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Isolation transformer

An isolation transformer is a transformer used to transfer electrical power from a


source of alternating current (AC) power to some equipment or device while
isolating the powered device from the power source, usually for safety reasons.
Isolation transformers provide galvanic isolation and are used to protect against
electric shock, to suppress electrical noise in sensitive devices, or to transfer power
between two circuits which must not be connected. A transformer sold for isolation
is often built with special insulation between primary and secondary, and is specified
to withstand a high voltage between windings.

Isolation transformers block transmission of the DC component in signals from one


circuit to the other, but allow AC components in signals to pass. Transformers that
have a ratio of 1 to 1 between the primary and secondary windings are often used to
protect secondary circuits and individuals from electrical shocks between energized
A 230V isolation transformer
conductors and earth ground. Suitably designed isolation transformers block
interference caused byground loops. Isolation transformers with electrostatic shields
are used for power supplies for sensitive equipment such as computers, medical
devices, or laboratory instruments.

Contents
Terminology
Operation
Applications
Pulse transformers
Electronics Testing
Supply of equipment at elevated potentials
See also
References A 120V isolation transformer used for
voltage phase reversal in metering
External links
applications

Terminology
Sometimes the term is used to emphasize that a device is not an autotransformer whose primary and secondary circuits are
connected.[1] Power transformers with specified insulation between primary and secondary are not usually described only as
"isolation transformers" unless this is their primary function. Only transformers whose primary purpose is to isolate circuits are
routinely described as isolation transformers.

Operation
Isolation transformers are designed with attention to capacitive coupling between the two windings. The capacitance between
primary and secondary windings would also couple AC current from the primary to the secondary. A grounded Faraday shield
between the primary and the secondary greatly reduces the coupling of common-mode noise. This may be another winding or a metal
strip surrounding a winding.Differential noise can magnetically couple from the primary to the secondary of an isolation transformer,
and must be filtered out if a problem occurs.
Applications

Pulse transformers
Some small transformers are used for isolation inpulse circuits.[1][2]

Electronics Testing
In electronics testing and servicing, an isolation transformer is a 1:1 (under load)
power transformer used for safety. Without it, exposed live metal in a device under
test is at a hazardous voltage relative to grounded objects such as a heating radiator
or oscilloscope ground lead (a particular hazard with some old vacuum-tube
equipment with live chassis). With the transformer, as there is no conductive
connection between transformer secondary and earth, there is no danger in touching
a live part of the circuit while another part of the body is earthed
.
A simple 1:1 isolation transformer
with an extra dielectric barrier and an Electrical isolation is considered to be particularly important on medical equipment,
electrostatic shield between primary and special standards apply. Often the system must additionally be designed so that
and secondary. The grounded shield
fault conditions do not interrupt power, but generate a warning.[3]
prevents capacitive coupling
between primary and secondary
windings.
Supply of equipment at elevated potentials
Isolation transformers are also used for the power supply of devices not at ground
potential. An example is the Austin transformer for the power supply of air-traffic obstacle warning lamps on radio antenna masts.
Without the isolation transformer, the lighting circuits on the mast would conduct radio-frequency energy to ground through the
power supply.

See also
Austin transformer
Balun
Galvanic isolation
Power quality
Transformer types
Zigzag transformer

References
1. Website of typical electronics distributor(http://uk.farnell.com/)
2. Specification of a typical line of high-frequency electrically isolating pulse transformers in 16-pin DIL package
(http://
www.murata-ps.com/data/magnetics/kmp_1600.pdf) The manufacturer describes them as "data-bus isolators", but
some distributors describe them as isolation transformers.
3. Hugh Nash et. al, (ed),IEEE Recommended Practice for Electric Systems in Health Care Facilities, IEEE Standard
602-1996, ISBN 1-55937-772-0

External links
Transformer Isolation

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