The Rise of Low-Power Instrument Transformers in Data Center and Industrial Applications

Traditional magnetic induction-based instrument transformers have served the power industry reliably for decades, but a new generation of low-power alternatives is gaining ground — particularly in data centers and industrial facilities where accuracy, size, and integration with digital secondary systems matter. This paper reports on LPIT history, standardization, and some of the applications in which LPITs have gained a solid foothold in the industry.

Key topics covered:

• How IEC 61869 standards enabled LPITs to interface with protective relays, merging units, and revenue meters
• Wide dynamic range advantages over conventional current transformers
• Size, accuracy, and reliability advantages achievable in MV and GIS switchgear applications
• Shielding requirements critical to LPIT-based sensor systems
• Correction factor management solutions for data center environments
• Compatibility with IEC 61850-based digital secondary systems
• Considerations for retrofit installations