TRANSFORMERS - What They Are, How They Work, How Electricians Size Them

Let’s open up a transformer and dig through it to see how they work. Transformers are extremely useful devices used in electrical systems to raise and lower voltage. They’re also used for isolation, typically in cleaning up power. They only exist in the world of Alternating Current, however, so in DC circuits you won’t find transformers used.
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As an apprentice, I was always fascinated by transformers. They take incoming power and through thin-air (magnetic coupling) change that power to something different. You can feed 480-volts into the PRIMARY side of the transformer and get 240-volts out…and there are no moving parts. Maybe I’m weird but that just always seemed COOL to me!
Transformers are essentially constant-power devices. This means that you can change the voltage and amperage values but the power (wattage) through the device will remain the same. This is why transformers are rated in power (KVA or KiloVolt-Amperes). A 75kva transformer will remain 75kva no matter what we do with the voltage in or out. The relationship between the voltage and amperage is inverse through the device so if you feed 480-volts in at 100-amps, you’ll get 240-volts out at 200-amps. Both of which equal 48,000 VA (constant power)
There are many different types of transformers out there, but most commonly you’ll come across the Dry-Type Delta/Wye transformer. This means that the PRIMARY (incoming) side is wound differently than the SECONDARY (outgoing) side. The PRIMARY windings are wound in series with one-another (DELTA), whereas the SECONDARY windings are wound in parallel to one-another (WYE). There are several more types that we don’t get into in this video, but examples are Wye/Delta, Wye/Wye, Delta/Delta, and the ZigZag. These all operate the same way, but the results vary because the windings all address a specific problem or need.
Grounding and bonding of transformers is a really important thing to get right. Transformers are considered “separately derived systems” for the purposes of the National Electrical Code, so knowing how to bond the grounding and grounded conductors, as well as any grounding electrode, the metal enclosure of the transformer, and building steel is important.
This video covers how to size both single-phase and three-phase transformers, as well as gives some tips at the end for installing and working with them.
#transformer #magneticcoupling #electricity
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[@tonydyer5073]

Holy cow dude. My IBEW instructor could not explained this concept the way you just did. He made this subject more complicated than it had to be. Great job.

[@jessebellino9780]

Sadly there are few teachers I've had in my IBEW apprenticeship who can teach well. A lot of my learning comes from outside of the apprenticeship.

[@romeoarroyo2953]

i agree with you bro

[@eazypeazy7743]

@@jessebellino9780 have to teach yourself basically. The instructor there always talk about their time in the field and BS rather than teach

[@lpollock16]

I believe he never mentioned how to size the primary. Any one knows how to size the primary?

[@nuckalaskolew]

80% of our time in class was bullshitting. Most of my knowledge came from searching on my own.

[@eazzzye2003]

For those with little to zero experience with transformers - but always worked around them - this video is a cool little "cliff notes" version of how and why they do what they do. I'm low voltage by trade, but have always been fascinated by electricity. I've completely rewired my own home (to code, passed inspection) so I'm familiar with single phase, but the three-phase w/associated transformers always escaped me. Thanks for putting this together.

[@misterbean4125]

You could tell this dude paid his dues. Excellent informative video, especially coming from someone who still works in the trade.

[@SgtJoeSmith]

Yeah unlike the liberal kids now days that don't know crap but think they should get paid the same

[@ayeitsshane806]

@@SgtJoeSmith yeah its fucking ridiculous. We put in blood sweat and tears to build our career and pay and they just want to raise everything 7-8$ do we get that raise on top of our pay? Thats what they don't get

[@SgtJoeSmith]

@@ayeitsshane806 if min wage goes from 10 to 15 an hour....ok are the people at 15 now gonna quietly stay put or they gonna want 20. And the people at 20 they gonna want 30. And so on. My job is 5 times as hard and got to be 10 times smarter than min wage workers. I've lost tip of finger. Burnt. On fire. Shocked. Run chainsaw in dark in rain and tornado warnings. Been hospitalized. Almost killed. Knocked unconscious. So if filling cups with coke and frying French fries and putting subway sandwiches together is worth paying a teen that don't even know how many states in the country $15 an hour plus another $10 an hour in benefits. Then my job with my $5k in chainsaws should be worth $300 an hour. I guarantee none those burger flippers will do it for any less than $300 an hour. They won't spend $5k on tools to make $300 an hour. They won't even pay $500 a year for insurance that the subtract on taxes to work a $60k job. And if my job is only pay 30 an hour well I'm better off flipping burgers at 15 an hour. And the boss wants a raise too so who pays for all the raises. Well the customer. But they can afford to pay double for everything cause they got a $5 an hour raise too. And now we gone full circle. Everyone has more money but can only buy the same stuff as before the raise. Cause the dollar isnt worth a dollar anymore. It's only worth half so now you need 2$. And that's call inflation. A stupid kid told me they wouldn't need to raise min wage if there wasn't inflation. Like we wouldn't have inflation if we didn't raise min wage.

[@SgtJoeSmith]

@@ayeitsshane806 I have this economic theory called the subway paradox. No matter what the min wage is. A subway employee still gas to work 1 hour to buy a foot long at subway. $5 foot longs are now $10. Soon to be $15 foot longs.

[@ayeitsshane806]

@@SgtJoeSmith agreed and at the end of the day the working man suffers for it

[@dwaynephillips3457]

Welcome back Dustin! We just finished intro to 3 phase and transformers in trade school. You touched on a lot of mechanical installation points that were never mentioned in class. Thank you so much!

[@kylem4088]

Thank you so much for the video! I remember asking for a transformer video on your ideal competition video. Super cool to see that you remembered and took the time to explain something my school hasn’t yet

[@mrfixitdon]

I'm just a home owner and your videos taught me how to wire my house. The inspector came in with a magnifying glass and passed me after doing a 90 minute inspection.

[@whit6282]

That’s awesome bet the wallet felt heavier that day

[@dallas5374]

Hire a professional.

[@georgetorres1990]

@@dallas5374 no such thing in this day and age

[@isaeproductions5217]

@@dallas5374 If he was able to pass with a stickler of an inspector he's better than alot of "professionals"

[@guarionexgarcia8727]

Thank you

[@johnrocha5294]

Hey Dustin, just like to say that I enjoy learning from your videos. I’ve been watching your videos since my first year in the trade and now I’m a journeyman electrician after 4 years in the trade , I start at a new company in Austin tomorrow. Thanks for your videos , they have been a great help ! Keep up the great work!

[@oneslow6.018]

I graduated from IEC and have learned far more from your videos than all 4 years I spent in school during my apprenticeship

[@mastaplanna9771]

A year ago I was lost when I watched this video…I revisited and have a much clearer understanding of electrical concepts and this video really showed me that studies are paying off

[@bchluvrxyz816]

Having installed various sized transformers for many years, this is the best explanation and visual breakdown of the inner workings and function of a transformer.

[@rfpeace]

Yes!!! more transformer stuff PLEASE :) I was just checking your channel yesterday to see if maybe my notifications got changed! Good to see your back on it. Cheers!!!

[@Perez4]

Awesome video, great break down! Thank you for the information and helping me get a better understanding on transformers. 🤘

[@Gruntled2001]

Dustin, you are back dude! Can't wait for all the new vids - watching this one now!!

[@RS_83]

Привет, рад вас видеть здесь тоже. Подписан на вас))

[@Gruntled2001]

@@RS_83 Спасибо!! )

[@Gruntled2001]

@@RS_83 И Вас рад видеть Мир тесен!!

[@jeepsaround]

Always great content. These videos are easier to grasp in small bits than just cruising through the apprentice curriculum in larger chunks with tons of broad info at once

[@TnTBLACK95]

Your videos are great and helpful to tons of folks. I'm just adding a few things that may help some of your subscribers. 1)The primary and secondary side of a transformer is in respect to power flow. A step up transformer would have higher voltage on the load/secondary side and lower voltage and the source/primary side. 2)You don't necessarily get half the voltage with half the windings. The only time that happens with nominal voltages is with a Delta/Delta configuration. A 138kv to 69kv substation transformer would be a ratio of 2 primary windings for every secondary. But a 2:1 ratio in a WYE/WYE 277/480 would be 139/240. Because when calculating ratio you use phase to phase voltages on Delta and phase to ground on WYE (phase to ground is phase to phase divided by 1.732). Understanding this is a huge deal when calculating which tap to use on a transformer. 3) Knowing that Watts is "Real Power" that actually does work. Volt Amps is apparent power, real power plus reactive power. Reactive power does no actual work, like exciting a transformer that has Zero load on it. Electric co. has to generate the power to energize a transformer but the customer is not charged. Residential customers pay for kWH, commercial customers are charged for not staying with certain power factor set by the state corporation commission. Size transformers by VA not Watts. 4) Transformer windings are wound in conjunction with the nameplate vector. In your diagram the X0 -X1 winding would be induced by the H3-H2 winding. When connecting a TTR (Turn to Turn Ratio) tester to ratio the windings this is important to know, otherwise you would not be able to perform the test. Keep up the good work.

[@scottgrafer2222]

This just might be your best video yet. Excellent job, and yes please on more transformer vids.

[@chattfiremike]

That was a really good, simplified explanation of transformers. Thanks Dustin!

[@MrWzeljunior]

Welcome back Justin! Can you please do a video on the Voltage/Amp inputs and outputs of the Delta and Wye configurations?

[@tennysonnorman3142]

You are easier to understand than all my instructor.

[@afdfire12]

Loved the video as usual!! Keep the transformer vids coming please. Your videos help tons!!

[@EverydayNews4You]

This video couldn't have come at a more perfect time. We're doing transformers in theory right now . 3 phase power is insane! Do motors next!

[@DaveSParty]

You are a WEALTH of knowledge and a great teacher. Thank you for sharing that. As a robotic technician, I had so many questions about these transformers. Especially the taps. Please keep it coming.

[@troy9616]

Awesome information delivery. Love it.

[@jorgejetson3914]

Love your vids man keep on putting them out brother 💪

[@Aepek]

Glad to see ya back at it & making some new content for us.👍🏻 Hope had a good break & everything cool. See ya on next vid, CHEERS✌🏼

[@santiagoperez626]

We're learning about magnetic inductance in class. This is good info and great quality.

[@johnlee7622]

These videos are great bro, as a guy waiting to take his test and been in the business 8 long years these videos are immensely helpful, I have installed transformers on the job w out truly understanding the theory behind it, thank u my friend!!!!! I’ll deff subscribe!!! Ure a good electrician!!!!

[@tylersteffel4301]

Awesome video! Leaned a ton and you explain it so well man. Thank you.

[@jordantyers119]

Hell yeah dude! Very informative 👍👍thanks for all of your hard work making these videos man. Keep up the good work

[@michaelcraig4235]

Great video ! I've been trying to get a better understanding of how transformers are wound to get desired output voltage.

[@chinuasolomon3553]

We have the show respect to Dustin for always willing to take the time to teach what he knew from years of learning and experience. Here in the Caribbean you hardly have person will to take the time to teach anything. Like him I love what I do so teaching someone else is everything to me.

[@brandonmartindale767]

Thank you man! This was very helpful and made perfect sense to me. I really appreciate it your videos. Keep up the great work.

[@gonzaloarroyo3579]

Thanks for your videos!! Your details and information makes it much easier to comprehend!

[@Alex-qp8zz]

Well done video bro, glad you're back!

[@robertchapman2481]

I appreciate your way of teaching, thank you for all you do...your time.

[@FS-zv8kt]

Great video. You took a complicated subject and made it understandable. Thank You.

[@nccv121]

Great video man! Keep them coming!

[@Joethetooltech]

Great video, thanks this helps me visualize the guts, how the current flows, & why.

[@tomphillips8565]

Thanks for such great information to share with us. Great job!

[@Sarratak]

Great video. I sat all the way through it. Electricity is very fascinating

[@KenPryor]

Excellent video. You are a natural at teaching. Thanks for all the work you do educating us.

[@jamaalaziz9910]

This helps alot Justin because our journeyman are to pressed to get things hooked in our shop to break it down like you do.. YOU ARE MUCH APPRECIATED!!!! Thank you brother @electricianu

[@audelioespinoza1934]

Thanks for all these great videos they help everybody, apprentice, young and old electricians

[@scottmason3476]

I as in the rest of your subscribers really appreciate your efforts to take the time out of your day to HELP us get a better understanding of the tasks we encounter over the course of our CAREERS! I can't as well as others thank you enough! Please keep it coming.

[@jfox3501]

Awesome breakdown!! Very detailed and good catch-up material. 👍🏻

[@alexhuseman9472]

Yoo this is so cool! One day maybe my electrical career will take me to this kind of work. Thank you so much for these videos I’m learning a lot!

[@pinchermartyn3959]

Really useful explanation. ive been scratching my head about this one. Very helpful. Thanks.

[@iturbo5733]

Thanks.....I am a student in an Industrial Electricity 2-year program and your videos are really helping me understand the relationships better than class alone.

[@axelychistwins9557]

Great explanation thank you

[@paulkhai]

Dustin This is probably the most in depth transformer video I have ever watched. I'm a visual person and what you did in this video have really helped me understand transformers. This is by far the best. Even way much better than Ryan Jackson. You are the man!!!! Thank you for taking your time to teach us.

[@pjballs69]

I dunno man, have u seen the first one with Shia LaBeouf? Pretty good

[@kevinvtx]

Excellent video. Great content and explained well for a varied audience. Thanks!

[@Fret01]

Very good explanations. It helped me get rid of some confusion.

[@vandrip]

Another fantastic vid dude. Great stuff. Easily some of the best content on youtube for our trade.

[@nickdolan199]

Excellent video! Not only informative but well explained and entertaining. Thanks!

[@ElectricianU]

thank you my friend!

[@possibility28able]

This was awesome man. Been in the field for about 6 years now and never had to deal much with transformers, this really connected a lot of the missing dots. Have learned a lot about theory and why you do things just not much hands on. Great vid. Love the more in depth stuff like the sizing and theory of delta and wye you were talking about going into in another video

[@jameshale2440]

Bro youve worked 6 yrs and havent done much hands on.. Wtf have u been doin, i bet your a material runner which is ok big companies gotta have em but, gets ur hand on even if u gotta aggravate em to death... Youll get there

[@possibility28able]

@@jameshale2440 Sorry for misleading. All hands on, just not much with transformers.

[@Johnny206]

1.5 months into my apprenticeship. Today we were working on wiring 3 phase from secondary 408 panel to transformer to 208 panel today. I’m like man wtf am I looking at 🤣. My journeymen of 30 plus years who i wish we had the time to chat all day has helped a lot but man we’re there to work on the site. This helped out so much. Thanks man. Can’t wait to get back it tomorrow with a little more knowledge.

[@paulmendez7679]

Crazy good information, many thanks!

[@sunshine7453]

Your explanation is best and clear. I have learned a lot from you. Thank you!

[@ThomasKBurke]

Great vid dude. Really well done.

[@robertcoiley2999]

Awesome video!! Very helpful.

[@juliogomez8766]

What a Great Explanation Man! it's very educational and detail.

[@tschaeffer5]

Thanks for the information. Can’t wait for the next post 😀

[@Npeake56]

Cool video. Finally feel like I understand how the windings are configured inside a transformer.

[@ajlajl2992]

Good shit bro!!! Learned a lot!!

[@juanito093000]

Phenomenal video thank you this helped a ton

[@victorf361]

Thank you so much for all this free knowledge Dustin, im currently in my 2nd year in my apprenticeship and i just started transformers, unforunatly our insturctor doesn't really teach, its more of just do these lessons in the book and i have no idea what im looking at. But your videos help TREMENDOUSLY!

[@nestorreyes5253]

thanks! such clarity!

[@billydyal6947]

Great video, I have been in the field over 30 years and I’m going to ask our helpers to start watching you !

[@louisreyes-layne5008]

Very good information. Made simple by someone who knows what he's talking about. Perfect bridge from theory to practice. Thank you.

[@kenw1467]

This hands -on explanation was very easy to follow and very useful - Thank you lots

[@mustangmaxford1965]

Enjoyed the video. I’ll be watching more. Thanks.

[@davcot3675]

Power is power can’t change that Ohms law at work. Amazing how simple it is. Another great vid.

[@jeffm2787]

LOL, until you toss in Eddy currents, Inductive and Capacitive reactance, skin effect, etc. etc.

[@ziptargets]

Always make amazing content. Thank you for taking time to explain.

[@jaredsummers2460]

Very very helpful - much appreciated !

[@thenuts133]

thank you. I learned so much. I was wondering alot of this. as I am a tinkerer

[@randymathews3348]

Welcome back my guy. Would love you're thoughts on the NEC changes

[@seniorcomputer3292]

National Exception Code.

[@KlynRae]

Great info!!! Thank you!!!

[@allyourbasebelong2we]

Awesome vid, much appreciated

[@nickgrainger2815]

Easy to understand great job

[@ZacCoventry]

Excellent video. Thanks!

[@elc2k385]

Nice basic video on transformers, thanks.

[@icevariable9600]

An incredibly valuable video. Thanks.

[@poohbears1995]

Very informative article. Thank you.

[@abimaelyisrael858]

Thanks for this video. I learned a lot from it.

[@GrngulaMC]

Really good video, thank you.

[@ElectricianU]

Thanks for watching, glad you got some value from it!

[@ivanromaniuk7080]

Great explained . Thanks

[@zackfogenay1532]

Your explanation is effortless and natural keep doing what you do. It is very much appreciated

[@fresh55n9ne]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@lobosk8tr]

This video was very helpful! Cheers! 🍺

[@romeoarroyo2953]

Wow! your discussion on the wye and delta connection made me undertsand it clearer❤️❤️❤️

[@p.aldama4983]

Gracias Dustin. Te agradezco que compartas tus conocimientos. Not sure if you understand it, but hopefully you do.

[@rogerlumapat204]

Thank you I understand you more easier than other ,

[@barnburner2475]

Good explanations, much appreciated.

[@eacjones]

Thx for the video! Very helpful, you should do a video or series for us HVAC guys who are still learning how work through some of our HVAC electrical problems.

[@shashka19]

Thanks man. That was really informative

[@glennmurphy9297]

excellent nuts and bolts explanation, appreciate it.

[@Thentertainer12]

This is awesome. Your doing a really great job educating all of us. Keep up the good work!

[@ElectricianU]

Thank you for watching!

[@edsmith8432]

Very good you’re very informative..

[@luisloya1120]

Great video, I appreciate it

[@etzatlan11]

Thanks alot for your time and support