The overwhelming majority of household electrical appliances and equipment need a standard voltage of 220 V, which is provided by an ordinary socket located in the room. Sometimes situations arise when you need to connect a device that requires less voltage. These include low-voltage heaters, halogen lamps, LED lamps and much more.
To solve this problem, a step-down transformer is installed. It will not be difficult to purchase it in the nearest store, on the market, or on specialized Internet resources, if you wish, you can make it yourself. They are ubiquitous in almost every field of activity. Power units are mounted at substations and power lines. Step-down devices reduce 380 V to, for example, 220 V. They are called industrial step-down transformers.
Household workers work with less voltage. They convert 220 V to 42, 36, 24 and 12 V.
Content
- 1 How does it work?
- 2 What are they?
- 3 Why is the popularity of electronic transformers increasing?
- 4 How to choose?
- 5 Best step-down transformers for 2020
- 6 The best step-down transformers for halogen lamps
- 7 Best step-down transformers for 2020 for LED strips
- 8 The best transformers with a change of 220-12 / 24V
- 9 The best transformers with a change of 220-110 V
How does it work?
The device includes a ferromagnetic core and two windings. The division is due to the principle of action. The primary, in contact with the power grid, creates a magnetic field that crosses the turns of the secondary winding. There should be no contact between them. More turns in the primary will create a lower voltage. As a result, an electromotive force arises, generating a voltage that differs significantly from the input voltage.
Its performance is affected by the number of turns. The work is accompanied by inevitable losses amounting to 3% of the power.
The overwhelming majority of electrical household appliances require an AC network to operate. As a rule, step-down transformers are housed in a special case. But this is largely determined by its purpose and model and, of course, by the manufacturer itself. This is due to the fact that they act as constituent elements of most power supplies, stabilizers and other similar devices. Models with multiple terminals on the secondary winding are common. They won public recognition due to their versatility and versatility.
What are they?
The need for these devices served as an impetus for their improvement and division into types according to the tasks performed.
- Toroidal. It has a torus-shaped core. Used when small capacities are required. The device is characterized by small dimensions and low weight. This kind of design allows a good current density to be obtained because the winding on the core cools quickly. At the same time, it has the lowest indicators of magnetism. The main area of use is electronic devices.
- Rod. They have a different design. Its features include a winding covering the core of the magnetic drive. Simple construction makes winding insulation and repair easy. The main advantage lies in the cooling at a high level, due to which fewer wires are needed for the windings.The main area of use is medium and high power devices.
- Armored. They are classified as low power. The magnetic drive covers the winding and acts as a kind of armor. In all other respects, it is the same as the pivot. The exception is low power. They are inexpensive and have fewer coils.
- Multi-winding. The most common are two winding 1 phase devices. With the help of several secondary windings on the core, different voltages are obtained from the step-down transformer. The windings differ in the number of turns and the voltage they produce.
- Three-phase. In production, 3 single-phase transformers are used, placed on one core. The magnetic fluxes are balanced and add up to zero. The windings are delta or star connected. The latter is characterized by a common outlet for all phases. The triangle uses a series connection of all phases in a ring. Three-phase models are necessary to reduce the voltage in a three-phase network. They are widely used in industry and everyday life.
- Single-phase. Zero and phase are located on the primary winding. The most common type of device.
Why is the popularity of electronic transformers increasing?
Technological advances have contributed to the emergence of electronic step-down transformers on the market. In comparison with the classic ones, they have a number of advantages. This contributed to their consolidation in the market and their gradual introduction into the everyday life of an ordinary user.
One of the main features is the design. The usual coils and cores have been replaced by precision microcircuits, capacitors, resistors and other precise components. The use of this kind of device has its negative and positive aspects.
Advantages:
- Compact dimensions. In relation to classic transformers, they have become more compact and do not take up much free space. The novelty is compact, lightweight, easy to install and easy to use.
- High efficiency.
- An input load is required to start. Normal plugging in does not activate the transformer. This saves energy.
- Silent operating mode;
- High intensity work does not overheat the voltage converter. Under any load, the case temperature remains safe for humans and those around them.
- Built-in protection against short circuits and dangerous overloads.
- The device is equipped with a circuit that ensures the safe use of electrical networks;
- Affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- budget models have no protection;
- many models are delivered to counters without a built-in filter;
- quickly fails;
- low power.
How to choose?
A number of criteria determine the stability and quality of the transformer. These include.
- Input voltage. To determine its value, it is enough to study the marking on the case, 220, 380 V. The first one is enough for an ordinary consumer.
- Required current level. It is determined by the purpose and environment of use. In most cases, it is 12 or 36 volts. There is a special marking on the body that displays the value.
- Power. To determine it, calculate the sum of all devices that will connect to it, plus 20% of the received value.
- Safety. A high-quality device can withstand sudden changes in the network and other emergencies. To do this, it must have protection against short voltage, surges, overloads and other things. The presence of this kind of protection guarantees stable operation in any conditions.
Best step-down transformers for 2020
Gals ET-190E 60W
The device is designed for low voltage halogen lamps (12 V). The maximum power of the transformer is 60 W. The device operates on a regular household network (220 V). The maximum length of the wire to the lamp should not exceed 2 meters.
Advantages:
- small size;
- smooth inclusion;
- noiselessness;
- low cost.
Disadvantages:
- no short circuit protection.
CVGaudio T-20/16
A step-down transformer is used in speaker systems (16o hm) that are connected to the broadcast line. The device is equipped with four outputs for tapping different power and connects a speaker with a rated power of 20/10/5 / 2.5W in 100V mode. It has 2 legs, which, thanks to special holes, can be fixed to the audio system cabinet. Its recommended wattage is 30-50W (16o hm).
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- the delivery set includes a 15 m cable for connection, its ends are stripped and tinned;
- multi-colored cables for easy connection;
- does not distort sound.
Disadvantages:
- low power handling capacity of the audio system.
TR-08 8V AC
The small compact device is designed to power household appliances that do not require a stabilizing voltage, the maximum power of which is 8V. It is allowed to work together with the stabilizer.
Advantages:
- operation at temperatures from -25 to 35 С is possible;
- to protect the thermal protection triggered at a temperature of +115 C;
- compact dimensions;
- secure fastening with screw clamps;
- the maximum output current is 1A.
Disadvantages:
- short-circuit fuse missing.
The best step-down transformers for halogen lamps
Lightstar 517250 UNI
The novelty from the famous Italian brand Lightstar has received a stylish design that fits perfectly into almost any interior and does not stand out at all. Smooth start-up and three-stage protection ensure trouble-free operation of halogen lamps. The minimum power is 50 V.
Advantages:
- stylish design;
- smooth start extends the life of the bulbs;
- if the light bulb burns out and the resistance falls, the device cuts off the system;
- automatic shutdown in case of short circuit or sudden power surge;
- thermostat and thermostat exclude the possibility of overheating.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
ET 190 B Ecoline
The model is made in a plastic case and is designed for use in combination with low-voltage halogen lamps with a maximum power of 12 V. The kit includes a 2 m wire.When installing, do not forget about free air circulation, otherwise the temperature will exceed the permissible limits and the transformer will quickly come out out of service. The maximum load should not exceed the specified in the technical operation.
Advantages:
- the maximum air temperature is 70 C;
- small size;
- the degree of protection against the environment is IP20;
- permissible room temperature 40 C.
Disadvantages:
- the contacts are not covered with a cover;
- not dimmable unit;
- no short circuit protection.
FERON 250W 220-12V TRA110
A novelty from a Chinese brand that has proven itself on the positive side. The company has been on the market since 1997 and during this time has competed with European and American brands. This became possible due to the fact that they adhere to the principle of "providing the consumer with a quality product for little money."
Advantages:
- operating voltage 12 V;
- compact size;
- low weight of the device;
- affordable price;
- smooth start;
- thermostat for overheating and short circuit protection;
- silent work;
- the efficiency is 95%.
Disadvantages:
- plastic case;
- spreads in pink.
Best step-down transformers for 2020 for LED strips
Flesi 240 / 12V
Will become an indispensable assistant in the design of LED clip light for home decoration or playground. With him you can not worry about the safety of your garland. The maximum power is 300 W. There is the possibility of connecting 6 beams, each of which can be connected to 38 watts.
Advantages:
- high level of protection against dust and moisture IP44;
- cable length 15 m;
- a company with a worldwide reputation.
Disadvantages:
- high price.
360W 410 360 Lightstar
Product of an Italian company with a power of 360 watts.The power of the output voltage is 12V. The maximum permissible tape length is 5 m.
Advantages:
- holes for fastening are located on the body;
- the kit includes a mounting block for connecting tapes and wires;
- aluminium case;
- protection against voltage surges;
- withstands temperature fluctuations and high humidity.
Disadvantages:
- for large rooms additional costs will be required since the length of the tapes is 5 m
REXANT 200-200-2 200W
A compact multifunctional device that supports power supply of LED strips and other decorative lighting elements. The power supply unit, accepting 220 V, outputs 12 V.
Equipped with overheating and short circuit protection. The use of advanced developments in the field of technology has made it possible to qualitatively increase the stability of work. The aluminum case protects the functioning radioelements from accumulated heat.
Advantages:
- stable output current even with unstable voltage;
- screw terminals on the case for a secure and stable fixing;
- waterproof housing of IP67 class;
- contacts are protected from oxidation and loss of current.
Disadvantages:
- does not withstand high humidity.
The best transformers with a change of 220-12 / 24V
OSO-0.4 kVa 220 / 24V
Domestic product from Kostroma. The transformer is designed to operate in closed rooms with a stable temperature, the sun's rays should not fall on it.
Advantages:
- stationary installation;
- position in space does not matter;
- continuous operation.
Disadvantages:
- negative impact of dust on work;
- protection class IР00;
- high price.
TS40 / 12-24C
It belongs to the category of modular components System pro M compact and is also used in extra-low voltage power circuits with a maximum power not exceeding 40 V. Accidental contact with the secondary winding is allowed.
Advantages:
- compact size;
- designed for continuous operation;
- overload and short circuit protection;
- automatic power recovery after the problem is corrected and the required temperature limits are reached.
Disadvantages:
- great weight.
Neon-night 220-24 V, 30 W
The transformer from Neon-Night adapts the voltage to the consumer who needs a low-voltage power supply. Due to its low weight and reputation of the company, it is widely used where long-term service of lighting fixtures is important. To start it, it is necessary to supply a load to it, in other words, a permanent connection of the bulbs to the network is required. The lighting is switched on / off using a switch built into the primary circuit.
Advantages:
- profitability;
- reliability;
- product from a well-known manufacturer;
- the body is made of high quality materials.
Disadvantages:
- low class of dust and moisture protection.
The best transformers with a change of 220-110 V
Robiton 3P100
Power supply for electrical appliances with a voltage not exceeding 110 V. The maximum output power is 100 W. It is equipped with overheating, short circuit and overload protection.
Advantages:
- compact size;
- passed certification according to European quality standards;
- Includes a European-style power plug.
Disadvantages:
- from the output of 50 Hz, some clippers may not work correctly;
- supplies only one used device.
ATS220 / 100-100
The Polish toroidal transformer is designed for devices that require 100 - 120 V for their operation. It is equipped with an additional Japanese or American outlet, since most devices of this power come from those places. This saves money on the purchase of an additional adapter.
Advantages:
- protection against short circuit and overheating;
- automatic start after troubleshooting;
- light weight.
Disadvantages:
- low moisture resistance.
The top includes the best representatives of their class.They have won the trust of consumers in the market due to their high quality level and affordable prices. Together with them, you can not worry about your electrical appliances.