An isolation transformer and an autotransformer differ mainly in their design and functionality. An isolation transformer has two separate windings: a primary winding and a secondary winding. These windings are electrically isolated from each other, which ensures safety and prevents electrical faults or noise from affecting the secondary side. In contrast, an autotransformer has a single winding that serves as both the primary and secondary winding, with part of the winding shared between the input and output.
This design does not provide electrical isolation between the primary and secondary sides.
The difference between an autotransformer and an isolation transformer is the configuration of their windings. An autotransformer has a common winding for the input and output, allowing voltage adjustment but without ensuring electrical insulation. An isolation transformer, however, uses separate windings to provide complete electrical separation between the input and output.
This separation is essential for applications requiring safety, noise reduction or protection against electrical faults.
Autotransformers cannot be used as isolation transformers because they lack electrical insulation between the primary and secondary circuits. The shared winding in an autotransformer means that any electrical problems or noise on the primary side can directly affect the secondary side.
This lack of insulation makes autotransformers unsuitable for applications requiring separation between input and output to protect sensitive equipment or reduce noise.
The function of an isolation transformer is to provide electrical isolation between the input and output circuits. This insulation helps protect equipment against electrical faults, reduces noise and interference, and ensures safety by avoiding the risk of electric shock.
Isolation transformers are used in various applications where clean, safe power is essential, such as in medical equipment and sensitive electronic devices.
The function of an autotransformer is to adjust the voltage levels between its primary and secondary windings. It provides a variable output voltage that can be higher or lower than the input voltage, depending on the turns ratio of the winding. Autotransformers are often used in applications where electrical insulation is not necessary and voltage adjustment or regulation is required.
They are typically used in power supplies, motor starters and voltage stabilizers.