Safety and separation transformers

An isolation transformer is a special type of transformer whose ratio is equal to 1. This means that the output and input voltages are identical. In addition, the equipment has a galvanic separation between the primary and secondary windings. The isolation transformer serves as one of the basic forms of fire protection wherever there is a high risk of electric shock (e.g. in very damp rooms or inside metal tanks).

Transformers are devices used primarily to provide power supply with very specific characteristics. They allow, for example, the transfer of voltage, without changing the frequency, due to induction. Most often, this type of equipment is used to change the voltage so that the current is matched to the needs of the supplied system or device.

In the case of isolation transformers, things are a bit different. They are used primarily to protect circuits or wires. The essence of this protection is to eliminate the return path for the shock current, which may be generated as a result of the appearance of insulation damage or various types of other failures. The lack of such protection could cause the current to flow through the network user and lead to a very dangerous for health and life electric shock.

Separation transformer and galvanic separation?

For a better understanding of the operation of an isolation transformer, it is necessary to explain what the galvanic separation between the windings of the equipment is. It is a type of insulation constructed between at least two function blocks of the electrical system, which is designed to prevent electric current from flowing directly from one block to the other. Such separation increases the safety of the system and its efficiency, eliminating interference and feedback.

It is also worth mentioning the separation of receivers itself, which is created by separation transformers. It is nothing more than a fire protection measure consisting in powering installations and receivers through transformers or separation converters. At the same time, all active parts of the separated circuit are reliably electrically separated from other circuits and earth.

Isolation transformer functions

The isolation transformer transfers the voltage unchanged. This means that the frequency and the voltage between the windings are the same. The equipment is used primarily to make the system safer and to reduce the risk of possible electric shock. Due to the created separation and lack of earthing, the circuit will not be closed in the event of insulation damage or contact with live parts.

What's important – only one receiver is connected to the isolation transformer. Pairing it with more devices may result in a failure and, finally, damage the network or its individual elements.

Where is an isolation transformer used?

An isolation transformer should be installed wherever the risk of electric shock is extremely high. Practice shows that the equipment is used in low-voltage installations. The separation transformer is the basis for protection of wet rooms or in metal interiors (e.g. in containers, tanks, etc.). It can be used in distribution boards or cabinets. It is often used to protect all kinds of medical equipment.

Isolation transformer vs. safety transformer

The isolation transformer is often identified with the safety transformer. However, these are two completely different types of accessories. Safety transformer, colloquially referred to as “behapowiec” is used to power devices safe voltage. Therefore, it lowers its value and thus protects the operation of the system. In accordance with the PN-EN61558-2-6 standard, it has a protective separation of the primary and secondary windings, and its secondary voltage in no-load condition should not exceed 50V AC. It is used to power electrical circuits in places with a high risk of electric shock, as well as wherever its presence is required by the regulations in force in Poland.

An isolation transformer is used in systems where voltage separation is required. The output voltage is equal to the output voltage, and there is galvanic isolation between the primary and secondary windings. The equipment is installed in places where there is an increased risk of electric shock, where, for some reasons, devices with reduced voltage are not placed.

Isolation transformer – offer of the el12.pl store

The offer of the el12.pl store includes various types of separation transformers. It is possible to order from us accessories with a power of 4 to 5000VA. We have models for primary voltages of 12, 230, 400 and 500V, as well as secondary voltages of 5, 9, 11.5, 12, 17, 24, 42, 48, 110, 230 and 400V.

In addition to isolation transformers, the category also includes safety transformers. Almost all offered models are single-phase devices. We also offer accessories for specific applications, e.g. bell transformers, control transformers and many others.

In our store there are only transformers from well-known and reputable manufacturers. At el12.pl you can order accessories from such brands as Breve, Eaton, ETI Polam, Hager, Legrand and Noratel.

Orders placed in our store are processed in the shortest possible time. Purchases reach the customer at the address indicated within a maximum of three working days. The exception are models that we currently do not have in stock. In their case, the order fulfillment time may be extended to several weeks. Information about the approximate delivery date of the equipment purchased from us appears on the card of each product, next to the technical specification.