Power Transformer Facts

Transformers are necessary to supply the correct power for resisidential and business applications.

Electrical power transformers are capable of changing the magnitudes of current and voltage without changing the frequency. Transformers work on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which is also known as transformer action. Windings are used to step-up or step-down the load.

Windings

Windings are coils of wire that may be wrapped around a cardboard or iron form. The transformers using cardboard are known as air-core transformers. The iron-core transformers are necessary for operation at low frequencies. Most transformers are iron-core.

Primary and Secondary Windings

The transformer contains a primary winding and a secondary winding. When an AC current is applied to primary winding, the current in the secondary winding will also be AC. The transformer works by creating a field that transfers magnetic energy to the secondary winding. A step-down transformer will convert high-voltage, low-current power into low-voltage, high-current power. A step-up transformer will do the opposite.

Transformer Limitations

A transformer cannot create electricity; it cannot transform AC to DC or DC to AC by itself. The transformer can step-up or step-down electricity. It makes long-distance transmission of of AC electricity practical and possible.

References

• Electrical System and Transmission Network: Transformer Theory
• ElectricianEducation.com: Electric Transformers