Electrical transformers are used to "transform" voltage from one level to another, usually from higher ac voltages to a lower voltages. They do this by applying the principle of magnetic induction between coils to convert voltage and/or current levels.
There are various industrial power transformer types: there are oil-filled transformers and dry transformer types; there are underground transformers, pole mounted transformers, residential transformers and electrical power transformers. There is an auto transformer and a variable auto transformer. There is the utility pole transformer, which is a power pole transformer, as well as the power line transformer. Most have transformer enclosures to provide safety and protection of the inner workings.
The way these types of electrical power transformers work, they are passive electrical devices which transform alternating current (otherwise known as "AC") electric energy from one circuit into another through electromagnetic induction. Most are step down transformers but it can be a step up transformer. They have a primary winding and a secondary winding. They normally consist of a ferromagnetic core and two or more coils called "windings". A changing current in the primary winding creates an alternating magnetic field in the core. In turn, the core multiplies this field and couples the most of the flux through the secondary tranformer windings. This in turn induces alternating voltage (or emf) in each of the secondary coils.
They can be configured as either single-phase or three-phase electrical transformers. There are several important specifications to specify when searching for working electrical transformers. These include: core type, coils of wire, maximum secondary voltage rating, maximum secondary current rating, maximum power high rating electric circuits, number of turns, electromagnetic induction, voltage level, output voltage, turns ratio, primary and secondary windings, primary coil and output type. It may provide more than one turn in the secondary voltage value. The Rated Power is the sum of the VA (Volts x Amps) for all of the secondary windings. Output choices include AC or DC. For Alternating Current waveform output, voltage the values are typically given in RMS values. Consult manufacturer for waveform options. For direct current secondary voltage output, consult manufacturer for type of rectification.
Cores can be constructed as either a toroidal or laminated. Toroidal units typically have copper wire wrapped around a cylindrical core so the magnetic flux, which occurs within the coil, doesn't leak out, the coil efficiency is good, and the magnetic flux and magnetic fields have little influence on other components. Laminated refers to the laminated-steel cores. These steel laminations are insulated with a nonconducting material, such as varnish, and then formed into a core that reduce electromagnetic induction and losses. There are many types. These include autotransformer, control, current, distribution, general-purpose, instrument, isolation, potential (voltage), power, step-up, and step down voltage transformers. Mountings include chassis mount, dish or disk mount, enclosure or free standing, h frame, and PCB mount.
For more information consult any of our manufacturers listed in our Transformer Buyer's Guide.
See also: Electrical Transformers Defined
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