What is an Isolation Transformer?
An isolation transformer is a transformer in which the input winding and output winding are electrically isolated from each other. It is primarily used in industrial machine tools, medical equipment, and machinery for control power supplies, safety lighting, and indicator light power sources. The turns ratio is typically 1:1.
Isolation transformers are widely applied, and we can analyze their working principle.
They operate through induction between the primary and secondary windings, generating electromotive force via magnetic field coupling. There is no electrical connection between the input and output circuits—only energy transfer through the transformer’s magnetic field. Therefore, an isolation transformer can effectively block electrical interference between the input and output sides, ensuring stable voltage and current on the output side.
An isolation transformer can perform the following three functions:
- Isolate the secondary winding from ground (earth).
- Step up or step down the secondary voltage.
- Provide filtering to improve power quality.
Based on these functions, isolation transformers can be used in the following scenarios:
- Installed at the power input to isolate the input from the output, preventing electrical interference and noise on the input side from affecting the output voltage and current. This effectively blocks ground loop interference between the input and output, avoiding ground loop formation in the power system, which could affect system stability.
- Used as a safety device, isolation transformers prevent direct connection between the power source and equipment. Touching the secondary terminals of an isolation transformer will not cause electric shock because leakage current has no path to flow through the human body to ground, allowing maintenance personnel to safely troubleshoot and test electrical and electronic components.
- Help reduce power transients. Events such as lightning, switching, or sudden load changes can cause voltage spikes. An isolation transformer, due to its inductance, limits sudden changes in current.
About the Company
Shenzhen Shentebian Electric Equipment Co., Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jishengchang Group. Founded in 2004, the company operates its own industrial park and is an advanced, well-established professional transformer manufacturer. It was one of the earliest enterprises in Shenzhen to enter the power transformer manufacturing field. STB is the transformer brand under Shenzhen Shentebian Electric Equipment Co., Ltd.
