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How does an...

Isolation transformer work and what does or is it doing? I have an isolation transformer in my system for my sources. It is an old Noisetrapper unit I purchased back in the mid 90's from a very dear friend.

What prompted me to ask is I am considering some sort of conditioning for my integrated (currently plugged directly into wall) and understand the isolation tranny won't support the draw. Since I'm thinking about conditioning I realized I don't really know what an isolation tranny does.

Next question, I'm considering a Furman like at AA. Would plugging the isolation tranny into it and using for sources be too much of a good thing?
Would it effect them negatively?

I know that the ultimate decision lies in what I hear but thought many of you far more experienced folk might have some insight.

Best,
Dave
corazon
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
If youu get another power thingy, do not plug your current tranny into the new thingy.
You will be unessessarily burdening the new thingy with your old one.
PS I use a Furman REF20i for all my alalog stuff.
Love it.
I would say if you go for a Furman, get one which includes the 'power factor' technology.
Actually what that "power factor' is is just a big stiffening cap in it. To keep the A/C power from sagging.
Works great, sounds good.
Also, Furman is overpriced. I would say check out some Musician type shops and see if they will get you what you want at a good 20% to 25% discount. Buying a new one at full retail is WAY overpriced.
corazon OP
209 posts
 
Mlsstl

As you guessed I had no idea how it worked. So by virtue of the 2 windings is how the isolation occurs? They are not connected and electro magnetics is how electricity is induced in the second winding?

Elizabeth

I appreciate your suggestions on alternatives.

Both

Thanks for the cautions about using 2 devices. And thank you both for responding.

Best,
Dave
mlsstl
694 posts
 
So by virtue of the 2 windings is how the isolation occurs? They are not connected and electro magnetics is how electricity is induced in the second winding?

Yes. I'd just add that most transformers are wound around a steel core that aids the transfer of magnetic energy from one coil to the other.
corazon OP
209 posts
 
Mlsstl,

So the purpose of transformers in equipment is to provide a certain amout of isolation from the incoming power and in the case of transformers that double the windings in the second winding increase that power?

Best,
Dave
mlsstl
694 posts
 
No, changing the winding ratio does not increase "power".

If you put 100 watts into a transformer, you will only get 100 watts out (actually slightly less due to efficiency loss).

But wattage is voltage times current. If I put in 100 volts at 1 amp of current and have a double winding on the second coil, I'll get out 200 volts, but only at 1/2 amp. I'll still have 100 total watts.

If I do the reverse, I'll have an output of 50 volts, but at 2 amps current - still 100 total watts.

Transformers can change voltage but do not magically create extra power.
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