Transformer

Alternating voltage and induced e.m.f in an ideal transformer

A transformer transfers electrical energy from one electric circuit to another through inductively coupled conductors. When the current in the primary1 circuit changes, a changing magnetic field will induce a changing voltage in the secondary2 circuit.

transformer

For an ideal transformer the induced voltage and current can be expressed as

V1 / V2 = N1 / N2 = I2 / I1         (1)

where

V = potential difference (Voltage)

N = number of turns of wire

I = current (Amps)

Example - Secondary Voltage in a Transformer

The secondary voltage in a transformer with 500 primary turns, 3000 secondary turns and 230 V alternating primary current can be calculated as

V2 = V1 N2N1  

    = (230 V) 3000 / 500 

    = 1380

    = 1.38 kV

Single Phase Transformer Full Load Current (Amperes)

kVA Rating 120 V 240 V 480 V
0.05 0.42 0.21 0.10
0.075 0.63 0.31 0.16
0.1 0.83 0.42 0.21
0.15 1.25 0.63 0.31
0.25 2.08 1.04 0.52
0.5 4.17 2.08 1.04
0.75 6.25 3.13 1.56
1 8.33 4.17 2.08
1.5 12.5 6.25 3.13
2 16.7 8.33 4.17
3 25 12.5 6.3
5 41.7 20.8 10.4
7.5 62.5 31.3 15.6
10 83.3 41.7 20.8
15 125 62.5 31.3
25 208 104.2 52.1
37.5 313 156.3 78.1
50 417 208.3 104.2
75 625 313 156
100 833 417 208
167 1392 696 348
200 1667 833 417
250 2083 1042 521

Three-Phase Transformer Full Load Current (Amperes)

kVA Rating 240 V 480 V
3 7.2 3.6
6 14.4 7.2
9 21.7 10.8
15 36.1 18.0
22 53.0 26.5
30 72.2 36.1
45 108 54.1
75 180 90.2
112.5 271 135
150 361 180
225 541 271
300 722 361
500 1203 601
750 1806 903

Search the Engineering ToolBox

Engineering ToolBox - SketchUp Edition - Online 3D modeling!

3D Engineering ToolBox - draw and model technical applications

Engineering ToolBox - SketchUp Edition - enabled for use with the amazing, fun and free Google SketchUp

Translate the Engineering ToolBox
About the EngineeringToolbox