What are Power Supplies and Transformers?

Power Supplies are devices used to supply power to an electric load. These electric devices convert the current from an initial source into the correct current, voltage and frequency to power the load. Power supplies come as either separate components or can be built-in.

Transformers are devices used to convert energy between circuits through electromagnetic induction. This is done through voltage conversion and isolation. Industrial transformers are made to withstand the harsh conditions of industrial environments including dirt, gases, short circuit forces and high magnetic fields.

Types of power supplies and transformers

Some different types of power supplies include DC power supplies (e.g. linear power supplies, switched-mode power supplies, capacitive power supplies) and AC power supplies (e.g. AC adapter), programmable power supplies (e.g. uninterruptable power supplies), high voltage power supplies and bipolar power supplies.

Transformers also come in many different varieties including step up and step down transformers, power transformers, distribution transformers, instrument transformers, current transformers, single-phase transformers and three-phase transformers.

What are the different uses of power supplies and transformers?

Power Supplies

• Preventing electric noise or voltage surges
• Power-factor correction
• Storing energy 
• Shutting off current in event of electrical fault

Transformers 

• Regulating alternating current in electrical systems
• Regulating the stopping and starting of energy flow
• Battery charging