Transformers

Many people are familiar with the large devices on utility poles in their neighborhoods. Some have experienced the sound of a transformer going out due to a storm or a hapless squirrel that found a way to get into the shell of the unit. Electrical transformers are found everywhere and while most people know the term, they may not realize that the transformer is actually one of the most simplistic of electrical components, as well one that is easily replaced.

Essentially, a transformer is simply an electronic component that has no moving parts and requires no power of its own in order to operate. Transformers simply allows the transfer of electrical current from one circuit to another without creating any type of disruption or overload. This is accomplished with magnetic coupling rather that any type of moving parts. Since electrical transformers are so simple, they are easy ways to connect circuits at utility poles or other junctures in the local power system, making for an easy process for power transformers to supply current to homes and other types of buildings.

There are a number of companies that manufacture quality current transformer units and the parts they connect to in the grid. Acme Transformer is a long established source of power transformers and the couplings used to connect them into the circuits. Acme Transformers produce an array of transformers, such as the isolation transformer, the signal transformer, and step down transformer. Another manufacturer, Hammond Transformers, has an excellent line of electrical transformer components, such as essential transformer connections and couplings and an array of low voltage transformers.

Transformers are very reliable, with efficiency ratings running in the 95-99% range, depending on the location and how well planned that section of the grid happens to be. Of course, accidents do happen that lead to the need to replace transformers from time to time. A utility pole is hit and knocked down by an auto accident, or lighting may strike the unit, requiring that a new transformer be installed quickly. The nice thing is that it is pretty easy for the old unit to be disconnected and a new unit with new couplings be installed. Often, the local power company can schedule the job and have it done in no time at all, if the need to replace the units is not due to some natural disaster that has made it necessary to replace multiple units in a number of locations around town.