How to Specify a Power Transformer

Power transformers come in literally thousands of sizes for as many applications, from megawatts of commercial electrical power distribution to a few watts for an AC adapter for a cell phone. Almost every electronic device uses one or more power transformers for voltage distribution. If you need to specify a power transformer for a particular application, you have to collect specific data to give to your manufacturer or supplier. You need to understand electrical terminology and understand transformer specification data to specify a transformer.

Instructions

1. Specify the exact use, whether it is for commercial power application, for use inside an appliance or other application. If it is to replace an existing power transformer, specify the name and model number of the appliance.

2. Specify the exact voltage and frequency. Input voltages can vary from just a few volts to several thousand, and frequencies can range from 50 or 60 Hertz to audio and radio frequencies.

3. Specify the output requirements. You will need to specify the voltage and current requirements for any and all outputs you require for your power transformer, be it a few microwatts or hundreds of kilowatts.

4. Specify any size, shape or environmental requirements you may have, such as high or low temperatures or humidity concerns. You may also need to specify concerns for vibrations.

5. Specify oil-filled or dry. If you don't know, whomever you are providing the specifications to may help you decide which you need.

References

• Basic Transformer Theory
• Transformer Basics