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Why is a separate circuit current transformer required for branch circuit monitoring in a data center?

News | company news | Aug 05,2026

Why is a separate circuit current transformer required for branch circuit monitoring in a data center?

introduction

The power density of modern data centers is increasing significantly due to the rapid advancement of AI, cloud computing, and high-performance computing (HPC).

Energy management in traditional data centers has primarily focused on monitoring mains power and UPS. However, with the emergence of high-performance AI servers and GPU-based computing platforms, infrastructure engineers must gain a more detailed understanding of various levels of energy consumption, such as the following.

  • Main distribution panel
  • UPS output power
  • Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
  • Rack Level Power Diagram

Accurate monitoring of electrical circuits is essential for improving energy efficiency, preventing overloads, and optimizing data center infrastructure.

To perform real-time power measurements without interrupting operations, plug-in current transformers have become an increasingly important sensing solution in modern data center power monitoring systems.

Split core CT test

Why is energy consumption monitoring becoming increasingly important in AI data centers?

Increased power density causes new problems.

Standard server racks generally consume relatively little power. On the other hand, AI servers equipped with GPUs require much more power.

Modern data centers designed for artificial intelligence are facing numerous challenges.

 

Energy allocation optimization

If the load on IT devices is high, power distribution between racks and points may become uneven.

If monitoring is inaccurate, engineers may face the following problems.

Circuit overload

Unexpected regulations in the energy sector

The reliability of the system has decreased.

 

Energy Management

Data center operators are continuously striving to optimize operations.

  • Power Usage Efficiency (PUE)
  • Cooling capacity
  • energy distribution loss

To achieve these goals, it is necessary to measure energy consumption for the actual load as accurately as possible.

 

Transparency of real-time infrastructure

Modern DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management) systems require detailed electrical equipment data from the following sources.

  • Uninterruptible Power Supply
  • Switching device
  • Distribution block
  • Rack-mounted power distributor

Therefore, energy monitoring devices become an important element of intelligent data center management.

Split Current Transformer KCT

Why are split power transformers suitable for data centers?

Problem 1: Data centers struggle with responding to power outages.

One of the biggest challenges for existing data centers is upgrading monitoring technology.

Conventional current transformers generally require the following:

  • The cable is broken.
  • Bus stop repair
  • electrical system failure

However, most data centers operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Each termination process can result in the following outcomes.

  • Service suspended
  • economic loss
  • Operational risk

Solution: Non-invasive current measurement

By using split-type current transformers, engineers can install sensors directly around existing wires or conductors without interrupting the electrical circuit.

The installation procedure is very simple.

  • Open the CT console.
  • Secure the cable with a binding band.
  • Turn off the CT.
  • Connect the output signal to the monitoring system.

For this reason, split-core CT technology is ideal for the following applications.

  • Modernization of existing data centers
  • Energy consumption monitoring system update
  • Branch circuit monitoring system

 

The Role of Split Current Transformers in Branch Circuit Monitoring Systems (BCMS)

The Branch Circuit Monitoring System (BCMS) measures electrical parameters of downstream circuits.

Typical architectural style:

public power supply

|

transformer

|

Main distribution panel

|

Uninterruptible Power Supply

|

Power distribution unit

|

Branch circuit monitoring

|

Rack mount equipment

In this configuration, a current transformer is installed in the bypass circuit for measurement.

today

Energy consumption

Load balancing

Energy Consumption Trends

In data center applications, engineers typically require current transformers with the following characteristics.

  • compact size
  • Simple installation
  • Stable accuracy
  • Emergency exit sign
  • Long-term reliability

KCT split core Current Transformer AI

Why are low-output voltage-current transformers frequently used in intelligent power distribution units (PDUs) or battery management systems (BCMS)?

Problem caused by the existing 5A output current transformer.

Conventional current transformers generally use a secondary winding with an output current of 5A.

Despite being widely used in the industry, the following components may be required for operation.

Additional converter

Load-bearing capacity

  • Recommendations for improving thermal insulation properties

Low-voltage current transformers offer many advantages to modern electronic monitoring systems.

 

Advantages of a 333mV output voltage pulse current transformer.

A current transformer with an output voltage of 333mV converts the measured current into an analog low-voltage signal that can be directly processed by an electronic monitoring system.

Common signal transmission paths:

  • deflector
  • Analog signal 333 mV
  • Energy Monitoring Module/ADC
  • DCIM system

 

The advantages are as follows.

1.Safer signal transmission

Compared to conventional high-current secondary output, low-voltage output reduces the risk associated with the secondary circuit.

2.Optimal System Integration

The output voltage of 333mV is suitable for the following applications.

Intelligent power distribution unit

Multi-channel video surveillance card

Energy Management System

Data collection module

3.Suitable for high-density monitoring.

Large-scale data centers may require hundreds or thousands of measurement points.

Simplified version of the low-voltage output current transformer:

  • Hardware Design
  • Signal processing
  • System Integration

 

Method for Selecting a CT Module with an Independent Control Unit Suitable for Data Center Applications

The selection of an appropriate current transformer depends on several technical parameters.

 

Rated current range

The technician must select the current transformer based on the actual current in the circuit.

Representative application fields:

Application Standard current
Monitoring rack branch 16A-125A
PDU monitoring 100A~400A
UPS output power monitoring 400A~1000A

The HEYI KCT series supports a wide current range, from low-current shunt circuits to high-current power supplies.

 

Output type

The results required by the monitoring system are different.

Output current (mA)

Target Audience:

  • Industrial measuring equipment
  • PLC system
  • Traditional energy monitoring devices
  • Output voltage 333 mV

Target Audience:

  • Intelligent power distribution unit
  • BCMS
  • DCIM system
  • electronic measurement module

The HEYI KCT series supports low-voltage output with an output current in milliampere units and an output voltage of 333mV.

 

Precision

Accuracy is very important in energy monitoring systems.

General Requirements:

  • Level 0.5
  • Class 1.0

Improved precision offers the following benefits.

Energy Analysis

Load optimization

Business decision-making

 

HEII solution equipped with split current transformer. Suitable for power monitoring in data centers.

HEYI’s KCT series plug-in current transformers are designed for applications requiring flexible installation and stable current measurement.

The main features are as follows.

The split core design makes installation easy.

With its compact design, it is suitable for installation in limited spaces.

Multiple liquidity ratio options

Version with output current in mA and voltage of 333mV.

Precision class 0.5/1.0

Fire-resistant case UL94-V0

The KCT series supports a wide range of current measurement applications, from small branch circuits to large-scale distribution systems.

Representative application fields:

  • Data Center Supply Chain Management System (BCMS)
  • Intelligent PDU Monitoring
  • Inverter current monitoring
  • Energy Management System
  • Energy distribution monitoring

 

Future Trend: Independent power converter for energy management in AI-supported data centers.

With the increase in energy demand driven by AI-equipped computing systems, more detailed and advanced energy monitoring is required in data centers.

Moving forward, the energy consumption monitoring system is scheduled to be developed in the following direction.

  • Additional measurement points
  • Improved monitoring accuracy
  • Accelerate data collection
  • Small sensor element

An independent current transformer with a low-voltage output plays an important role in this variation.

 

The conclusion is

Modern data centers utilizing artificial intelligence and cloud technology require more detailed electrical monitoring than ever before.

Pulse current transformers provide engineers with the following practical solutions.

Branch circuit monitoring

Smart PDU Measurement

UPS monitoring

Energy management optimization

Split current transformer technology, which offers advantages such as installation flexibility, low-voltage output capability, and compatibility with modern monitoring systems, is becoming an essential component of next-generation data center infrastructure.

Compay:HEYI Electrical Co., Ltd.
Brand: HEYI/ASCT
Contact: Bethy
E-mail: heyi@heyiele.com             
Tel: 86-13968747975

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