Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) G3 Practice Exam

Transformers that produce a secondary voltage lower than the primary voltage are called?

1. Step down transformers

2. Step up transformers

3. Auto transformers

4. Neutral transformers

The correct answer is: Step down transformers

Transformers that produce a secondary voltage lower than the primary voltage are known as step-down transformers. The primary function of a step-down transformer is to reduce the voltage while increasing the current proportionally during the transformation process. This is significant in electrical systems where lower voltages are required for safe and efficient operation of equipment or devices. Step-down transformers have a greater number of turns in the primary coil compared to the secondary coil. According to the transformer equation, which relates the primary and secondary voltages to the number of turns in the coils, if the primary coil has more turns, the voltage output on the secondary side will be lower than the input voltage. In contrast, step-up transformers are designed to increase voltage and decrease current, while auto transformers may have both step-up and step-down characteristics depending on configuration. Neutral transformers, although related to grounding and safety in electrical systems, do not pertain to the function of voltage transformation. This understanding of transformer functions is crucial in designing and implementing electrical systems effectively.