Converting Voltage through Transformers

There are two major standard voltage rating that are being used around the world which is either 110 or 220 volts AC (Alternating Current). This is the type of current that is running or providing electrical energy from your wall outlets. It is actually dangerous to have a direct skin contact to this level of voltage current. There were already countless number of incidents resulting to major burnt injuries and even deaths. So parents or guardians, watch your children and pets not to mess with the outlets. Some outlets do have covers that can be flipped after you are done using it.

Now, what exactly is the reason why some people need to "convert voltage with a transformer"?

Let's say for example that you ordered a Television Set from the Amazon without realizing that it utilizes a voltage rating of 110 volts while your country uses a standard of 220 volts. If you are just too ignorant to plug it directly into you outlet, the excessive current can burn your brand new Television Set's power supply and perhaps the entire main circuit board. The solution to this issue is to either return the product or use a "Step-Down Transformer". Use a "Step-Up Transformer" for the opposite situation.


Step-Up and Step-Down Transformers

Step-Down Transformers are more commonly used by countries using a standard of 220 volts while Step-Up for countries using 110 volts. Therefore, voltage converters are mainly used for products that are manufactured from a different country with incompatible voltage rating from yours.

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Electronic Components of a Voltage Converter

A voltage converter consists of electronic components such as resistors, capacitors and diodes which are capable of handling high amount of voltages that passes through them. But the main component is its transformer. I already have several experiences trying to disassemble a transformer just to check what they are made of. A common transformer is actually made of multiple metal plates with a shape of an E and | stuck firmly together. Then, a long copper coil wrapped around the holes of those piled metal plates.

The transformer is the one responsible for converting the voltage and current to a certain rating. There is a formula used for calculating the number of turns for the copper coil which is the basic but most crucial process when assembling a transformer. If the calculation or the number of turns is wrong then its voltage rating will give a different or inaccurate output.

DC Voltage Converter

A DC Voltage Converter is different from a Step-Up or Step Down Transformer. Step Up/Down Converters only converts voltage rating and not the current. This means that a converted AC current will still remain as an AC current. But for a DC Voltage Converter, most product has an AC input resulting into a converted DC voltage output.

Power Inverters

Power Inverter is the opposite of a DC Voltage Converter. It requires a DC input in order to produce an AC output. This electronic device is mostly used on cars or vehicles because these machines rely on their DC batteries. Through inverters, a vehicle can provide power to its head-lights, wipers, air-condition, sound stereos and etc...

Today, power inverters made its way for household use. There are now several companies that manufactures power inverters for home use resulting into lesser amount of monthly electrical bills for users to pay.

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