Rajasthan Powergen, the leading transformer manufacturing company in India is providing tips using which you can get the idea as how to test the transformer.
Transformer: A device that is used to transfer electrical energy from one circuit to another.
The transformer will either increase or decrease voltage in Alternating current (AC).
There are two types of AC transformers
- Linear transformer – Used in radios, project kits etc.
- Switch mode power transformer -Used in monitors, TV’s and fax etc
Main work of a transformer is to change the AC voltage. In power transformers, the core is made of iron. In radio frequency transformers the core is made of ferrite of air.
A step down transformer has lower AC voltage output in its secondary windings compared to the AC input voltage in the primary windings.
A step up transformer has higher secondary windings compared to the AC input voltage in the primary windings.
Testing of Transformers:
When transforms fail to work, they need to be tested. Generally trained people who know how to repair it should test it. Failure of a transformer is rare in electronic equipments.
If lot of current passes through windings and it heats up, then it can either open up completely or the insulation between the turns of the wires can be affected resulting in the coil being partially or completely shorted.
Best method to test a transformer:
- Remove the transformer from the board.
- Then first check the primary windings.
- To find out the primary winding, see the filter cap the positive pin to see where it goes in the circuit which will lead you to the pin of the transformer. Then check the middle pin which is the Drain which will lead you to another pin of the transformer. These two pins make the primary windings.
- By checking the resistance you will find out if it is open. Ringer test is used to check whether it is shorted. If it is shorted, it will blow up the power section.
Cheapest ringer test is fly back tester. When the probes are connected to the primary windings, the result is seen on the Led bar graph.
Bar shows 4-8: winding is in good condition.
Bar shows 1-2: there is partial short.
Led goes off completely: there is big short.
Expensive ringer tester will check and test transformers, high, current, and pulse transformers, electric and custom transformers.
Another method of testing is to use a light bulb.
- Remove one of the primary windings pin.
- Connect it to a 60 watt bulb. One end will be connected to the circuit and the other end will be connected to the transformer pin.
- If light in the bulb shines, it means that winding is shorted. If the light in bulb goes off it means that winding is alright.
It is necessary to have expertise knowledge and awareness about work before testing a transformer. If you are unaware about it, you should be aware about different methods of testing and will be able to know its various aspects. This is the reason why the tips are provided by the leading distribution transformer manufacturing company in India for your help.
