The abbreviation, 'PT', stands for 'potential transformer' (in Britain, the abbreviation is 'VT', and stands for 'voltage transformer'). This, together with a 'current transformer', falls into a category of transformer known as 'instrument Transformers'.
A 'PT' or 'VT' is used to reduce a high voltage to a level of voltage that can be safely read, remotely, by regular a.c. voltmeters or to provide inputs to high-voltage protection relays, while electrically- isolating the secondary circuit from the high-voltage primary circuit for the purpose of safety.
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Both are same.AnswerA 'PT' is a 'potential transformer', the preferred term in North America, for what is termed a 'VT', or 'voltage transformer', in Britain. Two names for exactly the same instrument transformer.
'CT' is used to designate current transformers, and 'PT' is used to designate potential transformers. A current transformer provides a ratio of primary current to the secondary. A potential transformer provides a ratio of primary voltage to the secondary. A power transformer (step up or step down) resembles a PT more than a CT.
A current transformer pushes a ratio of primary current in the secondary. A potential transformer pushes a ratio of primary voltage in the secondary. Shorting a CT allows the full current the CT wants to push to flow. Shorting a PT makes it very difficult for the PT to produce rated voltage. To keep the voltage at rated value, the PT would have to push ~infinite secondary current.
PT's are typically used for metering and relaying purposes to sample the power system voltage and phase angles. The primary is at line voltage, and the secondary is typically between 66 - 120 volts (depending on primary connection, Line to Line or Line to Neutral). So yes, PT's are step down transformers.
"main" purpose depends on who's wants it installed. There are several purposes for bus PTs - metering, relaying, indication to control centers, control (such as for a tap changer on a transformer), sync (typically breaker 1/2 and ring bus configurations). Line PT's can be used for all the above as well.