Advantages of Standard Isolation Transformer

An isolation transformer is a type of transformer which has symmetrical windings. This is used to decouple two circuits. The two windings are called primary winding and secondary winding. Both of them are not connected in isolation transformers. Thus they are said to 'insulate' as they are insulated from one another. Isolation transformers are transformers in which the mains transformers give isolation rather than voltage transformation. They are 1:1 laminated core transformers. As a safety precaution it is used in electronics servicing and testing as a 1:1 power transformer. The neutral wire of an outlet is connected to the ground. The objects, such as the lamp or the floor that are grounded near the device that is being tested, might be at a hazardous potential difference in comparison with the device that is tested. The use of the isolation transformer eliminates bonding and it contains the shock hazard within the device.

In isolation transformers, unless it is bonded when being installed, the output winding will be floating or isolated from the earth ground. As there is no secondary neutral to ground bonding, common mode noise is done away with. This is especially apt for circuits of sensitive equipments and for site electrical upgrades.

The advantage of an isolation transformer is that it is able to take AC power or signal from one device to another without the two being electrically connected. The isolation transformers block DC signals from one circuit to another from being transmitted, but allow AC signals. The ground loops that cause interference are also blocked. Computers and sensitive equipments in laboratories use isolation transformers with electrostatic shields for power supply.

There are many advantages in using standard isolation transformers.

1. The primary and secondary windings may be used to step up or step down the voltage output. So, it can be made in such a way that a 120 V load can match a 208V load.

2. Isolation transformers which have the Faraday shield will have improved power quality because of attenuated higher frequency noise currents. They Faraday shield also decreases the leakage current of the equipment and the isolator below 300 microamphs.

3. They help in giving a better impedance matching of a critical load to an electrical circuit.

4. In hospitals the hospital grade isolation transformers protect the sensitive equipments.

5. When surge suppression parts are used at the input and the output, with the whole line isolation, it helps in the continuous filtering of power line noises in all modes.

Microprocessors face the problem of reliability. Neutral-to-ground voltage and noise can be eliminated by the isolation transformer. This gives a 'code-legal' way to re-bond the electrical system safety ground to the neutral conductor on the transformer secondary.

In our day to day life we all depend on electrical and electronic equipments which are very sensitive. Reliable current at the necessary voltage becomes an absolute necessity. The use of isolation transformers controls power surges. Noise is also reduced. It is of great use in electronic testing and servicing. It is also useful to step up and step down the voltage. This is useful in preventing electrocution. We need to know all about isolation transformers since their advantages are many. We need to get the best isolation transformers so that we can handle the power supply to our electrical and electronic equipments effectively.