Auto Transformers
An auto transformer, also referred to as an autoformer, is a general term for an electrical transformer with one winding, as compared to more traditional two-winding transformers. Transformer windings are coils wrapped around a magnetic core. Since auto transformers have fewer windings and a smaller core, they are often used as alternatives to two-winding transformers, such as isolation transformers, because they are often more efficient as well as being less-expensive and physically smaller.
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Some typical applications of autotransformers include use as voltage regulators and speaker adapters, as well as to simulate low line conditions for testing, interconnect systems, and impedance matching. While auto transformers have many advantages over two-winding transformers, 3 phase transformers are used in applications in which autotransformers are not appropriate. Such applications include controlling harmonic currents and providing a source of ground fault currents. Used in equipment such as motor starters, boosters, and static balancers, auto transformers are often used in the automotive, commercial, power transmission, electronics, telecommunications, and marine industries.
Auto transformers consist of a single winding and an input and output circuit. Common to both circuits, the winding has at minimum three electrical connection points that are referred to as taps. The voltage source and the load are both connected to two of the taps. One tap at the end of the winding serves as a common connection to the source and the load circuits. The lack of insulation between the input and output circuits is a disadvantage of auto transformers because a failure of the winding could result in the full input voltage being applied to the output.
There are many different types of auto transformers, including zig zag transformers, step-up transformers, step-down transformers, and variable autotransformers. Zig zag transformers are special-purpose transformers that are intended for use in providing earthing for ungrounded electrical systems. Step-down transformers convert higher voltages to lower voltages by having fewer secondary coil windings, while step-up transformers' higher number of secondary coil windings allow them to convert lower voltages to higher voltages. Variable auto transformers are only applicable for low voltage designs and are often referred to as variable AC transformers.