NOTE: Step-up transformers designed specifically for solar and wind farms have their own set of design standards, which we will explore in a future article. Further, design differences tend to be more pronounced in low-voltage transformers (2400v). These are not hard-and-fast rules, but are standards the transformer industry tends to adhere to. However, there are some notable differences in the way that step-up and step-down transformers are designed. What are the design differences between step-up and step-down transformers?Īny transformer can theoretically be used for either step-up or step-down operation. Read more about the history of AC power vs. That frequency of change is measured in hertz, which is why AC systems in the US are called 60 hertz. NOTE: AC stands for alternating current, which means that the direction of the current flowing through the system literally changes direction 60 times per second. In this sense, the “step-up” and “step-down” designation simply refers to the way the transformer is being used. Once the power has reached its destination, a substation transformer is used to step the voltage back down for distribution.īecause transformers operate with AC electricity, all transformers are technically capable of both step-up and step-down operations. For example, power companies use massive substation transformers called GSU transformers (generator step-up) to step voltages up from power plants at 7,200v to extra-high voltage like 345,000v for large-scale power transmission over many miles. These examples are of small industrial applications, but the principle applies no matter the size. So, if your building is wired with 208v but you need 480v to power a large machine, you'll need a step-up transformer to boost the voltage from 208v to 480v. What is a step-up transformer?Ī step-up transformer is a transformer that has a primary voltage that is lower than the secondary voltage. To make this work, you need a step-down transformer to convert the 480v power to 208v to power your machine with the right voltage. To illustrate, let’s say your building receives 3-phase 480v power from the power company, but you have a piece of equipment that requires 208v 3-phase power. What is a step-down transformer?Ī step-down transformer is a transformer that has a primary voltage that is higher than the secondary voltage. The voltage coming into the transformer from the power source is called the primary voltage and the voltage going out of the transformer is called the secondary voltage. In this article we will review the differences between step-up and step-down transformers, but if you want to learn more about transformers in general, check out our introduction to electrical transformers.Ī “step-down transformer” is used to step voltage down, while a “step-up transformer” is used to step voltage up. Simply put, transformers are machines that step voltage up or down so that electricity can be moved and used more efficiently.
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