Transformers can sometimes be a little tricky to understand. But transformers play an important part in our daily lives, even though we don’t even realize this sometimes. These electrical components allow devices that need different voltages to run without a problem. If it weren’t for transformers, many of our daily appliances would not be able to work.
The electric supply to your home is of a fixed voltage of 110 volts to 120 volts. But some your electrical appliances and gadgets need different voltages to operate. The electrical appliances would fry if there was no transformer to balance and bring down the voltage to the stated amount.
You must be thinking that your electrical appliances seem to be working fine, and you haven’t installed any transformers. Well, that is because your devices come preinstalled with transformers. Having said this, there are instances where a transformer needs to be separately purchased and installed.
How Do Transformers Work?
Transformers basically change the supplied input voltage by either increasing it or decreasing it to a different output voltage. They do this by using the principles of electromagnetic induction. Transformers come in all shapes and sizes; they can be as big as a small building or so small that they could easily fit into your palm.
Transformers do not generate electricity. They simply transform it from one voltage to another. They take the voltage from one circuit, and using different coils on the input connections around a core that uses magnetic flux, alter the voltage due to the different number of coils in the output connections of the second circuit. The physical phenomena of the alternating current and magnetism inducing properties of electricity are exploited to create transformers.
The Different Types of Transformers
The most common types of transformers are:
- Power Transformer: This transformer, as the name suggests, is used to transform the voltage from the power supply to the local circuits.
- Distribution Transformer: These transformers are placed near residential places as they are used to supply current to residential users.
- Autotransformer: Are small-sized, low-price transformers that use a single coil winding. They can be used either as step up or step down transformers.
- Isolation Transformer: Is a safety device and does not work like a regular transformer as it has equal ratio of coils on both sides of the core.
- Current Transformer: Is also not used like a regular transformer. But it is used to measure the current and separate it from the primary coil. This is used to monitor the current and ensure a safe and controlled circuit environment is established.
Where Will These Transformers Be Used?
There are many domestic applications of transformers. Few of the uses have been listed:
- Use transformers when you are travelling to overcome the voltage difference. As the voltage supplied in some countries is 220 Volts to 240 Volts.
- Transformers can be used to charge your devices like video cameras and laptops.
- To overcome power fluctuation which damages your appliances you can use transformers to stabilize the voltage.
To understand which transformer is best suited for your needs, and get hold of reliable transformers you should contact Foster Transformer Company.