Transformers 101: How They Work & How To Wire Them

[@wayneolson2221]

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

[@johnheuser5000]

This is the best explanation so far I have seen--speaking as an electronically challenged citizen.

[@Ekvorivious]

Those 127 dislikes were searching for the movie... 😂 Thanks for the information, good explanation!

[@CristianSpitz]

nope... Those 127 dislikes wired in paralel the toroidal transformer (Yet they had the one with a shunt).

[@Greebstreebling]

@@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....

[@jacktownsend3382]

@SkotKash lmao it took me a minute but that’s funny

[@kennedymutinda4806]

So about a year ago we could see the number of dislikes 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@james77011]

😂😆 🤫

[@LifeGeneralist]

Although the volume on this video is too low for my laptop, the video is explained perfectly. I gained some understanding. Thank you

[@billyrain6764]

The chirping birds add a relaxing ambiance.

[@halfbeardsilvertongue5129]

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.

[@ziongite]

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.

[@michaelr6205]

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.

[@lovinglife5572]

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

[@titodejesus6238]

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.

[@INCYTER]

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!!😎

[@rudiandrewharris2026]

If any of my teachers had any clue they would be like you... You have a gift of making things seem simple. Awesome channel*****

[@travishaynes1180]

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".

[@jasongooden917]

I learned more about transformers from this one video than any other one I've watched before...great video

[@nathanzimmerman5846]

Great video! Would love to see a second video on transformers.

[@azxde9266]

very good bedtime story! nice video and quite informative!

[@darwinnojadera4144]

Hope you make a video how to identify primary and secondary winding to a salvage transformer with not just a multimeter, Thank You!!

[@normanchambers1356]

Awesome teacher! Please more electronic videos, schematics & parts diagnosis. Thanks dude.

[@mcorrade]

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.

[@ironspider9026]

Man you're amazing, your explanations are so clear and to the point I find them very easy to follow. Thanks and stay blessed.

[@carroltamangaro742]

Iron Spider

[@shawngoldsberry747]

He is easy to listen to and understand. Im subbing.

[@TeddehSpaghetti]

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.

[@mattharvey8712]

Bravo.......hey if u match the output v .......and run it in reverse .... v into output side .....can u do that........cheers

[@walker55able]

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.

[@ramane2900]

Wow. Great video. Explained quite consicely. Even I am able to get it.

[@InsatiableCuriosity-q9s]

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.

[@TheClampetts]

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.

[@vinmansucc2698]

Your explanation very clear and easy to understand thanks

[@petewade7750]

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?

[@VeracityTrigger]

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?

[@ryanmalin]

Great video! Love the channel. Cheers from Florida

[@weetarted3715]

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.

[@sand0077]

Straightforward and understandable for the layperson, thank you for posting!

[@muxallopeniot9194]

I definitely found this video informative. You did amazing job explain the basic fundamentals of a transformer.

[@johncware66]

Very nice video. I did flinch when you touched the big capacitor's contact, I treat them like a loaded gun.

[@dgb5820]

The best video, really appreciate this outstanding and simple demonstration

[@joerandom756]

So is there away to control the amps coming out of the second coil with a pot?

[@qunicyjohn1171]

Thanks for the info 👍 this helps me in my next project

[@jamesallen6007]

You should be awarded the Nobel Prize, for everything. 👍🇬🇧😷

[@walker55able]

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

[@waynegarfield6607]

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.

[@pat2655]

Thank you very much You spoke clearly and gave understanding and principles of how a transformer works.

[@mikedo2031]

can you used aluminum wire in a transform and do it work better then copper wire

[@hightekkrednek]

This.. this is the video I was looking for. Nice job, thank you.

[@fefafafe5059]

I'll waiting for your next video. Thanks R

[@groundzonepilot7536]

Very good, clean & simple video. Thanks for making it, I have a fairly good understanding of transformers now. Cheers 👌

[@JoshuaChandia-ih8sy]

Wonderful explanation!

[@rodsofgod6863]

Thank you for the video, learning a ton!! Can't wait to see the next video explaining the Bridge rectifier and the capacitor.

[@Schematix]

You're welcome :)

[@pedritoc.c.t.665]

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 ?

[@harryhino2267]

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.

[@PerchEagle]

Yep that's really fundamental and thanks for clearing that !

[@miguelmunoz2440]

This video was more geared for basic fundamental understanding. What you are suggesting might be covered in a more advanced video

[@BooktownBoy]

Brilliantly explained and well presented. Thank you.

[@mattpiper5278]

Excellent video! Just stepping into electronics and this was very helpful.

[@slasher102]

i have one of the round tranformer but i need to identify the wires can you help, great video

[@ArthurRhamdeow]

Very well presented, great

[@fstarockaburns425]

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!

[@Schematix]

Thanks for your encouragement! ;)

[@erfanmoradi9530]

it was very informative . thanks a lot. ❤

[@robertgift]

Well done! Is the torriodal transformer morefficient?

[@ramaroodle]

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.

[@thenegotiator9701]

AndyB indeed

[@anthonyalvarado5899]

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

[@YonghwanShin]

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?

[@victoryfirst2878]

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.

[@damianmccartan9793]

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

[@travishaynes1180]

Primary winding is power coming in and secondary is power coming out ??

[@janmichaelmilo1546]

Thank you very much Sir for this very informative explanation about transformers Sir. It's brilliant.👍👍

[@thedronehorseman4713]

I did what you did and short circuit live and neutral in Australia and wound them a couple times around an iron drill bit but it threw the safety cut off switch when I did!

[@harukoyama9515]

Thank you for the knowledge. Now so know on AC if copper wire turn around a metal. It does not short out... I was wondering how the circular type of transformer is winding. Is primary wind around a circular metal. While circular winding go on top of primary winding.

[@Dixitkushagra175]

Great Video. More of these kinds of videos please.

[@CLEFFJOE]

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. 💪

[@preciouschy8268]

Please how do I locate the starting point of a transformer and can you show me. Thanks

[@PnPModular]

Great video hope you made the video on what equipment you need to check primary and secondary as this would massively benefit me I've subscribed thanks again

[@vk3tkq333]

You were wrong didn’t put me to sleep. Good video thanks

[@rich1051414]

Does it matter which is the 'intended' primary winding, as that would depend on if you want to step up or down the voltage? A simple continuity test can be used to figure out which wires are electrically connected to each other.

[@ARCSTREAMS]

if my trans is rated fro 2amps with 12 volt output but has a tap for 6volt does that mean the amps become 4?

[@tinkeringwithmark1186]

Thank you. It all just kicked in!!

[@elioalcala4371]

May I know if I can modify the inside space of secondary winding ? to be able to fit the corrrect number of rounds? for welding or charging machines

[@malibongwengcai1994]

I'm not a qualified electrician, but you have simplified this.

[@jonathansandiford4137]

How do you get 12v and 24v simultaneously from a dual 12v secondary toroidal transformer?

[@BobbieGWhiz]

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.

[@d614gakadoug9]

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).

[@tawficyakubu5116]

You are a good teacher

[@deserteagleiii1643]

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?

[@BangBang-oz7xt]

Thank you. Explain it so well

[@victorreppeto7050]

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?

[@acestudioscouk-Ace-G0ACE]

This was really useful, thank-you.

[@anthonycook8737]

What did you salvage that large transformer from? Thanks.

[@efaure2008]

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?

[@adrianclark9581]

Fantastic explanation thanks.

[@DrBroncanuus]

do Amp makers have an alternative to using a Torridial Transformer ?

[@glennedward2201]

Curious about toroidals that have 4 input wires, two red, two black. I presume this means they can be wired 120v. 240v. When the supplier provides no schematic for connection, How would a person connect it? On the output side it has buck converters to dc pre connected.

[@AnalogDude_]

Use a multimeter.

[@johnkirby5637]

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 !

[@robertsnead6844]

I am currently building a solar/wind system. I have 4 120vac at 41.67 amps. Inverters I have been told by an electrician that the 4 outputs of the inverters can be wired into the primary with only a single input? This seems odd to me from an electronics standpoint. If I tried to connect 4 outputs onto the only primary winding of a transformer, that the inverters would be back feeding into each other thus destroying the inverters and possibly the transformer? I need the 4 5kw to feed my primary and give me 120vac split phase output. I am pretty sure that the electrician didn't understand what I was trying to do. The only way I know to not burn out anything is to make my own transformer using 100 turns for each inverter, then my secondary would have 100 turns that I could wire into my step-down transformer input and get 240 roughly 83 amps and then the secondary on the single input transformer would give me 120 vac split phase. I may not have the number of turns correct for the inverter input to get 240 vac 83 amps out. Unless I am remembering it backwards I think that it's 25 turns per primary input, and 100 turns on the output to get 240 vac. I haven't found a multi input primary step-down transformer yet. I do have an old transformer with 1 set of inputs that will output up to 10k vac across the secondaries. The internal wiring of this transformer has been gone for years but the secondary is center tapped with 5 outputs either side. Wish I had the internal diagram. Am I on the right path and correct that you can't hook the outputs of 4 inverters parallel into the only input without burning out the inverters.

[@Odenix75]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge 👍👍

[@20thcenturyboy85]

Awesome Explanation! Thank You!!!

[@MrArmsDeal]

Hi there, great video. I watched your video ‘Transformers 101: How they work & How to Wire them’. You made mention of how to find out the Primary Winding from the Secondary Windings if the connections weren’t obvious, and that you may do a video in the future to show how it’s done. Did you ever do this? I have a transformer that was salvaged from a photographic film processing mini-lab, it’s very large in size and rated at 550VA. It has a manufactures label on it with the following markings: TYPE: S-9UF3. CAP: 550VA. PHASE: 1. FREQ: 50/60. MANUF No: 9391094Y. Chuo Electric Ind. Co Ltd. Japan. I’ve had a hunt on the web but can’t find any specs on it. It appears to have just a single set (core) of windings (i.e. all the windings are on top of each other on a single bobbin with various tapings extending from the centre to the radius), unlike your video on the microwave transformer conversion, where the primary and the secondary are two separate coils (bobbins) and easy to see. Each of the tapings terminate on a terminal strip on the top of the transformer and have the following markings on a label fixed to the terminal connector block (from left to right): ‘EXT’ - ‘PO’ - ‘200’ - ‘220’ - ‘240’ - ‘TO’ - ‘100’ - ‘SO’ - ’17.5’ - ‘24’ I have checked for continuity across each of the terminals, and from what I guess is each of the winding’s ‘PO’ ‘TO’ and ‘SO’ ‘PO’ to ‘200’ value 1.2ohms ‘PO’ to ‘220’ value 1.2ohms ‘PO’ to ‘240’ value 1.3ohms ‘PO’ to ‘TO’ No continuity ‘PO’ to all other connections to the right No continuity ‘TO’ to ‘100’ value 0.5ohms ‘TO’ to all other connections to the right & left No continuity ‘SO’ to ’17.5’ value 0.1ohms ‘SO’ to ‘24’ value 5.0ohms ‘SO’ to all other connections to the left No continuity The ‘EXT’ connection measures almost the same as the ‘PO’ connection (i.e. connectivity between EXT and 200, 220 & 240, but none of the others). My guess is that there are 3 separate winding: PO to 200, 220 or 240 TO to 100 SO to 17.5 or 24 I don’t understand what the ‘EXT’ terminal does, although there are 2 tapings from the core connected to this termination. I want to use this transformer for a 24volt supply only, but I’m hesitant to connect the ‘PO’ and ‘240’ tapings across the mains and see what voltages I get on the ‘SO’ and ‘24’ outputs (if in fact they are outputs). What do you think? I live in Auckland and I could let you have my email address if that would be easier to communicate. Thanks

[@dannywillis6766]

Thanks for the video. I do have a question. Around the 11:00 mark you say that "you can't simply use a voltmeter to figure out the primary from secondary windings". Do you mean to say that you can't use a voltmeter to decipher which leads are which on the secondary coil? In technicality, can it be assumed that the two wires at the back end (relative to the viewer) of the transformer are the primary and the four wires at the front end of the transformer are for the secondary? Final question, if that is in fact not the case, could you at least use the "continuity" function on the voltmeter to correctly identify primary from secondary coils? Thanks

[@josephgkrestan3044]

Another great video. Thanks! Joe

[@samuelschwager]

Thanks a lot for the video. A shame you don't make videos any more :(

[@BurnerStudio]

that was very well explained, thanx

[@stephenfuller8345]

Thank you Sir! I am trying to build a kiln using a high temperature arc that will melt Gold. The advice I’ve received is to use a microwave transformer. I think I need around 200 amps in order to produce a temp of over 2200 degrees Fahrenheit, much like an arc welder.

[@Schematix]

With a couple turns of heavy gauge cable you could easily get 200 amps @ probably 3~10v. If you have a little extra cash to splash, maybe picking up a used stick welder? It would give you a much larger transformer (don't buy an inverter welder, go for the old transformer style)

[@stephenfuller8345]

Which poses another question if you don’t mind? What I need is to make a portable. Like backpack portable. What I normally do with my powers Sluice, Is hook it up to a battery such as a car or a lawn more or marine, and then hook up a power inverter the battery where I can plug I water pump into the power inverter. Do you think I could put something together similar to that?

[@Schematix]

@@stephenfuller8345 If I follow your question right. You're asking about building an inverter from scratch? While it's very possible to make an inverter at home. I've priced up the components. My conclusion was buying an off the shelf inverter actually saves money. There are relatively simple inverters schematics online. However, the simple ones I've seen are very sketchy and can have nasty voltage spikes that would damage electronic circuits in most devices. So I can't recommend them.

[@BryanChance]

At time 10:00, you said two batteries in parallel would double the "current". Is it more correct to say it doubles the "capacity" or "amp hours"? I'm thinking that current is the flow rate of energy (charge). Thanks

[@Schematix]

Great question, Technically both answers are correct. Amp-hours is a measurement for measuring capacity Or energy storage. If I had to choose one term? I'd probably go with "Capacity" because it's a more relatable term for many people with varying levels of knowledge in this field. Naturally, this terminology is only applicable to devices which store power. Such as batteries or capacitors. If we were talking about a transformer which is obviously not designed for energy storage, then both those terms would be incorrect.

[@oldscoolgaming.5040]

that was a great help just what i needed to know. thanks

[@Inisfad]

I have what’s apparently called a ‘slide regulator. I can connect input wires to terminals for either 220v or 110v. The regulator has a dial on top, which when turned, will show output voltages from 0 - 240v, and there is a window which indicates what the output voltage is. The inside basically looks like the circular transformer in this video. Initially, if the dial was at 110v, the window showed output at 110v. I have found that now, despite having the dial at 110v, the window may show 80v; conversely, if I have the dial at 140v, the window may show 110v. Do you know what the problem is, and is there anyway I can repair this?