Tralec Knowledge

Transformers and Inductors

Transformer

A transformer is a static piece of apparatus with two or more windings, which, by electromagnetic induction, transforms a system of alternating voltage and current into another system of voltage and current of same values or of different values.

With a transformer you step AC voltage up or down into a higher or lower AC voltage. If a transformer lowers the voltage, the current you can use is increasing. If a transformer advances the voltage, the current you can use is decreasing. The relation is inverse proportional between current and voltage.

The transformer acts on the input side like a load for the AC voltage source, if it is loaded. Unloaded the transformer acts like an inductance. The output side of the transformer functions as AC voltage source.

see also: Three phase transformers

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