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Can a current transformer be damaged with an open secondary coil even if it is powered with an extremely low current?

e.g a small spark gap is made, though no plasma stream is created due to the small current the coil is fed. This results in an open secondary, but will it damage the coil?

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  • \$\begingroup\$ This results in an open secondary ... it is unclear if you mean that the resistance of the secondary winding measures infinity \$\endgroup\$
    – jsotola
    Commented Jan 25, 2019 at 4:37
  • \$\begingroup\$ Are you asking because you want to use a CT to produce a continuous arc? \$\endgroup\$
    – K H
    Commented Jan 25, 2019 at 4:47
  • \$\begingroup\$ Yeah, resistance close to infinity... \$\endgroup\$
    – Steve
    Commented Jan 25, 2019 at 4:52
  • \$\begingroup\$ I made one, and it didn’t arc. I’m assuming that meant it had an infinite resistance in the secondary, resulting in damage but I’m not sure. \$\endgroup\$
    – Steve
    Commented Jan 25, 2019 at 4:52
  • \$\begingroup\$ Not a conventional way of doing things. If you ensure your spark gap is small enough that the CT is never exposed to insulation damaging voltage or burnout causing current, you could probably make it work, but if your output circuit opened, the coil might go into higher voltage ranges and damage itself. Within the capabilities of it's source and input, it will produce whatever voltage is necessary on the output to maintain the ratio between the current it monitors and the output current. \$\endgroup\$
    – K H
    Commented Jan 25, 2019 at 4:53

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