In this post, we will focus on the characteristics of low-voltage measuring transformers, in which we specialize.
The core is the most important part of a transformer, as it largely determines its performance and features. Additionally, the material it's made from significantly influences its efficiency and applications. Below, we'll explain the most commonly used materials for transformer cores.
Iron Core
Iron has great magnetic properties, making the transformer highly efficient. The most common types are laminated silicon steel cores, and in general, they are relatively affordable. However, they are also very robust and have high durability.
Ferrite Core
Ferrite has high magnetic permeability, offering very low losses at high frequencies, which makes it particularly suitable when high precision is needed. For this reason, ferrite cores are often used in radiofrequency applications or in switched-mode power supplies, and more in electronic applications (TVs, computers, phones...) than in electrical ones, as well as in the industrial and automotive sectors.
Compared to iron core transformers, ferrite core transformers are more compact and lightweight, making them more suitable when space is limited. However, they are more expensive and more fragile than iron cores.
Air Core
In this case, no solid magnetic material is used; instead, the transformer's flux linkage is done through air. These have a wide frequency range, excellent adaptability to available space, and low losses.
They are frequently used in radiofrequency equipment and in research laboratories where measurement and testing equipment are present. However, they may be less efficient and more susceptible to electromagnetic interference from other fields.
At SACI, we work with iron cores for primary voltage or current, while the output current from the secondary is conducted through a copper winding.
How to choose the right transformer
-
- Identify the quantity to be measured: current or voltage.
- Identify the function: measurement, protection or summation.
- Type of transformer: bus-bar, split-core or wound primary.
- Transformer location and environmental conditions: transformer material - resin, plastic or resin-filled plastic.
- Accuracy class, power, primary current and secondary current.
- Transformer external dimensions and window dimensions.
Cable section
|
Nominal section (mm2) |
Outer diameter of the cable (mm) |
|
1×1,5 |
6,2 |
|
1×2,5 |
6,6 |
|
1×4 |
7,6 |
|
1×6 |
8,3 |
|
1×10 |
8,9 |
|
1×16 |
10,5 |
|
1×25 |
12,2 |
|
1×35 |
13,5 |
|
1×50 |
15,7 |
|
1×70 |
18,2 |
|
1×95 |
20,8 |
|
1×120 |
22,7 |
|
1×150 |
25,4 |
|
1×185 |
28 |
|
1×240 |
31,6 |
|
1×300 |
34,7 |
|
1×400 |
36,2 |
|
1×500 |
40,2 |
|
Nominal section (mm2) |
Outer diameter of the cable (mm) |
|
2×1,5 |
10,2 |
|
2×2,5 |
11,2 |
|
2×4 |
13 |
|
2×6 |
14,6 |
|
2×10 |
16,8 |
|
2×16 |
19,9 |
|
2×25 |
23,3 |
Now that you know the different types of transformers based on core material, our team of experts can help you find the right one. Contact us by filling out our form, calling us, or sending us an email. We'll be happy to assist you and find the best solution for your business.