Three phase transformers are designed to supply electric power to three-phase systems. These electrical devices have three circuit conductors and may or may not have a neutral wire. Three phase power is used by electric power distribution grids and to power large motors and other large loads.

Like other types of transformers, three phase transformers are used to increase or decrease the voltage from one side of the transformer to the other. The turn ratio or number of windings on the primary and secondary sides of the device determines the change in voltage. One-to-one three phase transformers have a turn ratio of 1:1 or near 1:1. Variable transformers are three phase devices with a setting for changing the turn ratio as needed. Step-up transformers produce a secondary voltage that is larger than the primary voltage. Step-down transformers have a secondary voltage that is smaller than the primary voltage.

Types of Three Phase Transformers

There are many types of three phase transformers.

• Balun
• Cast coil
• Distribution
• Flyback (FBT)
• Generator step-up (GSU)
• Harmonic mitigating
• High voltage
• Industrial control
• Inverter transformers

Categories of three phase transformers also include isolation, multi-ratio, neutral grounding, power, rectifier, resonant, and substation transformers. Autotransformers are used mainly in low-power applications. They include variacs or variable autotransformers.

Specifications

Core type, cooling method, output voltage, and mounting or form factor are additional product specifications to consider when selecting three phase transformers. Core types are usually listed as laminated, split, toroidal, and others. There are four choices for cooling method:

• Dry or air cooled
• Oil filled
• Water cooled
• Other

There are a variety of form factors or mounting styles to choose from. Choices for three phase transformers include chassis mount, chip, dish or disk, H-frame, modular jack, pad mounted, printed circuit board (PCB), and pole mounted.

Performance Specifications

Performance specifications include operating temperature, power rating, operating frequency range, maximum primary voltage rating, maximum secondary voltage rating, and maximum secondary current rating.

Configuration styles for three phase transformers consist of delta – delta, delta – wye (Y), wye (Y) – wye (Y), wye (Y) – delta, wye (Y) – single phase, delta – single phase, and international.

Related Information

CR4 Community—Secondary Voltage and Ungrounded Three-Phase Transformer

CR4 Community—Three-Phase to Single-Phase Transformer

Image credit:

Abbott