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B u c k - B o o s t T r a n s f o r m e r s
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3. What is the difference between a buck-boost transformer and an autotransformer?
When a primary lead wire and secondary lead wire of a buck-boost transformer are connected together electrically, in a recom-
mended voltage bucking or boosting connection, the transformer is in all respects, an autotransformer. However, if the inter-
connection between the primary and secondary winding is not made, then the unit is an insulating type transformer.
APPLICATIONS
4. Why are they used?
Electrical and electronic equipment is designed to operate on standard supply voltage. When the supply voltage is constantly too
high or too low, (usually more than 55%), the equipment fails to operate at maximum efficiency. A buck and boost transformer is
a simple and ECONOMICAL means of correcting this off-standard voltage.
5. What are the most common applications for buck-boost transformers?
Boosting 208V to 230V or 240V and vice versa for commercial and industrial air conditioning systems; boosting 110V to 120V and
240V to 277V for lighting systems; voltage correction for heating systems and induction motors of all types. Many applications
exist where supply voltages are constantly above or below normal.
6. Can buck-boost transformers be used to power low voltage circuits?
Yes, low voltage control, lighting circuits, or other low voltage applications requiring either 12V, 16V, 24V, 32V or 48V. The unit is
connected as an insulating transformer and the nameplate kVA rating is the transformer’s capacity.
7. Why do buck-boost transformers have 4 windings?
To make them versatile! A four winding buck-boost transformer (2 primary and 2 secondary windings) can be connected eight
different ways to provide a multitude of voltage and kVA outputs. A two winding (1 primary & 1 secondary) buck-boost transformer
can be connected only one way.
8. Will a buck-boost transformer stabilize voltage?
No. The output voltage is a function of the input voltage. If the input voltage varies, then the output voltage will also vary by the
same percentage.
LOAD DATA
9. Are there any restrictions on the type of load that can be operated from a buck-boost transformer?
No, there are no restrictions.
10. Why can a buck-boost transformer operate a kVA load many times larger than the kVA rating on its nameplate?
Since the transformer has been auto-connected in such a fashion that the 22V secondary voltage is added to the 208V
primary voltage, it produces 230V output.
The autotransformer kVA is calculated:
kVA =
Output Volts x Secondary Amps
1000
kVA =
230 V x 41.67 Amps
= 9.58 kVA
1000