# Resistive voltage divider sensor

Canonical URL: https://eloragrid.ai/symbols/resistive-voltage-divider-sensor
Publisher: Elora Grid
Updated: 2026-10-28
Lookup label: RVD
Drawing use: SLD, Schematic
Reference families: IEC, Manufacturer

Low-power voltage sensor using a resistive divider to give a small voltage signal proportional to primary voltage.

## In plain English

### What does Resistive voltage divider sensor mean?

A resistive voltage divider sensor is a low-power instrument transformer in which a high-value resistor chain steps the primary voltage down to a small signal. It has no iron core, so it does not cause ferroresonance, and one sensor can cover a wide range of primary voltages.

### A simple example

The output is a low-energy signal that must go to an input designed for it, and the cable between sensor and relay is part of the measurement. The symbol does not show the division ratio, correction factors or connector type, which must match the relay configuration.

### What the drawings help you do

Confirm the relay input is configured for the sensor ratio. Keep the supplied sensor cable unless the manufacturer allows changes. A resistive divider sensor gives a low-level signal; a conventional VT gives a standard secondary voltage capable of supplying burden.

### This particular reference

Low-power voltage sensor using a resistive divider to give a small voltage signal proportional to primary voltage. A resistive divider sensor gives a low-level signal; a conventional VT gives a standard secondary voltage capable of supplying burden.

### Terms

- Winding: A coil of conductor inside an electrical machine or transformer.
- Normally open / normally closed: The contact state in the normal condition defined for the drawing.
- Coil: A wound conductor that can produce a magnetic field when energised.

Concept diagram: Identify the device and form → Read the connections and state → Check the equipment reference
A guide to reading this reference. The original symbol illustration and its drawing notes appear below; these boxes are not a wiring diagram.

- [Medium-voltage indoor sensors: Rogowski coil and voltage divider low-power instrument transformers](https://www.abb.com/global/en/areas/electrification/medium-voltage/grid-components/core-components/indoor-sensors)
- [Indoor current and voltage transformers](https://www.abb.com/gb/en/areas/electrification/medium-voltage/grid-components/core-components/indoor-instrument-transformers)


## What it represents

A resistive voltage divider sensor is a low-power instrument transformer in which a high-value resistor chain steps the primary voltage down to a small signal. It has no iron core, so it does not cause ferroresonance, and one sensor can cover a wide range of primary voltages.
The output is a low-energy signal that must go to an input designed for it, and the cable between sensor and relay is part of the measurement. The symbol does not show the division ratio, correction factors or connector type, which must match the relay configuration.

## How to read it

- Confirm the relay input is configured for the sensor ratio.
- Keep the supplied sensor cable unless the manufacturer allows changes.

## Information to show or reference

- State division ratio
- Reference correction factors
- Show connector and cable

## Important distinction

A resistive divider sensor gives a low-level signal; a conventional VT gives a standard secondary voltage capable of supplying burden.

## Facts

- Principle: Resistive voltage division
- Output: Low-level voltage signal
- Preview: Functional illustration of the device role; not a product footprint or certified standard graphic

## Public references

- [Medium-voltage indoor sensors: Rogowski coil and voltage divider low-power instrument transformers](https://www.abb.com/global/en/areas/electrification/medium-voltage/grid-components/core-components/indoor-sensors) — ABB. Public manufacturer page describing low-power instrument transformers based on Rogowski coils and voltage dividers.
- [Indoor current and voltage transformers](https://www.abb.com/gb/en/areas/electrification/medium-voltage/grid-components/core-components/indoor-instrument-transformers) — ABB. Public manufacturer overview of indoor current and voltage instrument transformers.

## Graphic scope

Independent original educational concept illustration by Elora Grid. Not a certified standards graphic or manufacturer footprint. Unitless; not to scale. Original artwork licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. Publisher material is linked only.