New Current Transformer: the CSR101

CSR101 Current Transformer

Switchgear designers are pushing tech forward with new ideas and more efficient and precise specifications. They need current sensors for their medium voltage switchgears that can keep up by accurately measuring and monitoring currents across a vast operating range without the issues that come with conventional magnetic-core current transformers. That’s where Amran comes in by introducing their new CSR101 Current Sensing Rogowski, or the Rogowski CT, and its air-core design.

What is it?

This new current transformer, the CSR101, is used with protecting insulated bushings and cables, along with conductors within enclosures. It is similarly packaged to Amran’s CT101 format and is designed specifically to bring aid the next generation of current-sensing applications.

It excels at current measurement for protection, monitoring, and metering in medium voltage air-insulated switchgear. This device combines a high primary current measurement range with a compact installation format and a shielded RJ45-type secondary connection.

Air-Core Rogowski Technology

Conventional current transformers use ferromagnetic cores, but the CSR101 uses an air-core Rogowski coil due to its ability to accommodate a large range of primary current without the core saturation concerns that a normal current transformer has to deal with. This coil’s output voltage is proportional to the derivative of the primary current.

CSR101 Blueprint

Configuration

The CSR101 sensor is designed to convert current in the primary circuit into an appropriate signal for secondary equipment, while also maintaining electrical insulation between the primary and secondary circuits.

Its 165 mm inner diameter provides a large sensing window for installation around the primary conductor.

For its secondary connection, the sensor uses a CAT61 RJ45 female connection, with Sensor 1 and Sensor 2 connected to pins 1 and 2, respectively. This RJ45-type connection allows the secondary wiring to maintain shielding for applications were electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are essential.

The CSR101 is supplied with A female RJ45-type receptacle (commonly known as an Ethernet jack/socket), avoiding the limitations of a permanently attached secondary cable. This allows you to use a shielded cable that you can create and directly connect to whatever length you require. It’s located on the protection relay side. Typically, the cable length is no more than 5 meters (though shorter lengths are acceptable). The RJ45-style interface, though, allows the secondary connection to use standard CAT6-compatible connections. Long sensor cables should be secured approximately 10 cm from the RJ45 socket with a cable tie to help protect the connector.

Specifications

This sensor is versatile can provide accurate current information during both normal operating conditions and significantly higher current conditions. These are due to its stellar specifications, as listed below:

Rated primary current: 80 A

Rated continuous thermal current: 4,000 A

Extended primary current factor: 50 A

Rated frequency: 50/60 Hz

Stated accuracy classification: 0.5/5P630

Rated secondary output: 150 mV at 50 Hz / 180 mV at 60 Hz

Standard: IEC 61869-1 and IEC 61869-10

UL/cUL Recognized: UL File E205113

The current amplitude correction factor and phase error correction factor are determined individually for each sensor during routine testing. These values are provided on the sensor nameplate.

Uses

For switchgear manufacturers, the CSR101 is perfect for:

  • Medium voltage air-insulated switchgear
  • Current measurement and monitoring
  • Protection systems
  • Metering
  • Intelligent electronic devices (IEDs)
  • Protection relays
  • Medium voltage distribution equipment

Conclusion

Hill Technical Sales works with OEMs, engineers, switchgear manufacturers, and purchasing teams to make sure the CSR101 effortlessly fit into each application’s specific requirements. If you are developing new MV switchgear platforms and are looking for conventional CT alternatives, or if you’re looking for a current sensor with a massive usable current range, contact us! We’re here for any of your questions regarding technical information, pricing, availability, and application assistance.

Contact Us!

Visit our website and submit a quote at https://hill-tech.com/, contact us at 847-255-4400, fax us at (847) 255-0192, or email us at sales@hilltech.com. And be sure to look at our social media pages, linked below!

Hill Technical Sales provides expert design and implementation of quality components for Electrical Power Conversion & Distribution, Thermal Management, UV Curing, and High-Speed Industrial Imaging for more information:

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Specs of Feedthrough Bushings

We all know how important it is to make sure electrical currents flow efficiently, but also safely. Feedthrough bushings are a great way to accomplish this. They allow for currents to securely travel through walls, roofs, and other grounded barriers.

We have a new video about what medium-voltage feedthrough bushings are and their benefits. In just a few minutes, it covers the anatomy of these bushings, and how each its components allows it to function so well.

Did you know that Hill Technical Sales has a Youtube channel? We made videos about power components and how they work, from the classics to new releases! Stay informed about what’s happening in the technology industry- subscribe to our channel!

And, if you’re interested in a quote for our feedthrough bushings, or any of our power components, please reach out!

Contact Us!

Visit our website and submit a quote at https://hill-tech.com/, contact us at 847-255-4400, fax us at (847) 255-0192, or email us at sales@hilltech.com. And be sure to look at our social media pages, linked below!

Hill Technical Sales provides expert design and implementation of quality components for Electrical Power Conversion & Distribution, Thermal Management, UV Curing, and High-Speed Industrial Imaging for more information:

Connect with us:              

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Hill Technical Sales Turns 60!

Picture of Andy and Ron Hill with fellow tech industry members
Founder Ron Hill pictured first person in second row,
Senior Account Manager Denis Kersten second-to-last in second row,
current President Andy Hill second-to-last in first row

That’s right, 2026 marks the 60-year anniversary of Hill Technical Sales serving the power electronics industry! We’re reflecting back on where we’ve come from, where we are now, and where we’re headed!

⚡ Hill Technical Sales is Founded

Ronald J. Hill had been working in corporate strategic planning experience for industrial controls. He co-founded a major Midwest magnetics company but eventually left to focus solely on his manufacturing representative start-up. That business was Hill Technical Sales, founded in 1966.

Senior Account Manager Denis Kersten
Pictured left to right: Andy Hill, Ron Hill, Denis Kersten

📈 Start of the 2000s

Ron’s son Andrew Hill began working with him in 1983, and after 19 years of experience, Andy took over as President in 2002. He expanded onto the original company focus: Hill Tech would now provide technical product solutions.

Andy Hill and Ron Hill golfing with other members of the tech industry
Andy Hill pictured furthest left, Ron Hill pictured furthest right, Denis pictured last in second row

⚙️ Power Components Across the Decades

When we first started out in 1966, power conversion looked wildly different. Most systems relied on silicon rectifiers, line-frequency transformers, SCR controls, fixed-speed motors, and analog security. It was all much slower and more clunky than what we have today, though advanced for its time. Of course, over six decades, a lot changes. Components have become more efficient, sleeker, and safer.

For over half a century now, we’ve consistently provided advanced power electronics, such as switch-mode power supplies (SMPS), power MOSFETs, IGBTs, digital control & DSP-based power conversion, and wide-bandgap semiconductors (SiC & GaN).

Overall, the industry has evolved from line-frequency magnetics to high-frequency Nanocrystalline, amorphous, and ferrite designs. We’ve gone from silicon rectifiers to SiC and GaN devices, mechanical switching to solid-state control, from analog systems to software-defined power conversion.

Innovations across the years have allowed for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, new forms of energy storage, data centers, industrial automation, HVDC transmission, and modern electrical grids. We’re extremely proud to have been a part of this journey, and are forever grateful to the customers, manufacturers, engineers, and partners who have trusted us along the way.

The future is always coming, and technology continues to advance. We at Hill Technical Sales remain dedicated to advancing both technology and our understanding of it, along with finding solutions for those who need it.

Andy Hill and Bill from HVR standing on a gigantic crane scoop.
Andy Hill pictured left

Contact Us!

Visit our website and submit a quote at https://hill-tech.com/, contact us at 847-255-4400, fax us at (847) 255-0192, or email us at sales@hilltech.com. And be sure to look at our social media pages, linked below!

Hill Technical Sales provides expert design and implementation of quality components for Electrical Power Conversion & Distribution, Thermal Management, UV Curing, and High-Speed Industrial Imaging for more information:

Connect with us:              

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Next Week at the IEEE PES T&D 2026!

Hill Technical Sales will be at HVR, Siba, and Amran's booths at the IEEE PES T&D 2026

Next week, Hill Technical sales will be at the IEEE PES T&D 2026! Join us May 4-7 at the McCormick Place; we’d love a chance to connect.

There are three booths that we will be supporting this year. If you’re dealing with transmission or distribution changes, this is a fantastic opportunity to meet directly with our various engineering teams!

We will be attending with:

HVR Advanced Power Components – Booth 4550

HVR specializes in ceramic composite and high-energy resistors, including wire/tape-wound and grid designs, along with SiC varistors. Our team can review applications such as energy dump, pre-charge, discharge, neutral grounding, and RC snubber designs for medium and high voltage systems.

SIBA Fuses – Booth 3645

SIBA’s engineering team are experts in fuse solutions for energy storage, data centers, PV, and inverter systems. At the show, we’ll be discussing DC and AC protection strategies, including 800VAC fuse applications for improved system efficiency. And excitedly, SIBA’s President, Adeeb Suliman, will be available for technical discussions.

Amran Instrument Transformers – Booth 2813

Go to Amran for low and medium voltage CTs and VTs for metering, protection, and control applications. If you are evaluating specifications, we can help you review ratings, accuracy class, burden, insulation level, and environmental requirements to identify the best solution.

Bus Support and Feed-Through Insulators

At any of the booths, you can talk to Hill Tech Salesman Andy Hill about our bus support solutions and feed-through insulators!

Also, while you’re at the show, you don’t need to scour the city for a quality Chicago souvenir. We’ve got that covered for you! We’ve commissioned local artist Sunfreys (www.sunfreys.com) to design giftshop-quality coasters, featuring the lovely Chicago skyline artistically rendered with an overlay of the city’s flag. Pick one up for free at HVR’s booth.

If you are interested in dedicated time at any of these booths, please email sales@hilltech.com with your availability and the products you are interested in. But if you’re schedule is tight or you want to keep things open, please feel free to stop by at your convenience. We are looking forward to seeing everyone there!

Contact Us!

Our salesman Andy Hill would love to connect before, during, and after the show! Visit our website and submit a quote at https://hill-tech.com/, contact us at 847-255-4400, fax us at (847) 255-0192, or email us at sales@hilltech.com. And be sure to look at our social media pages, linked below!

Hill Technical Sales provides expert design and implementation of quality components for Electrical Power Conversion & Distribution, Thermal Management, UV Curing, and High-Speed Industrial Imaging for more information:

Connect with us:              

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IEEE PES T&D 2026

An informational summary of Hill Technical Sales at the IEEE PES T&D 2026.

We have a convention coming up that’s in Chicago, IL—near our home base! It’s the IEEE PES T&D 2026, being held from May 4-7. We are incredibly enthusiastic to be sharing our city with the lovely guests at this show! Come see us at three different booths in the McCormick Place:

HVR Advanced Power Components – Booth 4550

HVR has ceramic composite resistors for high-energy and high-stress applications, including U-series, C-series, RT/RL-series, and wire-wound resistors, along with SiC varistors and custom solutions.

HVR's booth
Siba's booth

Siba Fuses – Booth 3645

Siba is there for your photovoltaic system protection solutions. They also carry a variety of AC, DC, MV, and URDC-ES fuses, and more!

Amran Instrument Transformers – Booth 2813

Come to Amran for instrument and bushing transformers, along with new compact MV potential transformers and control power transformers.

Amran's booth

We also have something special for our guests at HVR’s booth: free Chicago coasters! These feature our Chicago skyline and a design of our city’s flag. The artwork featured on our coaster has been handcrafted by local character and outdoor artist, Sunfreys (www.sunfreys.com). Skip the gift shops and pick up your Chicagoland coaster at the IEEE PES T&D! Available while supplies last!

So, to all attendees: come, take a look at the Bean, grab yourself a deep-dish pizza and Chicago style hot dog, and head over to the IEEE PES T&D 2026! We can’t wait to see you there!

Hill Technical Sales will be giving away a free coaster with an artistic rendition of the Chicago flag laid over its skyline.

Contact Us!

Our salesman Andy Hill would love to connect before, during, and after the show! Visit our website and submit a quote at https://hill-tech.com/, contact us at 847-255-4400, fax us at (847) 255-0192, or email us at sales@hilltech.com. And be sure to look at our social media pages, linked below!

Hill Technical Sales provides expert design and implementation of quality components for Electrical Power Conversion & Distribution, Thermal Management, UV Curing, and High-Speed Industrial Imaging for more information:

Connect with us:              

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