Isolation Transformers

The isolation transformer's primary and secondary winding circuits are electrically isolated. As a result, all transformers utilized in transmission and distribution networks are referred to as isolation transformers. An isolation transformer is used to supply equipment or devices with electrical power from an alternate current source.

The basic objective of an isolation transformer is to lessen voltage peaks in the supply lines. Voltage spikes, transients, and surges can occur in the electrical power supply lines due to illumination, static electricity, or a rapid voltage change. A voltage spike is an abrupt and brief increase in voltage levels.

The voltage spikes carry high voltages between a few and several thousand volts. High voltage spikes could disrupt services or harm equipment if they reach the load. An isolation transformer can be connected between the current supply lines to prevent voltage spikes before they hit the load. A normal core-type transformer and an isolation transformer are constructed similarly. Noise is completely suppressed by electrostatic shields isolating the secondary from the primary. An autotransformer with a common secondary and primary winding cannot be used as an isolation transformer because of the electrical connection between the two windings.

Types of Isolation Transformer

Isolation transformers come in a variety of designs, including:

Constant Voltage Transformer

A constant voltage transformer (CVT), a Ferro resonant technology that delivers an output voltage that is not much affected by variations in input voltage, is a 1:1 transformer that is thrillingly high on its saturation curves. The constant voltage transformer uses a tank circuit of high-voltage resonant winding and a capacitor to convert a fluctuating input into a fairly constant average output. The input winding typically functions at low flux linkage values.

Built-in energy storage in the output winding combines with the primary capacitor to provide a self-generated alternating current flux field that subtly decouples the input winding. The constant voltage transformer is preferred over traditional stabilizers because it does not have relays, which could briefly interrupt the output voltage. In addition, when the output voltage is controlled, the constant voltage transformer is protected against spikes.

Ultra-Isolation Transformer

Ultra-isolation transformers stop noisy equipment loads pumped into the power line from causing disturbances. They are carefully designed for crucial equipment like computers and their peripherals, medical equipment, digital communication telemetry systems, CNC machines, and others. For hyper-isolation transformers, which are created with particular insulation between the primary and secondary, a high voltage between the windings is tested, specified, and labeled, typically in the 1000-volt to 4000-volt range.

Due to its distinctive shape, this extreme isolation transformer removes all types of electrical noise, especially common mode noise. The ground on the secondary side is neutrally divided, and the primary and secondary are isolated, allowing for constructing a separately derived source to combat current loops. High isolating elements and specialized shielding methods are used to lower transverse mode noise and attenuate common mode noise.

Drive Isolation Transformer

Drive isolation transformers to supply electricity to drives with various AC and DC frequencies. These transformers magnetically isolate the incoming line from the motor drive while providing a voltage change to meet the required voltage for the Silicon Control Rectifier known as the SCR Drive. Because of the mechanical strains, voltage distortions, and harmonics that SCR-type drives produce, strong mechanical and electrical testing and design are required. There are many various kinds of motor drives, but all of them require rectifying incoming power to produce a DC level.

Galvanic Isolation Transformer

Galvanic isolation is frequently used to reduce ground wire noise. All galvanic isolation transformers only isolate the power wires, leaving the ground wire free to move through. Some UPS systems offer galvanic isolation. However, most online UPS systems do not provide galvanic isolation. Galvanic isolation is not available in the online versions of Unison, Exide, and ON-LINE. Isolation is an optional feature that can be introduced to every UPS and is not model-specific. Installing an isolation transformer reduces the common mode noise delivered to the computer.

Applications of Isolation Transformers

• To shield a circuit from ground-level loop interference.
• Establish security-related separation inside a power supply, powered circuit, or apparatus.
• To adjust the electrical power flowing across two circuit lines, whether electrically connected or not, and whether their voltage levels are the same or different.
• To prevent electrical shock in electric circuits and power lines.
• In applications involving computer network configuration as pulse transformers
• To protect against impulse noise, strong lightning, unintended capacitor discharge, and bus short-circuit.

Advantages of Isolation Transformers

• Improved power quality
• Reduced noise disruption
• Prevention of earthing failures
• Harmonics correction

Disadvantages of Isolation Transformers

• When operating an isolation transformer at a DC pulse signal, the saturation characteristic of the core is diminished.
• Isolation transformers are more expensive than ordinary transformers because of their distinctive design.
• The secondary or output waveform exhibits distortion when the isolation transformer is utilized as a pulse transformer and is operated at a low frequency.

Choosing the Proper Isolation Transformer Supplier

To ensure you have the most beneficial outcome when purchasing an isolation transformer from an isolation transformer supplier, it is important to compare several companies using our directory of isolation transformer suppliers. Each isolation transformer supplier has a business profile page highlighting their areas of experience and capabilities, along with a contact form to directly communicate with the supplier for more information or request a quote. Review each isolation transformer business website using our proprietary website previewer for an idea of what each company specializes in. Then, use our simple RFQ form to contact multiple isolation transformer businesses with the same form.