In AC electrical systems, electric transformers convert voltage from one value to another. Transformers are comprised of two sets of coils or windings linked by a magnetic field. The coils are primary and secondary and function as conductors. When the primary coil receives AC voltage, this produces a varying magnetic field of voltage surrounding the conductor. The primary coil is responding to the fluctuating current of AC voltage. The magnetic field activates the secondary conductor coil. This results in the transformer changing the voltage and transferring electrical energy, ideally with the least amount of energy loss. The number of windings on each coil is important as this determines the voltage that is conveyed from the primary to the secondary through the magnetic field. The number of windings or turns in the primary coil to the number of turns in the secondary coil determines the magnitude of the voltage. The core is typically iron as this produces the most efficient magnetic coil. Once the voltage conversion is made, the energy is transferred to the load center and the electrical process continues from there.
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Last Updated: June 16, 2007
Last Updated: June 16, 2007
What are Electric Transformers?
Transformers can also serve to isolate parts of circuits from others. Electric transformers can be as large as the ones we see around powerlines or small enough to be tucked away in household appliances. Transformers can also serve to convert as power adapters in situations where there is a voltage difference between an electronic component or appliance and an electrical power supply. There is a need in AC electrical systems to continuously increase or lower the voltage levels for efficiency and safety. Transformers provide for this need marvelously since their operation is based on the fluctuating current of AC voltage.
The incoming transformer voltage is an important factor. The three common frequencies available are 50 Hz, 60Hz and 400 Hz. European power is typically 50 Hz while North American power is usually 60hz. The 400 Hz is reserved for high-powered applications such as aerospace technologies. It is also important to consider the secondary power specifications when evaluating transformers. Other specifications to keep in mind when selecting a transformer are: the maximum ratings of the following: secondary current and voltage rating, power and output rating. Power transformers have various configurations according to phase and connections. The most common phases are single-phase and three-phase. Both the size and expense of a transformer increases in proportion to the number of primary windings.
The incoming transformer voltage is an important factor. The three common frequencies available are 50 Hz, 60Hz and 400 Hz. European power is typically 50 Hz while North American power is usually 60hz. The 400 Hz is reserved for high-powered applications such as aerospace technologies. It is also important to consider the secondary power specifications when evaluating transformers. Other specifications to keep in mind when selecting a transformer are: the maximum ratings of the following: secondary current and voltage rating, power and output rating. Power transformers have various configurations according to phase and connections. The most common phases are single-phase and three-phase. Both the size and expense of a transformer increases in proportion to the number of primary windings.
