Thank you very much! I hope you're still around, this was the first video I watched that made it clear enough for me to understand transformers. It wasn't that I didn't know what they did, but rather that you made the distinction between the voltage and amperage changes on the outputs and what the purpose of the taps on the input can do. Thank you, again.
Bullshit , maybe I'm just super slow / mentally retarded but he still managed to confuse me with "primary wiring is in from the wall , secondary is what we connect our load to"......? Why not just say , primary is what comes in and secondary is what comes out. Not everyone knows what he means when he refers to "load".
I took a transformer out of a computer PSU, it typically converts 240v into lower voltages obviously. I noticed it actually has 3 inputs on the input side, this is because one input remains the same, but it would be electrically moved from one pin to another whether it's being used with 240v or 120v. Essentially it's the tap thing you explained, the 120v I would say would have more windings, where as the 240v would be tapped in there before the windings are completed, because the 240v is already starting at a higher voltage to begin with. Then on the output side there were a crazy 7 pins, however 2 sets were connected on closer inspection, so actually it's 5 separate outputs. Being a computer power supply transformer, it's understandable as in a computer power supply it's meant to create 12v, 5v, 3.3v. It's using the tap method also on the output, so sharing one pin, and then different pins are used for different voltages, that would equate to 4 pins however, I found out that the fifth pin didn't appear to to anything, it also looked odd compared to the rest and didn't come from the actual roll of coiled wires, but just came out of the bottom of the frame. In order to figure out the voltages on these 4 outputs, and luckily with AC it doesn't matter what way you put things around as it's alternating anyway. It means you can attach simple devices to the transformer while it's powered up. Using a 12v bulb, it's simple to see. It's bright when you are between the 12v ones, it's drab when it's between the 5v ones, and it's not even lighting up between the 3.3v ones. Then you can use a permanent marker to put dots near the main ones so you don't have to remember, obviously I am using the 12v ones, this would be the full span of the output windings. I wasn't able to actually find a datasheet on it, to figure out it's amp allowance. But the power supply that this transformer came out of, said on it's box to not draw anymore than 280w. This tells me that I shouldn't draw anymore than 23 amps from this. However to be on the safe side I stick to around 200w flat, which is around nearly 17 amps, when it's run like this it only gets mildly warm so I know it's not hurting it. After all, if you burn these things out, they are totally useless, it's best to run them in a safe range, because I know they are expensive to replace. I turned mine into a DIY homemade heater, basically the transformer runs 2x 100w ebay bought resistors that were only 2 dollars each. I then use a large metal half tube over the transformer to cover it, and I put a small fan in between it and the resistors, it sucks air over the transformer and blows it onto the resistors, that are screwed onto a larger heatsink. This was very cheap to make, as I already had the heatsink, I already had the transformer and the computer fan, the only thing I had to purchase was the 2 resistors, so the total project only cost me 4 dollars. Despite being pretty low wattage, it doesn't spread the heat around the room fast, it's slow to dissipate, so it means it retains warmth more in a small area, this is very comfortable to take the nippy edge off the cold, I run it only around 50cm from where I sit at my computer desk. Of course because it is homemade I don't ever leave it on if I leave the house or room, it's turned off, as there is obviously no built in safety.
I have watched other uploads on this type of transformers and could never understood it but you sir made it so clear and I thank you keep up the good work God Bless
I stumbled across and found your channel. I'm really getting into learning about electronics. I wanted to stay, I really enjoy the way you describe components and systems. I also love the way you break components down into "crude" forms for description. Subscribed.
Hey Dude - Greetings from the Cold Dark North (Canada!) Your channel is awesome. I just recently discovered it. Yes - I want to see a video (preferably with your rocker long hair wig again), featuring the equipment you'd use to identify primary and the various secondary windings on an unidentified transformer...and the method to do so. Keep up the outstanding work & super fun and informative videos!!😎
In this part of my Electronic Principles class (military training) we were only taught that magic happens in the transformer and we won't bother reviewing it. I like this video's explanation better.
Mate. Good video however you missed some critical information about "how" a transformer works. The "transformation" from primary to secondary happens when the magnetic field around the core collapses or builds. This is why the input must be AC and not DC. That said if you apply DC, there will be current in the secondary whilst the magnetic field builds but then stop when the core "saturates" (magnetic field is at it's maximum). If you then remove the DC, current will be induced into the secondary as the magnetic field collapses. Chop the DC and you'll get (nearly) the same waveform at the secondary (at which point the waveform becomes AC :-| ). Keep up the good work.
Thank you very much for this video. I have been wanting to achieve a certain voltage/current arrangement on a 50va transformer. Your video has helped me to manage this.
I used to make industrial transformers in a machine made by Tanaka. Output was about 1000 a day. The machine wound 2 at a time. There was guarding all around the machine and the Tanaka wouldn’t start until it was engaged, but when the wire broke as the transformer was winding, bits would fly everywhere. I was still finding the occasional shrapnel in clothing 5 years after I left.
In a transformer is it more optimal to interlace the input wires like shoe laces or for the input and output wires to be strung left and right respectively along the iron core?
im convinced the downvoters were kitties in winter! gr8 vid for noobs, trying to troubleshoot 2 oldschool battery chargers from the 60s and this helped BIGTIME! at least i know how the wires work!
When identifying the primary and secondary cant you find the a pair , write down the resistance, find another pair and with the two different resistances use Vpri÷ V2nd = Npri÷N2ndary and on the transformer a tag should be there indicating ( not wire colors) but primary and secondary voltage. Depending on whether it's a step up or down transformer you could determine which pair is which by the ohms value as more turns ( N) will be the higher resistance. . To verify input the voltage on one and read the voltage on the other.
It would be very nice if you could make a video showing how to determine what are inputs & what are outputs on an unknown transformer. That question is what brought me to this great video in the first place. Thanks for making this helpful video.
Greatly informative. Thank you. Perhaps and video on building a safe and stable, variable power supply for safe experimenting power, would be a wonderful step-by-step instructional video. Perfect for the amateur garage lab experimenter. Thanks again for your time and creativity.
I like your video n it is an excellent source of knowledge.💪 Criticism: Pls speak louder 🔊 🔊 🔊 Next time. I had to increase the tv volume so many times just to hear u. 💪
Great video, very informative! I'm starting to understand a bit better about transformers. I'm working on a car battery charger/pyrography setup, but am stuck at how to correctly wire up the transformer. Any suggestions?
A video on how to figure out multiple leads of the same color would really be cool. When are you going to show us how to figure out the hookup ? Thanks and peace too.
Note: when disabling a microwave to salvage a transformer, discharge the capasitor by disconnecting it from the unit with insolated equipment. USE GLOVES AND A TOOL THAT IS NOT CONDUCTIVE. When the capasitor is disconnected note that it is still charged and can be fatel.
Hi I love the video but I have only 2 primary wires on my 3000w 110 /220 transformer and no secondary wires coming out could you explain how it works ? Cheers
A question: in the US we have a 240V secondary with a center tap to give 120V. The center tap is referred to as the neutral and said to have a voltage of 0. Why is the center tap’s voltage zero. Is this an inherent property of a center tap (if so, why) or is it simply because the neutral is connected to ground (as in the case of a breaker box)? Thanks much for your time.
If nothing else were at play you could arbitrary call any one of the secondary wires "zero volts." In the normal use in electrical distribution in North America, the 240 volts is often called "split phase." If you use the centre tap as your zero volt reference, then one end of the overall winding is 180 degrees out of phase with the other, with respect to the centre tap. For example if the instantaneous voltage on one lead were -50 volts with respect to the tap, the other lead would be +50 volts with respect to the tap. In power distribution the centre tap or "neutral" is normally connected to earth ground at the distribution transformer and at each electrical panel. This redundancy is a hedge against one of the connections going open. For example, if the neutral wire between the transformer and the panel in your house went open circuit for any reason, and there was no redundant path) then all the neutral connections in you house would be "hot" an present lethal shock hazard (along with the problem that current could then only flow from one end of the transformer winding to the other, and there would be no well-defined centre point).
Hi I have just checked the secondary current on my 50va transformer i was expecting less say 3.5 amps i seem to have just over 10 amps. I will look for another of your videos .Thank you
ive been looking for an informative video about transformer since im trouble shooting a welding machine, the welding has power but once i started working on it same connection explodes, (its the connection between switch going to the inner wire of the primary coil) can you help me fix the problem?
If the output from a toroidal transformer is going into a single ended rather than a push pull rectifier/amp then the toroid has to be broken in two and and reassembled with the two halfs being insulated from each other before the windings are wrapped. Why?
How do you test watt limit? I have a stepdown transformer, label had 1600 on it, now scratched out and 1000 written on top. How can I determine true watt and return to 1600?
why can't you just measure both resistances and the higher resistande has to be the secondary winding ? longer cable equals more windings equals more resistance or correct me if i'm wrong ?
Could you explain in detail what is happening with the grounding of these appliances that use transformers? As there is nothing in your analogy connecting the ground to the transformer, it is unclear if there is a step of safety in these applications.
Hi Sonny. Typically, a transformer does not require grounding. The "hot" wire and the "return"/"neutral" wire connect to the primary to generate a changing magnetic field that induces a current into the secondary and that's that. In some high voltage applications, such as in a microwave oven transformer, the core and/or the secondary "return" is sometimes connected to the third, "earth ground," wire which is also connected to the housing. This is to prevent electrostatic potentials from building up to the point that it could become a shock hazard.
I been looking at a BUNCH of videos and this one is the one that explains it so clear that I can finally understand it. Thank-you
This is the best explanation so far I have seen--speaking as an electronically challenged citizen.
Those 127 dislikes were searching for the movie... 😂 Thanks for the information, good explanation!
nope... Those 127 dislikes wired in paralel the toroidal transformer (Yet they had the one with a shunt).
@@CristianSpitz there's me thinking I was the only person with a toroidal shunt. My wife said to me WATCH OUT FOR THAT SHUNT, but I was too late....
@SkotKash lmao it took me a minute but that’s funny
So about a year ago we could see the number of dislikes 😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂😆 🤫
The chirping birds add a relaxing ambiance.
Although the volume on this video is too low for my laptop, the video is explained perfectly.
I gained some understanding. Thank you
Thank you very much! I hope you're still around, this was the first video I watched that made it clear enough for me to understand transformers. It wasn't that I didn't know what they did, but rather that you made the distinction between the voltage and amperage changes on the outputs and what the purpose of the taps on the input can do. Thank you, again.
If any of my teachers had any clue they would be like you...
You have a gift of making things seem simple. Awesome channel*****
Bullshit , maybe I'm just super slow / mentally retarded but he still managed to confuse me with "primary wiring is in from the wall , secondary is what we connect our load to"......? Why not just say , primary is what comes in and secondary is what comes out. Not everyone knows what he means when he refers to "load".
I took a transformer out of a computer PSU, it typically converts 240v into lower voltages obviously. I noticed it actually has 3 inputs on the input side, this is because one input remains the same, but it would be electrically moved from one pin to another whether it's being used with 240v or 120v. Essentially it's the tap thing you explained, the 120v I would say would have more windings, where as the 240v would be tapped in there before the windings are completed, because the 240v is already starting at a higher voltage to begin with.
Then on the output side there were a crazy 7 pins, however 2 sets were connected on closer inspection, so actually it's 5 separate outputs. Being a computer power supply transformer, it's understandable as in a computer power supply it's meant to create 12v, 5v, 3.3v.
It's using the tap method also on the output, so sharing one pin, and then different pins are used for different voltages, that would equate to 4 pins however, I found out that the fifth pin didn't appear to to anything, it also looked odd compared to the rest and didn't come from the actual roll of coiled wires, but just came out of the bottom of the frame.
In order to figure out the voltages on these 4 outputs, and luckily with AC it doesn't matter what way you put things around as it's alternating anyway. It means you can attach simple devices to the transformer while it's powered up. Using a 12v bulb, it's simple to see. It's bright when you are between the 12v ones, it's drab when it's between the 5v ones, and it's not even lighting up between the 3.3v ones. Then you can use a permanent marker to put dots near the main ones so you don't have to remember, obviously I am using the 12v ones, this would be the full span of the output windings.
I wasn't able to actually find a datasheet on it, to figure out it's amp allowance. But the power supply that this transformer came out of, said on it's box to not draw anymore than 280w. This tells me that I shouldn't draw anymore than 23 amps from this. However to be on the safe side I stick to around 200w flat, which is around nearly 17 amps, when it's run like this it only gets mildly warm so I know it's not hurting it. After all, if you burn these things out, they are totally useless, it's best to run them in a safe range, because I know they are expensive to replace.
I turned mine into a DIY homemade heater, basically the transformer runs 2x 100w ebay bought resistors that were only 2 dollars each. I then use a large metal half tube over the transformer to cover it, and I put a small fan in between it and the resistors, it sucks air over the transformer and blows it onto the resistors, that are screwed onto a larger heatsink. This was very cheap to make, as I already had the heatsink, I already had the transformer and the computer fan, the only thing I had to purchase was the 2 resistors, so the total project only cost me 4 dollars. Despite being pretty low wattage, it doesn't spread the heat around the room fast, it's slow to dissipate, so it means it retains warmth more in a small area, this is very comfortable to take the nippy edge off the cold, I run it only around 50cm from where I sit at my computer desk. Of course because it is homemade I don't ever leave it on if I leave the house or room, it's turned off, as there is obviously no built in safety.
I have watched other uploads on this type of transformers and could never understood it but you sir made it so clear and I thank you keep up the good work God Bless
I learned more about transformers from this one video than any other one I've watched before...great video
Man you're amazing, your explanations are so clear and to the point I find them very easy to follow. Thanks and stay blessed.
Iron Spider
Sir you give a simple and clear explanation I am sure almost anyone with basic knowledge will be able to understand.I thank you for this video.
I stumbled across and found your channel. I'm really getting into learning about electronics. I wanted to stay, I really enjoy the way you describe components and systems. I also love the way you break components down into "crude" forms for description. Subscribed.
Hey Dude - Greetings from the Cold Dark North (Canada!) Your channel is awesome. I just recently discovered it. Yes - I want to see a video (preferably with your rocker long hair wig again), featuring the equipment you'd use to identify primary and the various secondary windings on an unidentified transformer...and the method to do so. Keep up the outstanding work & super fun and informative videos!!😎
He is easy to listen to and understand. Im subbing.
very good bedtime story! nice video and quite informative!
You should be awarded the Nobel Prize, for everything. 👍🇬🇧😷
Great video! Would love to see a second video on transformers.
Hope you make a video how to identify primary and secondary winding to a salvage transformer with not just a multimeter, Thank You!!
The best video, really appreciate this outstanding and simple demonstration
Your explanation very clear and easy to understand thanks
In this part of my Electronic Principles class (military training) we were only taught that magic happens in the transformer and we won't bother reviewing it. I like this video's explanation better.
Wow. Great video. Explained quite consicely. Even I am able to get it.
Mate. Good video however you missed some critical information about "how" a transformer works.
The "transformation" from primary to secondary happens when the magnetic field around the core collapses or builds. This is why the input must be AC and not DC.
That said if you apply DC, there will be current in the secondary whilst the magnetic field builds but then stop when the core "saturates" (magnetic field is at it's maximum). If you then remove the DC, current will be induced into the secondary as the magnetic field collapses. Chop the DC and you'll get (nearly) the same waveform at the secondary (at which point the waveform becomes AC :-| ).
Keep up the good work.
Yep that's really fundamental and thanks for clearing that !
This video was more geared for basic fundamental understanding. What you are suggesting might be covered in a more advanced video
Straightforward and understandable for the layperson, thank you for posting!
Awesome teacher! Please more electronic videos, schematics & parts diagnosis. Thanks dude.
Thank you very much for this video. I have been wanting to achieve a certain voltage/current arrangement on a 50va transformer. Your video has helped me to manage this.
I used to make industrial transformers in a machine made by Tanaka. Output was about 1000 a day. The machine wound 2 at a time. There was guarding all around the machine and the Tanaka wouldn’t start until it was engaged, but when the wire broke as the transformer was winding, bits would fly everywhere. I was still finding the occasional shrapnel in clothing 5 years after I left.
I'm not a qualified electrician, but you have simplified this.
Great video! Love the channel. Cheers from Florida
Very nice video. I did flinch when you touched the big capacitor's contact, I treat them like a loaded gun.
In a transformer is it more optimal to interlace the input wires like shoe laces or for the input and output wires to be strung left and right respectively along the iron core?
Thanks for the info 👍 this helps me in my next project
im convinced the downvoters were kitties in winter! gr8 vid for noobs, trying to troubleshoot 2 oldschool battery chargers from the 60s and this helped BIGTIME! at least i know how the wires work!
Thanks for your encouragement! ;)
can you used aluminum wire in a transform and do it work better then copper wire
You were wrong didn’t put me to sleep. Good video thanks
Thank you very much You spoke clearly and gave understanding and principles of how a transformer works.
This.. this is the video I was looking for. Nice job, thank you.
Thank you. It all just kicked in!!
it was very informative . thanks a lot. ❤
Good video but I hate it when people post technical vids and say to put questions in the comment section but never answer any questions.
AndyB indeed
I definitely found this video informative. You did amazing job explain the basic fundamentals of a transformer.
I'll waiting for your next video.
Thanks
R
When identifying the primary and secondary cant you find the a pair , write down the resistance, find another pair and with the two different resistances use Vpri÷ V2nd = Npri÷N2ndary and on the transformer a tag should be there indicating ( not wire colors) but primary and secondary voltage. Depending on whether it's a step up or down transformer you could determine which pair is which by the ohms value as more turns ( N) will be the higher resistance. . To verify input the voltage on one and read the voltage on the other.
It would be very nice if you could make a video showing how to determine what are inputs & what are outputs on an unknown transformer. That question is what brought me to this great video in the first place. Thanks for making this helpful video.
Excellent video! Just stepping into electronics and this was very helpful.
Greatly informative. Thank you.
Perhaps and video on building a safe and stable, variable power supply for safe experimenting power, would be a wonderful step-by-step instructional video. Perfect for the amateur garage lab experimenter. Thanks again for your time and creativity.
Thank you. Explain it so well
So is there away to control the amps coming out of the second coil with a pot?
Wonderful explanation!
Thank you for the video, learning a ton!! Can't wait to see the next video explaining the Bridge rectifier and the capacitor.
You're welcome :)
I like your video n it is an excellent source of knowledge.💪
Criticism: Pls speak louder 🔊 🔊 🔊 Next time. I had to increase the tv volume so many times just to hear u. 💪
Bravo.......hey if u match the output v .......and run it in reverse .... v into output side .....can u do that........cheers
Great video, very informative! I'm starting to understand a bit better about transformers. I'm working on a car battery charger/pyrography setup, but am stuck at how to correctly wire up the transformer. Any suggestions?
Primary winding is power coming in and secondary is power coming out ??
Brilliantly explained and well presented. Thank you.
You are a good teacher
This was really useful, thank-you.
I can't thank you enough ! Your videos are immensely helpful with a project I have worked on for several years . Keep up the great work !
Very good, clean & simple video. Thanks for making it, I have a fairly good understanding of transformers now. Cheers 👌
Well done! Is the torriodal transformer morefficient?
Thank you for sharing your knowledge 👍👍
Thank you very much Sir for this very informative explanation about transformers Sir. It's brilliant.👍👍
What did you salvage that large transformer from? Thanks.
Will you repair for ur viewers?? I have 3 potentially needing repairs
great information. I know really get it. I had wished you did go into identifying the way to find primary using the method you eluded to.
A video on how to figure out multiple leads of the same color would really be cool. When are you going to show us how to figure out the hookup ? Thanks and peace too.
Very well presented, great
Awesome Explanation! Thank You!!!
Note: when disabling a microwave to salvage a transformer, discharge the capasitor by disconnecting it from the unit with insolated equipment. USE GLOVES AND A TOOL THAT IS NOT CONDUCTIVE.
When the capasitor is disconnected note that it is still charged and can be fatel.
I have 1 but only 1 wire come in gauge 10 or 8 and it winds and the other End come out is the same wire on the transformer . What's is it for ?
Great Video. More of these kinds of videos please.
Fantastic explanation thanks.
Please how do I locate the starting point of a transformer and can you show me. Thanks
Been looking for a video just like this ty so much definitely got a sub from me
Hi.
I would like to use 32v dual toroidal transformer.
It described 32v --- 0 --- 32v.
If I use two 32v wires then I can get 64v?
How do you get 12v and 24v simultaneously from a dual 12v secondary toroidal transformer?
what would cause transformer humming noise when the device is pluged in?
i have one of the round tranformer but i need to identify the wires can you help, great video
that was a great help just what i needed to know. thanks
Hi I love the video but I have only 2 primary wires on my 3000w 110 /220 transformer and no secondary wires coming out could you explain how it works ? Cheers
Most execellent explaination.thank you
A question: in the US we have a 240V secondary with a center tap to give 120V. The center tap is referred to as the neutral and said to have a voltage of 0. Why is the center tap’s voltage zero. Is this an inherent property of a center tap (if so, why) or is it simply because the neutral is connected to ground (as in the case of a breaker box)? Thanks much for your time.
If nothing else were at play you could arbitrary call any one of the secondary wires "zero volts." In the normal use in electrical distribution in North America, the 240 volts is often called "split phase." If you use the centre tap as your zero volt reference, then one end of the overall winding is 180 degrees out of phase with the other, with respect to the centre tap. For example if the instantaneous voltage on one lead were -50 volts with respect to the tap, the other lead would be +50 volts with respect to the tap.
In power distribution the centre tap or "neutral" is normally connected to earth ground at the distribution transformer and at each electrical panel. This redundancy is a hedge against one of the connections going open. For example, if the neutral wire between the transformer and the panel in your house went open circuit for any reason, and there was no redundant path) then all the neutral connections in you house would be "hot" an present lethal shock hazard (along with the problem that current could then only flow from one end of the transformer winding to the other, and there would be no well-defined centre point).
do Amp makers have an alternative to using a Torridial Transformer ?
very good explained, thx for this video
Hi I have just checked the secondary current on my 50va transformer i was expecting less say 3.5 amps i seem to have just over 10 amps. I will look for another of your videos .Thank you
So what do u do when faced with a transformer that has 5 output leads and need to tell a transformer man how to build a replacement ?
if my trans is rated fro 2amps with 12 volt output but has a tap for 6volt does that mean the amps become 4?
Thank you for the class, you rock.
ive been looking for an informative video about transformer since im trouble shooting a welding machine, the welding has power but once i started working on it same connection explodes, (its the connection between switch going to the inner wire of the primary coil) can you help me fix the problem?
If the output from a toroidal transformer is going into a single ended rather than a push pull rectifier/amp then the toroid has to be broken in two and and reassembled with the two halfs being insulated from each other before the windings are wrapped. Why?
thank you, you give us a lot of infomations
I was wondering if two high voltage transformers had to be re winded I am trying to repair a old welder. It's a zebra 30Z/230/208/240/220
that was very well explained, thanx
finally! i couldnt get my imagination to animate this nasty chapter. thanks a ton!
How do you test watt limit? I have a stepdown transformer, label had 1600 on it, now scratched out and 1000 written on top. How can I determine true watt and return to 1600?
why can't you just measure both resistances and the higher resistande has to be the secondary winding ?
longer cable equals more windings equals more resistance or correct me if i'm wrong ?
Thank you for this video.
Another great video. Thanks! Joe
Could you explain in detail what is happening with the grounding of these appliances that use transformers? As there is nothing in your analogy connecting the ground to the transformer, it is unclear if there is a step of safety in these applications.
Definitely something I know very little about (relationship between grounding and transformers). Would greatly appreciate your input
Hi Sonny. Typically, a transformer does not require grounding. The "hot" wire and the "return"/"neutral" wire connect to the primary to generate a changing magnetic field that induces a current into the secondary and that's that. In some high voltage applications, such as in a microwave oven transformer, the core and/or the secondary "return" is sometimes connected to the third, "earth ground," wire which is also connected to the housing. This is to prevent electrostatic potentials from building up to the point that it could become a shock hazard.