To prevent injury while working on a current transformer, what must be done to the secondary winding?

When working on a current transformer, short-circuiting the secondary winding is essential to prevent potential injury or damage to equipment. Current transformers are designed to produce a specific output based on the amount of current passing through their primary winding. If the secondary winding is left open while the primary winding carries current, the transformer can generate a high voltage. This high voltage can cause electrical arcing, which poses a significant hazard to anyone working on or near the device.

By short-circuiting the secondary winding, you create a safe path for the induced current, preventing dangerous voltage levels from developing. This protects both the worker and the integrity of the equipment. Proper safety protocols, such as using appropriate shorting jumpers, must be followed to ensure that the transformer remains safe to work with.