Energy: Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu-ilmu Teknik
Vol. 16 No. 1 (2026): ENERGY: JURNAL ILMIAH ILMU-ILMU TEKNIK (January-May 2026 Edition)

Design and Testing of a Milliampere Scale Leakage Current Sensor Based on a Current Transformer for Substation Lightning Protection

Gamma Aditya Rahardi (Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Jember, 68121, Indonesia)
Hendra Dharma Putra (Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Jember, 68121, Indonesia)
Dodi Setiabudi (Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Jember, 68121, Indonesia)
Widyono Hadi (Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Jember, 68121, Indonesia)
Arizal Mujibtamala (Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Jember, 68121, Indonesia)
Dani Hari Tunggal Prasetiyo (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universityof Jember, 68121, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Feb 2026

Abstract

Leakage current in lightning arresters is an important indicator of insulation conditions and protection system performance in substations, so a measurement method capable of detecting currents in milliamperes accurately and stably is required. This study aims to design and test a milliamperes-scale leakage current sensor that can be used for lightning arrester monitoring. The developed sensor is based on a current transformer with an analog signal amplification and filtering circuit, and data acquisition using a microcontroller. Testing was carried out experimentally by varying the resistive load and the number of turns, then the measurement results were compared with an AVO meter as a reference measuring instrument. The test results showed that the sensor was able to measure leakage current with a relatively low error rate, where the lowest error occurred at a load of 33 Ω and increased at larger loads due to a decrease in current. The relationship between current and load variation showed a linear characteristic with a coefficient of determination (R²) value close to 1. In addition, magnetic field analysis showed that the relative permeability value of the ferrite core was in the range of 88.4 to 98, which reflects the stability of the core's magnetic properties under various test conditions. Based on these results, the developed sensor has the potential to be used as part of a lightning arrester leakage current monitoring system to support the maintenance and reliability of the substation protection system.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

energy

Publisher

Subject

Automotive Engineering Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Computer Science & IT Control & Systems Engineering Earth & Planetary Sciences Electrical & Electronics Engineering Energy Engineering Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Materials Science & Nanotechnology Mechanical Engineering

Description

Energy Journal serves as a platform for information and communication of various research findings and scientific writings in the field of engineering, contributed by practitioners, researchers, and academics who are involved in and have a keen interest in the development of science and technology. ...