I think I understand what a transformer is, but I have some questions.
A transformer is two solenoids placed right next to each other so that the EMF field of one has an effect on the other when inputting AC. You can use different size solenoids to manipulate the output voltage, but I had some questions.
If you plugged a transformer straight into the mains, it the solenoid you physically connected would be essentially the same thing as a short if I'm not mistaken. First of all, why doesn't this flip your breaker? Second, it seems that since the first solenoid is essentially a short, the opposing solenoid would be outputting a fraction or a multiple of the total short current through the first solenoid.
Let me explain what I mean. Let's suppose you have a transformer. The main solenoid is physically connected to the American mains. Assuming there isn't a short (Which I think there would be.) the main solenoid would pull 20A regardless of turns.
Assuming we have a ratio of 2 to 1, the output of the secondary coil would be 60V 60Hz AC at 20A.
This doesn't seem particularly useful to me, so I know that I must be mistaken somewhere.
In addition, everything I've read about talks about number of turns, not wire diameter, etc. So, how do you know what gauge of wire to use? This is really important because it dictates the size of transformer you have to use.
One last question. Can transformers be used in series to produce different voltage nodes, or could you just add different nodes in the secondary solenoid to get multiple voltage nodes?
Thanks in advanced.
A transformer is two solenoids placed right next to each other so that the EMF field of one has an effect on the other when inputting AC. You can use different size solenoids to manipulate the output voltage, but I had some questions.
If you plugged a transformer straight into the mains, it the solenoid you physically connected would be essentially the same thing as a short if I'm not mistaken. First of all, why doesn't this flip your breaker? Second, it seems that since the first solenoid is essentially a short, the opposing solenoid would be outputting a fraction or a multiple of the total short current through the first solenoid.
Let me explain what I mean. Let's suppose you have a transformer. The main solenoid is physically connected to the American mains. Assuming there isn't a short (Which I think there would be.) the main solenoid would pull 20A regardless of turns.
Assuming we have a ratio of 2 to 1, the output of the secondary coil would be 60V 60Hz AC at 20A.
This doesn't seem particularly useful to me, so I know that I must be mistaken somewhere.
In addition, everything I've read about talks about number of turns, not wire diameter, etc. So, how do you know what gauge of wire to use? This is really important because it dictates the size of transformer you have to use.
One last question. Can transformers be used in series to produce different voltage nodes, or could you just add different nodes in the secondary solenoid to get multiple voltage nodes?
Thanks in advanced.