An autotransformer has a single winding that can function as both primary and secondary sides. The output voltage depends on where the connection is made in the coil. However, autotransformers lack isolation and can produce higher output voltage, which may damage circuits.
An autotransformer is an electrical transformer containing only a singular winding, rather than separate primary and secondary windings. However, the single winding allows it to perform the same function as a normal transformer. In autotransformers, each opposing side of the coil serves as either the primary side or the secondary side, depending on which side of the coil is connected to the load versus supply. There are at least three connections made to the coil between the two opposite sides which draw on the voltage created by the autotransformer for the transformer to operate as intended.
The primary function of a transformer is to transform the amount of voltage going to a circuit by connecting the connection from the power supply to the load at some point within the transformer’s winding. Due to the fact that the amount of winding or turns inside a transformer’s coil determines the amount of voltage released anywhere on the winding, connections can be monitored for output voltage before the connection is made. For example, if the voltage entering an autotransformer is 100V, the midpoint, or center of the transformer coil, will allow for an output voltage of 50V. The output voltage of an autotransformer is directly dependent on where the connection to the circuit is made in the transformer coil.
However, this does not mean that all autotransformers have the same capacity as a normal transformer. There are limitations that come with autotransformers that don’t limit ordinary transformers. For example, the isolation that an ordinary transformer provides between its individual windings is not available with the use of autotransformers. As a result, winding insulation failure is possible, which creates a united voltage across the entire winding, making the input voltage equal to the output voltage across the entire winding.
If the winding within an autotransformer has a ratio that allows for the output voltage at the far end of the winding, the total output voltage at the far end of the winding may result in an output voltage greater than the supplied input voltage to autotransformers. This is an important variable to keep in mind when creating a power source for multiple circuits through the use of autotransformers. Connecting a circuit to the end of the winding that cannot tolerate the amount of voltage at the end of the winding could cause damage to the circuit.
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