How do transformers work?
Transformers are devices that transform voltage up or down by magnetic means. Alternating current (AC) flowing in a primary coil establishes an alternating magnetic flux in a “core” that easily conducts this flux. If another coil (called a “secondary” coil) is positioned on the core near the primary, this flux will link this second coil along with the primary coil. This linking of the secondary coil induces a voltage across the secondary terminals. The magnitude of the voltage at the secondary terminals is related directly to the ratio of the secondary coil turns to the primary coil turns. More turns on the secondary coil than the primary results in a step up in voltage while fewer results in a step down in voltage.
