A transformer transfers electric current between power circuits, typically with AC. Buck-boost transformers alter voltage up or down by up to 20% to regulate input current for devices requiring specific voltage, such as engines and lighting. There are automatic and static types, and they may be used to adapt equipment to different power systems. It’s important to check voltage, amps, and frequency for desired results.
A transformer is a magnetic device that transfers an electric current from one power circuit to another. It works exclusively with current that changes level continuously and is most often used with alternating current (AC). It is not typically used on direct current (DC) power. Transformers can be large or small, and can be anything from a piece of household electrical equipment to a large device housed in a large enclosure within a power plant. A buck-boost transformer is a type of this transformer that alters the voltage of the transmitting current up or down, depending on the specific need.
Increasing power means increasing it, so in boost mode the transformer is able to increase the input voltage. Inverting power means decreasing it, so power entering the transformer at too high a level will be output at a lower voltage. In both cases, the change is usually not large, usually less than about 20%.
The primary purpose of a buck-boost transformer is to regulate input current to an appropriate level for the operation of devices that require a specific voltage. Such items include engines, compressors, specialty lighting, and any other applications where a voltage level other than that provided by the main power line is required. Depending on the requirement, the transformer will step up the power to the required level or step it down to meet low voltage needs, such as that of low voltage lighting.
There are two common types of buck-boost transformer. The first type is automatic, where the required output voltage has been established and the transformer adjusts to produce an output that falls within that range. The alternative type is a static or passive transformer. This type of transformer will output a voltage that is consistently higher or lower than the input voltage by a specified amount.
A buck-boost transformer is sometimes used to adapt equipment designed to run on one country’s power system to another’s. Because it only affects voltage and not other factors, this adaptation may not work for all applications. It is important to check not only the incoming line voltage and the voltage required by the equipment, but also the equipment operating amps and frequency to ensure that the transformer is capable of producing the desired results.
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