The gray-colored cylinders that you see at the top of electrical power line poles are one type of electrical transformer. These devices are designed to convert voltages between one circuit and another, hence the name "transformer." Their coils are called "inductively coupled conductors." Transformers must be cooled, and most outdoor versions use transformer oil for this purpose. Other transformers are cooled by water, forced-oil, forced-air or a combination of those methods.
Transformers are required because power lines carry current of different voltages. Serious problems could arise if current passes directly from one line to the next, without the intervention of a transformer. Two different types of transformers exist: "step up" transformers and "step down" transformers. The first type converts a low-voltage current into a higher voltage, while the second does the opposite.
The key to transformer is to change the voltage disparity without changing the frequency. The process that achieves this is known as electromagnetic induction. It is actually common for transformers that are filled with oil to have been going for over 50 years in the modern world. The high temperatures involved in these transformers have the difficulty of damaging the insulation used to protect from mishaps due to the windings inside. The cooling needed for transformers is important as well.
Whenever voltage needs to be converted, a transformer can be used to achieve the desired result. As a result, transformers aren't just used with electric power transmission lines. Toy trains, for instance, use a transformer to convert one voltage to another.
They step down a current's voltage by taking the current that enters one end of the device and passing it through a number of coils. There are progressively fewer coils as they approach the transformer's other end. As the current passes through the coils, vibrations are reduced and the current's voltage is decreased.
Electricity coming through transformers to your home has a certain way of working. This is because the power coming in from the outside is usually a great number of volts, often nearly 7,200 or so. In contrast, the actual appliances in your home run on an amount of volts that is vastly less, such as 220-240.
Many appliances and electronic devices (like computers and televisions, for example) utilize an even lower voltage, typically 110 to 120 volts. Their internal mechanisms would be destroyed if they were exposed to the high-voltage current from outside power lines. The fire risk would be high.
Instead, transformers convert the high-voltage current to a voltage your home's appliances and wiring can safely handle.
Repairs
These essential devices require occasional transformer repairs to keep them operating as they should. All transformer repairs should be conducted by a certified professional. Without the proper training and certification, someone attempting to repair a transformer could inadvertently cause severe harm - to property, themselves or other people.
Transformers are required because power lines carry current of different voltages. Serious problems could arise if current passes directly from one line to the next, without the intervention of a transformer. Two different types of transformers exist: "step up" transformers and "step down" transformers. The first type converts a low-voltage current into a higher voltage, while the second does the opposite.
The key to transformer is to change the voltage disparity without changing the frequency. The process that achieves this is known as electromagnetic induction. It is actually common for transformers that are filled with oil to have been going for over 50 years in the modern world. The high temperatures involved in these transformers have the difficulty of damaging the insulation used to protect from mishaps due to the windings inside. The cooling needed for transformers is important as well.
Whenever voltage needs to be converted, a transformer can be used to achieve the desired result. As a result, transformers aren't just used with electric power transmission lines. Toy trains, for instance, use a transformer to convert one voltage to another.
They step down a current's voltage by taking the current that enters one end of the device and passing it through a number of coils. There are progressively fewer coils as they approach the transformer's other end. As the current passes through the coils, vibrations are reduced and the current's voltage is decreased.
Electricity coming through transformers to your home has a certain way of working. This is because the power coming in from the outside is usually a great number of volts, often nearly 7,200 or so. In contrast, the actual appliances in your home run on an amount of volts that is vastly less, such as 220-240.
Many appliances and electronic devices (like computers and televisions, for example) utilize an even lower voltage, typically 110 to 120 volts. Their internal mechanisms would be destroyed if they were exposed to the high-voltage current from outside power lines. The fire risk would be high.
Instead, transformers convert the high-voltage current to a voltage your home's appliances and wiring can safely handle.
Repairs
These essential devices require occasional transformer repairs to keep them operating as they should. All transformer repairs should be conducted by a certified professional. Without the proper training and certification, someone attempting to repair a transformer could inadvertently cause severe harm - to property, themselves or other people.
About the Author:
Delba Electricla is a Transformer Repair Company located in Springs, South Africa. They produce Copper Coils and Extrusions for the electrical engineering industry.
