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Pre-certification
Transformers

Section 26 of the electrical code governs the use and installations of transformers. A transformer is a static device
used to transfer energy from one alternating current circuit to another. It is important to understand that the
frequency will remain the same in both circuits of a transformer. A step-up transformer is used to increase the
voltage. A step-down transformer is used to decrease the voltage. Transformers operate on the principle of
mutual induction. Mutual induction occurs when the magnetic field surrounding one conductor cuts across
another conductor inducing a voltage in it. This would explain why constant DC voltages cannot be transformed.
When any transformer is connected to a supply with no load, a small current will flow in the primary winding.
This small current is a result of self induction in the primary and is called the exciting current. The voltage
induced in the secondary winding is a result of mutual induction.

The voltage and the number of turns are proportional.

The voltage and current are inversely proportional. This
can be shown as:

~=E.i!=h where Np = number of turns in primary winding Ns =

Ns Es Ip number of turns in secondary winding Ep =
primary coil voltage
Es = secondary coil voltage
Is = current in secondary
Ip = current in primary

Transformer Efficiency

The efficiency of electrical equipment is usually stated as a ratio of output over input. This
can be shown as:

% efficiency = output x 100

input

Transformers are usually very efficient in operation ( approx. 97%). There are two main losses of a transformer,
they are copper losses and core losses. Copper losses are the losses due to the resistance of the copper windings,
dissipated as heat. Core losses include hysterisis and eddy currents. Eddy currents are circulating currents induced
in the magnetic core by the alternating flux. These are kept to a minimum with the use of laminated iron cores.
Hysterisis loss is the power required to continuously reverse the molecules in the core many times per second.
Silicone steel is used to keep hysterisis losses to a minimum.

Transformers are rated in kV A rather than kW. This is because the power factor of the load determines the
transformer output in kW. As the load power factors vary widely, it is not practical to rate transformers in kW.
There are several type of transformers for different applications. Power transformers are generally larger than 500
kV A used at sub-stations and power plants. Distribution transformers range from 5 to 500 kV A. These are used to
step-down utility voltages to standard voltages used by consumers. Instrument transformers are used in
conjunction with test and measurement equipment. A potential transformer is used to step-down system voltages
to the voltage rating of the instrument. A current transformer supplies an instrument with a small current which is
proportional to the main current. Current transformers are used for metering purposes and the secondary of a
current transformer should never be opened under load. It is important to short the secondary of a CT first.
Isolation transformers are used to change a grounded system to an ungrounded system. Isolation transformers have
a one to one ratio. Autotransformers have a single tapped winding common to both the primary and secondary. It is
used where a relatively small increase or decrease in voltage is required. An example would be in an
auto-transformer starter, or to boost the voltage of a long transmission line to compensate for the line loss.
 Pre-certification
Transformers Week #11

It is standard that transformer leads are marked "H" for the high voltage leads, and "X" for the low voltage leads. Note that "H"
can be either the primary or secondary leads depending if the transformer is step-up or step-down. Transformer polarity is the
polarity of the high voltage leads with respect to the low voltage leads. The HI and Xl leads will have the same polarity at any
instant in the alternating cycle. When facing a single-phase transformer from the low voltage terminal side, the HI lead is
always on the left. If the Xl leads are on the left, then the polarity of the transformer is said to be subtractive. If the Xl lead is on
the right, then the polarity of the transformer is said to be additive. If the leads are not marked a simple voltage test can be done
to determine if the transformer is subtractive or additive. See diagrams below.

1.
2.
HI HI 120
volts

132 volts 108 volts

X2 Xl
12 12
volts volts
Additive Subtractive

Single-phase distribution transformers

Single-phase distribution transformers usually have a split or double secondary winding, which may be connected for two
voltage outputs. If the windings are connected in series a voltage of 240 volts would be read between line 1 and line 2. If the
windings are connected in parallel a voltage of 120 volts would be read between line 1 and line 2. Note that when the windings
are connected in series there is a grounded center tap common to both lines. This is the neutral point. A voltage of 120 volts
should be read from any line to neutral. This is referred to as 120/240-volt 3-wire distribution, and is common in residential
applications. See diagrams below.

3.
4.

600 600

X4 Xl X4
HI volts H2
volts
HI H2
240 volts
120 volts

Xl
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Pre-certification
Transformers Week #11

It is sometimes necessary to parallel transformers in order to distribute peak loads and reduce light flicker caused by heavy
surge currents. In order to accomplish this a few important things need to be considered. They are: - voltage rating of the
transformers must be identical
- The percent impedance should be the same (%Z)
- The frequency ratings should be the same for proper sharing of the loads

It is important that the above conditions are met before transformers are connected in parallel. If the conditions are not met,
circulating currents between transformers could occur, or improper sharing of the loads may occur causing damage to the
transformers or the equipment connected.

Three Phase Configurations

Closed Delta
The Delta connection is when three single-phase windings are connected end to end to form a triangle resembling the Greek
letter D that is called delta. The end of one phase is connected to the start of the next phase. This would be the connection
referred to in a 3 phase, 3-wire system. This system is not grounded. When a ground occurs in one line, the voltage from the
grounded phase to ground will be zero. The voltage on the remaining two lines to ground would be the same as the line-to-line
voltage of the system. In this connection, it would take at least two lines to ground before any overcurrent device would trip,
because the system is not grounded. In the closed delta connection it is important to keep the phases balanced, otherwise
different voltages may occur between lines.
The advantage in a closed delta system is that the coil current is less than the line current. The value of the coil or phase
current is found by dividing the line current by 1.73. The coil voltage and the line voltage are equal. See diagrams below.
5.
Line current = coil current x 1.73 Delta - Delta Connection

Line voltage = coil voltage

4160 volts

4160 V 4160 V
240V

H2

X2

240
HI volts

Xl
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Pre-certification
Transformers Week #11

Open Delta Configuration

This connection was made when the customer did not require the full capacity of the closed delta system. Ifsinglephase transformers
were used to make a three-phase bank, the open delta connection required only two single-phase transformers. Therefore reducing the
cost of the installation. The open delta configuration was also used where one single-phase transformer in a three phase closed delta
system became defective. The remaining two single phase transformers could be connected open delta until a replacement could be
installed. The open delta configuration has some disadvantages. The line current and coil current are equal. The line voltage and coil
voltage are equal. Because the line current and coil current are equal, the output capacity is reduced. For example. Three 50 kV A
single phase transformers (150 kV A output) were originally connected closed delta but one became damaged. We could connect the
remaining two in an open delta configuration. The remaining two transformers (50 kV A each) connected open delta would have an
output of ISO kV A (the original kV A rating of the transformers connected closed delta) divided by 1.73 because the line current and
coil current are the same. The connection uses two single-phase windings to produce a three-phase connection. This also helps to
explain why the open delta connection has a reduced capacity. Another way to explain: is that the output of an open delta system is
equal to 86.6% of the two single phase transformers connected, or 57.7% of the output of the original three transformers used in the
closed delta configuration. See diagrams below.
6.
7.
Line voltage = coil voltage Open Delta - Open Delta Connection
Line current = coil current

4160 volts

4160 V
240V

HI H2

H2

X2

X2

Xl

240 volts
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Pre-certification
Transformers Week #11

The Wye or Star Connection

This connection is made when three single-phase coils have one end connected to a common point. Typically, the start of each
separate winding is connected to a three-phase line, then the finishes of all three windings are connected together to form the
wye point or common point. If a neutral is required, it is connected to the common point. This configuration refers to a three
phase, 4-wire system. The common point is grounded for safety. The advantage of a Wye configuration is that the coil voltage
is less than the line voltage. The current in the coil is equal to the current in the line. The voltage in the coil is found by dividing
the line voltage by 1.73. In this connection the neutral will carry the unbalanced loads between the three lines, which prevents
voltage fluctuations between lines. See diagrams below.

Line current = coil current

Line voltage = coil voltage x 1.73 Wve - Wve Connection

A B C N
4160 Volts
8.
9.
10.
4160 V 4160 V X2
208V

208 Volts

B
A C
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Pre-certification
Transformers Week #11

i\utotransformers

The main difference between conventional transformers an autotransformers are the arrangement of the windings. The
autotransformer has a single tapped winding serving as both the primary and the secondary of the transformer. This
transformer has a very high efficiency because both the primary and the secondary are in the came winding. The total power
consists of two parts, conducted power and transformed power. The conductive power is the portion of the load that is
contained in the primary winding and not transferred or transformed. The transformed portion of the load is the power that is
transferred or passed by the secondary winding. The autotransformer can be used to stepdown or step-up voltages. See diagram
below.
11.
2
4
0

v
o
l
t
s

S
e
c
o
n
Power In = E d
a
xI r
= 300 V x 16 y
A =4800 VA
W
i
Conducted Power = E n
d
xI i
= 240 V x 16 A = 3840 n
VA g
s

P
o
w
e
r

1 O
U
T

x
l

300 Volts =
2
4
 0Vx20A =4800 VA

Transformed Power = E x I =240Vx4A

= 960 VA

LO;\D
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Pre-certification
Transformers Week #11
Transformer Practice Questions:

12. A transformer is used to step-down 600 volts to 120 volts. If the secondary coil has 600 turns, how many turns are there
on the primary coil?

13. A transformer has 900 turns on the primary and 1557 turns on the secondary. If the secondary voltage is 208 volts,
what is the primary voltage?

14. A transformer has a rating of75 KV A. If the two secondary coils of 120 volts each are connected in parallel, what is
the full load output in amps?

15. If the transformer in question # 3 had a primary voltage of 600 volts, what is the load input to the primary winding if the
percent load is 73 %?

16. If a 250 KV A transformer has two secondary coils rated at 120 volts each and they are connected in series, what is the full
load output in amps?

17. Using the transformer from question # 5 with a primary voltage of 600 volts, calculate the full load input to the primary
winding.
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Pre-certification
Transformers Week #11
Transformer Practice Ouestions:

7. Using the transformer from questions # 5 & 6, calculate the secondary current if the primary current was 347 amps.

8. A single phase transformer has the following nameplate data:

Primary voltage- 600 Secondary voltage - 120/240

KVA - 333 Polarity - Subtractive

It is connected for 240 volt two wire service.

a) Draw a schematic diagram of the connection showing all terminal identification and voltages.

If the transformer has a total load of 265 KW at a power factor of .80, find the following:

a) Secondary line current

b) Primary line current

c) Percent loading of the transformer

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Pre-certification
Transformers Week #11
Questions on transformers:

1. The primary and secondary of a distribution transformer are tied together:

a. Electrically
b. Magnetically
c. They are not connected
d. Pneumatically

2. The primary side of a transformer carries a small current when the secondary is not connected because of:
a. Resistance
b. Conductance
c. Self inductance
d. Mutual inductance

3. The EMF in the secondary winding is a result of:

a. Self inductance
b. Mutual inductance
c. Conductance
d. Resistance

4. Laminated cores are used in transformers to reduce:

a. Hysterisis
b. Eddy currents
c. Core losses
d. Copper losses

5. Silicone steel is used in transformers to reduce:

a. Hysterisis
b. Eddy currents
c. Copper losses
d. Resistance

6. A 10-kV A single-phase transformer supplies a 7.5 kV A load. The input voltage is 600 volts. What is the input
current? Note: unity power factor and 100% efficiency
a. 16.7 amps
b. 12.5 amps
c. 7.5 amps
d. 10 amps

7. The lead designation "H" on a transformer always refers to:

a. High voltage leads
b. Low voltage leads
c. Primary winding
d. Secondary winding

8. A transformer used to change the voltage from 600 volts to 120 volts would be referred to as a:
a. Step-up transformer
b. Step-down transformer
c. High voltage transformer
d. Step-up current transformer
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Pre-certification
Transformers Week #11

9. Transformers used for metering purposes are referred to as:

a. Instrument transformers
b. Control transformers
c. Signal transformers
d. Isolation transformers

10. The secondary of a ___________ transformer should never be opened under load.
a. Potential transformer
b. Current transformer
c. Auto-transformer
d. Distribution transformer

11. If the secondary winding of an auto-transformer were to become open, the output voltage would:
a. Increase
b. Decrease
c. Stay the same
d. Approach the supply voltage

12. Three 50-kV A single-phase transformers are connected to form a three phase transformer bank. What is the total
kV A rating of the system?
a. 150kVA
b. 100kVA
c. 259 kVA
d. 86.6 kVA

13. How is the rating ofa power or distribution transformer given?

a. InkVA
b. InkVARS
c. In watts
d. In amps

14. If due to a fault, one of the phases ofa 600 volt, three phase, three wire system was grounded, the voltage of the
remaining two phases to ground would be:
a. Zero
b. 208
c. 347
d. 600

15. On a 600 volt, three phase three wire system the approximate voltage to ground is:
a. 347 volts
b. 208 volts
c. 415 volts
d. Zero

16. A transformer with part of the primary winding serving as the secondary winding is a/an:
a. Current transformer
b. Auto-transformer
c. Potential transformer
d. Open delta transformer
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18.
19.
Pre-certification Fire
Alarm Week #11

Fire Alarm installations and methods are governed by four codes. The electrical code (section 32), the Ontario building
code, the Ontario Fire Code, and the ULC standards. It is important to consult the appropriate codes when completing an
installation. For your exam, it is section 32 of the electrical code that you should be familiar with.

There are several parts to a fire alarm system. These are:

-Alarm initiating devices
-Signal devices
-Fire alarm control panel (F ACP)
-Annunciator panel (when required)
-Ancillary and auxiliary devices (fan shut down)
-End of the line devices (class B)
Class of wirine:

There are two methods or classes of wiring fire alarm circuits. Class A circuits are those that have two wires leaving the panel
(positive and negative) loop to every device and then return to the fire alarm panel (positive and negative). In class A circuits
no end of the line device is required because the fire alarm module internally supervises the circuit. This is the safest type of
fire alarm wiring method. If a break were to occur in the circuit, the module would sense a trouble, but would also be able to
receive an alarm signal from both directions. Note that all fire alarm circuits must be electrically supervised. See diagram
below.

Initiating
Module
Class "A" Heat Detector Heat Detector Heat Detector

Note: 2 wires leave the module and 2 wires return to the module, return wires are to be in a separate cable
or raceway.

Class B circuits

Class B circuits require and end of the line device to limit the supervisory current. The end of the line device is usually
located in a separate box beyond the last device of that circuit. This is the most common type of fire alarm
circuit. See diagram below.

ELR

Initiating
Module Heat Detector Heat Detector Heat Detector
Class "B"
Note: Only 2 wires are required from the module to the first device, but sometimes the ELR is located
in the F ACP however, it is still considered to be a class "B" circuit.