What is an isolation transformer and why your UPS should have one?

In most parts of the world, domestic and industrial users face severe power shortages. In that scenario, they have no other option but to seek help from power backup technologies such as UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) and inverters.

Over the years, inverter/UPS technology has undergone multiple development phases. What you find today is much more efficient and of higher quality than was available a few years ago. One such improvement is the addition of isolation transformers to the USP/inverters.

What is an isolation transformer?

Isolation also referred to as galvanic isolation, implies that no direct path exists for the current to flow from the source to the load. An isolation transformer provides isolation between the electrical devices and the source powering these devices. In other words, with an isolation transformer, the output power circuit is electrically and physically isolated from the input power circuit. As a result, the isolation transformer provides safety to the users and the appliances.

Apart from isolation transformers, other types of transformer include Inverter duty transformers, Instrument transformers, and Inverter transformers or electronic transformers. However, this article focuses on isolation transformers, their benefits, and why they should be used in a UPS.

Why should you be using an isolation transformer in a UPS/inverter system?

As a standard practice, it is essential to have the right power solutions to power your domestic appliances or perform industrial operations. In this regard, a UPS/inverter is gaining huge popularity due to its ability to provide efficient, high-quality, and safe power solutions under imperfect power situations. However, we can further improve the working of a UPS/inverter system by embedding it with an isolation transformer. Here is why it is essential to have ups with isolation transformer.

Protect the equipment

Like any other transformer, an isolation transformer can also be developed as a step up transformer or a step down transformer to spike up or down the voltage. The galvanic isolation protects the equipment from unnecessary damage by detaching them from the powering alternating current.

The safety mechanism of an isolation transformer becomes more pronounced when there are unpredictable altered voltage disturbances. In such a situation, an isolation transformer separates the load from the circuit, thereby saving the appliances your UPS/inverter supplies current to.  Thus, all the sensitive equipment in your office or home will continue working without any data, operational, or financial loss.

Bestows robustness

UPS/inverters systems having isolation transformers are more flexible, efficient, and robust. Several types of equipment and appliances, such as computers and sensitive instruments, work better when your UPS/inverter has an isolation transformer in it. This is why there is a greater demand for isolation transformers in UPS/inverter systems.

Faultless voltage conversions

USP/inverters are used to power various appliances and equipment, but not all devices have the same voltage requirement. So, it is possible for the output voltage to not align with the voltage requirements of an appliance.

When the output voltage is more or less than the required voltage, voltage conversion is needed. Here comes the need for an isolation transformer. It will increase or decrease the output voltage to match the appliance requirement.

Safety against shocks

UPS/inverter systems provide high-frequency power to the equipment. However, equipment often lacks ground safety potential, leading to shocks and electrocution. In the presence of an isolation transformer, such damages can be avoided with the isolated safety mechanism. Even the equipment without ground safety gets sufficient protection.

Ensure the safety of the sensitive instrument

An isolation transformer is indispensable for the UPS/inverter systems providing backup supply to sensitive equipment such as heart monitors and other equipment in the hospital that must be running all the time.

Safe and easier maintenance

Servicing and maintaining an isolation transformer-based UPS/inverter system is much safer and easier as it provides safety against electrocution. Hence, the technicians can work on and test them without the fear of getting an electric shock.

Reduce fault current supply

Fault current and power issues are a common occurrence. However, an isolation transformer can minimize its effects by using Faraday shields.  And you always get an adequate and perfect power supply from your UPS, thereby ensuring that all the appliances are working properly.

Harmonics management

Noises and harmonics variations are not unheard-of in power supply. When the UPS provides output current at various frequencies, facing noise disturbances is quite possible. As a result, the end use power quality is affected. Here you must note that noise disturbances refer to electric and magnetic field disturbances, not sound disturbances. These noise disturbances can significantly impact the reliability of sensitive equipment such as those used in the medical field. Using a UPS/System with an isolation transformer is hailed for its ability to reduce noise disturbances.

Isolated vs. non-isolated transformer

An isolated transformer separates the circuit from the AC line. It is earthed, housed at a safe location, and connected to a power supply through a short earthed connection. As a result, if the user comes in contact with any part of the electrical circuit, the current does not find any return path through the user, thereby reducing the electrocution hazard.

You can use the connected appliances in wet, damp, indoor, and outdoor situations without any risk of electrocution even when the connected tool or appliance is not earthed

The case of a non-isolated transformer is quite the opposite. The circuit is not shielded from the AC line; hence electrocution is possible.

Conclusion

An isolation transformer makes working with AC-powered equipment much safer. Embedding an isolation transformer in your UPS/inverter system makes it a more efficient and safer option for powering sensitive instruments in domestic and industrial settings. Now that you know the immense advantages of an isolation transformer-based UPS/inverter, always consider this technology and buy the UPS from a trusted isolation transformer manufacturer such as Su-Vastika Solar. The company has been developing reliable heavy-duty inverters/UPS with isolation transformers for various domestic and industrial applications.