Step Up and Step Down Transformer: What’s The Difference?

2020-02-03

Transformers are an indispensable part of our power system. We simply cannot imagine a power system without transformers. Today, we use so many electrical devices and they are very precious and close to us. We can’t use any of these devices if we don’t have any electric current. It is the transformers that make sure that electricity safely reaches our household. Step up and step down transformer are two of the most prominent types of transformers. And today, we are going to have a look at them.

Many cities in Nepal face voltage problems and sudden power failures. These even result in breakdown and damage of appliances in our homes and offices. We all have been a victim of this and often wonder what the solution is. Well, the answer to this problem is using the transformers properly. We sold know how to best use a step up and step down transformer.

Step up and step down are two of the most prominent types of transformers. A transformer is a static device which does not move around, and it helps in transporting power from one circuit to another. Also, a thing to remember is that transformers help to change voltage and current but not the frequency. Although the basic working principle of all types of transformers is the same, they are categorized as step up and step down transformer. So let’s have a look at what are their differences and where it is best to use these different types of transformers.

Step Up Transformer

A step up transformer is a device in which the output voltage is more than the input or primary voltage. These type of devices decreases the output current and helps to maintain the output and input power in the system. Power companies mostly make use of these machines to transmit energy over long distances and are useful in devices such as air bags and power supply.

Some things that we know about these machines are that winding is made up of thick insulated copper wire and secondary is made from insulated copper wire. The current and magnetic field is also less developed in the secondary winding and highly developed in the primary winding. These devices are generally used in transmission lines for transforming the high voltage that is produced by the alternator.

Step Down Transformer

Step down transformers are devices designed to convert high voltage, low current power to a low-voltage, high current power. In these machines, the primary winding coil has more turns than secondary winding. Some things that we should know about them is that the voltage is reduced from high voltages to 20v or even 10v, depending on the need of the system.

In this type of device, the output current is high. Hence thick insulated copper material is used to make the secondary winding in these devices. The current and magnetic field in step-down devices is also high as the voltage is low. The total turns in the primary winding are also more than in the secondary winding of these machines. Step down transformers are used for power distribution purposes more than anything else. It is used in almost all household devices and for electrical isolation purposes. Step down type of transformers are found in all devices like TVs, inverters, adapters, cell phone chargers, etc. which we use on a daily basis.

What are the main differences between a step up and step down transformer?

By now, we all know that step up and step down transformer is. Now let’s get deeper into the subject and know some of the major differences between a step up and step down transformer.

A transformer that increases the voltage from primary to secondary is known as a step up transformer. These transformers increase the voltage from 220v to 11kv or more. On the other hand, a transformer that reduces the voltage from secondary to primary is known as step down transformer. These machines reduce voltage from 440v to 220v, 220v to 110v and 110v to 20v or even 10v.

The output voltage of step up transformer is more than that of the source voltage. On the contrary, the output voltage of step down transformer is less than that of the source voltage.

On the basis of windings, in a step up transformer, the primary winding is made up of thick insulated copper wire and secondary winding is made from thin insulated copper wires. In the case of step down machines, the output current is very high. Hence, thick insulated copper wire is used for making secondary winding.

Also, the high voltage winding is secondary winding in case to step up transformers. Whereas, the low voltage winding is the primary or main winding. In the case of a step down transformer, the low voltage winding acts as the secondary winding.

Current and magnetic field is less developed in secondary winding and highly developed in the primary winding in the case of step up devices. In the case of step down machines, voltage is low on secondary end and hence, the current and magnetic field is high.

Winding turns on step up machines are more on the secondary winding part than on primary winding. In the contrary, this is the exact opposite in case of step down transformers.

One of the most prominent differences that can be seen between a step up and step down transformer is in its area of application. While step up devices are used for power transmission, step down machines are used for power distribution purposes. A good example of step up machines are the generator transformer used in power plants. An example step down transformer is the ones that are installed in residential areas and household devices such as mobile chargers.

Hence, knowing the best use of transformers is very important. Then only, we would be able to obtain the smoothest running power systems which won’t just ease our lives, but help in the growth of the entire nation. Hence, it is in all our best interest to know about the difference between a step up and step down transformer and use them effectively. Also, feel free to contact BN Mahto Group if you are looking to enhance your power system with the best step up and step down transformer in Nepal.