American Rotary has the largest online inventory of Transformers.
All of the major brands and stocked around the country for fast delivery!
Single-phase transformers, 3-phase transformers, step-up, step-down,
dry-type, autotransformers, buck-boost, isolation and more.
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Basic information on how to size a transformer from American Rotary.
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Can I use
an American Rotary Converter with a Transformer?
Yes! In many cases, a 3-phase machine is wired for a voltage
other than the 240-volts commonly seen in single phase locations.
A phase converter can be used to convert single phase to 3-phase
power, and the transformer is used to change the voltage back to
220-volts.
A transformer is used to convert alternating current from one voltage to
another. Transformers can either "step up" or "step down"
voltages. Under normal operating conditions, a transformer is a
low maintenance, long lasting static solid state device with no moving
parts. In the most simplistic of terms, it consists of 2 or more
coils of insulated wire which are wound on a laminated steel core.
When the primary coil receives the incoming voltage, the iron core is
magnetized which induces the voltage in the secondary - or output -
coil. The resulting voltage ratio (or voltage change) between the
primary and secondary coils depends on the turns ratio of the two coils.
A transformer will not act as a phase converter! For this reason,
transformers are often used in conjunction with American Rotary phase
converters. For example, a shop with a 230 volt single phase
supply that needs to run a 208 volt 3-phase air conditioning compressor
will need a transformer step down the voltage from 230 volts to 208
volts. Then, a rotary phase converter is used to make the change
from single phase to three phase power.
Some transformers have taps on the high voltage winding that allow the
transformer to delivery its full rated output voltage while correcting
for voltage conditions that are slightly high or low.
Many brands of dry type distribution transformers can be connected in
reverse. Although this type of installation is fairly common,
there are some restrictions. More information about this
type of application can be obtained from the manufacturer or American
Rotary's technical support.
Buck-boost transformers can be described as small single-phase
distribution type transformer. They are designed to lower (buck)
or raise (boost) line voltage from 5-20%. Boosting 208 volts to 230
volts is the most common scenario - usually to operate a 230 volt motor
- from a 208 volt supply line. They are often used in conjunction
with American Rotary phase converters. It is recommended that a
buck-boost transformer be installed ahead of the rotary phase converter.
When a buck and boost transformer is installed it is no longer an
insulating type transformer. During the installation, a primary
lead wire and secondary lead wire are connected together electrically,
thus changing the transformer's electrical characteristics to that of an
autotransformer.
Industrial equipment is designed to operate on standard supply voltage,
but when that voltage is constantly too high or too low, the equipment
fails to maximize its efficiency. Buck-boost transformers are a
convenient and economical solution for correcting small off-standard
voltages. They are manufactured and shipped ready for connection
in many possible voltage combinations.
