ribbed external insulation path |
| Tank / base | Sealed metal base suitable for outdoor mounting |
| Primary terminal | NEMA pad or compression-type connector by project requirement |
| Secondary terminal | Brass stud M6 reference |
| Grounding clamp | Suitable for 50–95mm² grounding conductor reference |
| Mounting | Four mounting holes, 230 × 130mm layout with 15mm hole diameter reference |
| Creepage distance | Minimum 600mm reference for COL-24 |
Windings & Terminal Marking

The COL outdoor oil-immersed CT is normally supplied with primary terminals marked P1 and P2. The secondary terminal group is normally marked S1 and S2. Polarity and grounding must follow the approved wiring diagram and project standard.
| Terminal | Function | Application Note |
|---|---|---|
| P1 / P2 | Primary terminals | Primary current direction and polarity reference. |
| S1 / S2 | Secondary winding terminals | Output to meter, relay or monitoring device. |
| Grounding terminal | Secondary / base grounding reference | One point of the secondary circuit and the equipment base should be grounded according to project practice. |
Service Conditions
- Installation location: outdoor
- Ambient temperature: -25°C to +55°C reference for COL-24
- Rated frequency: 50Hz or 60Hz
- Relative humidity: up to 100% reference in outdoor service table
- Installation altitude: up to 1000m under standard service conditions; higher altitude requires insulation coordination confirmation
- Environment: suitable for outdoor exposed conditions; severe coastal, industrial pollution or high-altitude applications should be confirmed separately
- Installation should avoid long-term immersion, abnormal mechanical impact and corrosive chemical atmosphere beyond project design limits.
Standards and Compliance
For new international documentation, the COL-24 / COL-36 current transformer should be specified according to IEC 61869-1 and IEC 61869-2. Older project documents may still refer to IEC 60044-1. The supplied product information also references GB20840.1-2010 and GB20840.2-2014. Final applicable standards should be confirmed in the technical agreement and routine test plan.
Installation and Dimensions

Dimensions
| Dimension Item | COL-24 Reference Value / Note |
|---|---|
| Overall front width | Approx. 330mm reference |
| Base width | Approx. 320–360mm reference from drawing views |
| Base depth | Approx. 320mm reference |
| Terminal top diameter | Approx. Ø200mm reference |
| Mounting layout | Four-hole base mounting; 230 × 130mm reference from technical table |
| Secondary terminal location | Lower side terminal box / secondary outlet position |
| Grounding point | Base grounding clamp |
The transformer should be installed vertically on a stable outdoor steel support, concrete foundation, pole-mounted bracket or substation structure. Before installation, confirm the primary terminal type, conductor direction, base mounting hole pattern, grounding conductor size, secondary cable route and minimum electrical clearance. Secondary cable entries should be sealed to prevent moisture ingress into the terminal box.
Safety Notes
- Confirm voltage class, current ratio, secondary current, accuracy class, burden and insulation level before installation.
- Check primary connector type, mounting holes, grounding clamp and secondary terminal location before field assembly.
- Keep the oil-immersed body upright and avoid mechanical impact during transport and installation.
- The CT secondary circuit must not be open-circuited while primary current is flowing.
- Before disconnecting meters or relays, short-circuit the secondary circuit with an approved shorting device.
- Ground the CT base and one point of the secondary circuit according to local electrical safety regulations.
- Outdoor installation and commissioning shall be performed by qualified medium-voltage electrical personnel.
Selection Guide
- Confirm voltage platform: Use COL-24 for 24kV systems and COL-36 for 36kV systems.
- Confirm outdoor insulation: Select oil-immersed outdoor CTs when the installation is exposed to rain, humidity, dust and outdoor temperature variation.
- Select current ratio: Choose the primary current according to feeder load, utility metering range and protection requirement.
- Define accuracy class: Use 0.2S or 0.2 for high-accuracy metering, and 0.5 or 0.5S for general metering / measurement.
- Confirm rated burden: Calculate the total burden of meters, relays, terminal blocks and secondary cables.
- Check outdoor connectors: Confirm NEMA pad or compression connector according to the conductor and site installation method.
- Approve drawings: Confirm base mounting layout, grounding point, terminal position and secondary outlet before production.