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High Voltage vs. Low Voltage Transformer

High voltage transformers are configured from one level to another, usually from higher to lower. Certain features include electrical isolation, power distribution and control and instrumentation applications. This type of transformer can be easily configured from single phase to three phases. Single Phase primary configurations include single, dual, quad, 5-lead, and ladder. Ladder is the least economical primary configuration. Three phase transformers are connected in delta or wye configurations. Primary frequencies of incoming voltage include 50 Hz, 60 Hz, and 400 Hz. 50 Hz is used for European power, 60 Hz for North American power and 400 Hz in aerospace applications. Other important things to be remembered while searching high voltage transformers include maximum secondary voltage rating, maximum secondary current rating, maximum power rating and output type.

High voltage transformers have either toroidal or laminated transformer. Toroidal transformer has certain advantages like Toroidal Core, Efficiency, stray magnetic fields, Duty cycle, regulation, size considerations, and temperature considerations. Toroidal transformers applications are used for CRT displays, medical equipment, and high end amplifiers. These are also used in power supplies, in isolation and autotransformers and indicators. Laminated transformer applications include lighting, motorized gates, battery chargers for welders, controls for alarms, white goods, air conditioning, vending machines etc. These are also used in isolation transformers, step-up and step-down transformers, autotransformers, power supplies, test, measurement instruments, industrial controls, power transducers, audio amplifiers, voice, music reproduction equipment, telephone communication networks and medical applications. These are less expensive when compared to R-Core and toroidal transformers. Laminated transformers can be designed with fly leads, solder lugs and printed circuit board pins.

Low voltage transformer is generally used to reduce the risk carried over by way of electric shock. The voltage for this transformer is 12 to 24 volts. The appliances that are operated at home generally provide less supply to the customer and protect him from short circuits. This device is used to transfer the electrical energy from one circuit to another circuit using magnetic coupling. Low voltage transformer also called as magnetic low voltage transformers, are very large and heavy, having an iron core and two sets of wires. This voltage has several advantages like it is inexpensive; it can be buried just below tha surface. Low voltage lighting systems are safe and easy to install. These can be set up without the help of an electrician. Another advantage is that bulbs can be installed when the power is on. Most transformers feature a timer that can be set for 4, 6 or 8 hours.