Your Ultimate Guide to Know the Different types of Transformers

What was once a dream of scientists and electric workers was molded into reality when the transformers allowed easy increase or decrease in voltage and current from a source of alternating current or AC as it is commonly abbreviated. However, with time there came in the market various types of such devices to manipulate the voltage as one pleases.

The very first of the transformers were designed in such a way that the primary and secondary windings have the same inductance and that the same voltage and current flows between the primary and secondary sides. But this is not a must requirement for all transformers!

There are transformers whose inductance is not equal to each other and that is exactly what we are about to discuss here. These are those transformers where you can regulate the voltage and the current to create a difference between the primary and secondary sides. This allows you to multiply or divide the current coming from the AC source by a factor of 10 or so.

Thus we say that the alternating current can be manipulated to “step up” or “step down” the voltage and the current.

What Is “Step-Up” and “Step-Down”?

The simplest way to summarize the difference between the step-up transformers and step down transformers is that the former increases the voltage from the primary to the secondary side whereas the other one does exactly its opposite; i.e. decreases the voltage from primary to the secondary. This is done by increasing or decreasing the number of windings of each side. The step-up transformer has more secondary winding turns than the primary and the step down has more primary turns than the secondary side.

The difference in Current and Magnetic Field

A major difference between the two types of transformers is that in the step-up transformers, the current and the magnetic field is more developed on the primary side than it is on the secondary side. Moreover, the step down one has a better current and a magnetic field.

Insulation and Thickness of the Wire

The high voltage step-up transformer is designed in such a way that the primary side has a thicker copper wire with better insulation. In the step-down device, since the output current is high due to decreased voltage, it is the secondary side that requires the thicker wire. However, both the sides have wires made of copper, irrespective of their thickness as it is the best conductor among all known metals.

Takeaway

Here, you have all the major differences that you needed to know before buying a transformer. Do keep in mind that each of them serves a different purpose and are suited for different kinds of electric appliances. Our studies among transformer manufacturing companies in Canada and other cold countries have brought up the fact that step up transformers is the ones preferred by most homeowners.

Indeed, retailer surveys have also reported more sales on the step up transformers in Ontario and other cities. Before signing off, we would like to drop a pro tip. If you cannot decide which type of transformer you should invest in, here’s the answer for that, both types of transformers can be converted to the other type if needed. All you need is a few tools and a little expertise.