Facts About Isolation Transformers
Isolation transformers are an electrical transformer that is used to decouple two circuits. These transformers allow an alternating current (AC) power or signal to be taken from one device and given to another device without electrically connecting the two circuits. These transformers also block interference created by ground loops. Some of the uses of isolation transformers are the following: transformers with electrostatic shields are used for power supplies needed by sensitive equipment; they are used for safety in electronics testing, troubleshooting and servicing; and they are used for the power supply of devices not at ground level.
Electrical isolation is the ability to couple one circuit with another circuit without using direct wire connections. Isolation transformers transfer power from one circuit to another without interconnecting electric conductors. These transformers block the transmission of direct current (DC) signals from one circuit to another circuit. However, they allow the transmission of alternating current (AC) signals.
Analysis of an isolation transformer’s wiring shows that the device commonly has symmetrical windings. When designing an isolation transformer, careful consideration is given to capacitive coupling between the two windings. This is because excessive capacitance could also couple alternating current (AC) from the primary to the secondary winding. To reduce the coupling of common-mode noise caused by supply conductors, a grounded shield could be interposed between these two windings. Because differential noise can also couple from the primary to secondary windings, measures are needed to block this noise. Filters could be used to block this noise.
When used in electronics testing and troubleshooting, an isolation transformer serves as a 1:1 power transformer for safety. Grounded objects near the equipment being tested which are not isolated, may be at a hazardous potential difference with that equipment. By using an isolation transformer, the bonding is removed and the shock hazard is contained with the equipment being tested.
The Austin transformer is a special type of isolation transformer used for the power supply of a device not on ground potential. It is used for the power supply of air-traffic obstacle lamps and other devices on mast radiator antennas insulated against ground. This transformer has two ring-like windings. The secondary circuit has a large air space between the winding and the magnetic core. This provides isolation from low inter-winding coupling capacitance and high voltage.
Alfo Electric is one supplier of isolation transformer. The transformers have symmetrical windings that are used to decouple two circuits. The company claims that its transformers are durable and robustly constructed. The transformers are also suitable for several applications in the commercial and industrial fields. Alfo Electric also supplies welding transformer, step down transformers, step up transformer and welding transformer. Unitop Power Electronics Pvt. Ltd. claims that its isolation transformers meet with the leading quality standards assure premium performance. Its transformers are offered on customized basis. Muskaan Power Infrastructure Ltd.’s Ultra and Super isolation transformers are effective for isolating sensitive equipment from line voltage transients, leakage, spikes and direct current. They are used for sensitive devices such as computers, medical instruments, digital communication telemetry systems, and computer numerical control machines.
