An Electrical transformer is an electrical device which takes voltage from one level to another, usually from a higher voltage to a lower voltage.
The power transformer works by applying the principle of magnetic induction between coils to covert voltage and current levels. With it, voltage can be easily multiplied or divided, making long distance transmission of power a reality. A step down transformer allows a device that requires a low voltage power supply to operate from a higher one. The electrical step down transformer will take in the high voltage at a low current and puts out a low voltage at a high current. An example of this is your home's doorbell. It runs on 100 VAC, converted to 12 VAC. A transformer that does the opposite is called a step up transformer. An electrical step up transformer increases voltage from primary to secondary - more secondary winding turns than primary winding turns
The voltage transformer transfers electrical energy from one circuit to another through inductivity coupled conductors-the transformer's coils. The power supply from batteries, the kind you buy from Radio Shack, is direct current (DC) rather than alternating current (AC). The term "power supply" is sometimes restricted to those devices that convert some other form of energy into electricity-such as solar power and fuel cells and generators. A more accurate term for devices that convert one form of electric power into another form--such transformers and linear regulators-is a power converter.
Small electrical parts for electrical circuit boards can be found at Radio Shack and online at Mouser Electronics while suppliers like Square D will have parts like electrical switchgear for residential and industrial needs. The electrical converter changes the voltage of an electrical power source.
An electronic symbol is a pictogram used to represent various electrical parts. For the most part these electrical symbols are internationally standardized.
An electrical generator is a device that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The reverse conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by a motor. Motors and electrical generators are very similar. The generator will force electrons into its windings to flow through the external electrical circuit. The source of the mechanical energy may be reciprocating or turbine steam engine, water falling through a turbine or water wheel, an internal combustion engine, a wind turbine, a hand, compressed air or any other source for the mechanical energy.
The most common power conversion is from AC to DC. The Electrical adapter and the AC adapter are power supplies that will perform this type of conversion. Whether or not the unit that is using the electrical adapter is plugged in; the transformer has a magnetic field continuously present and cannot be turned off unless unplugged. Because they consume standby power, they are known as "electricity vampires" and may be plugged into a power strip to allow turning them off.
