Measuring the turn ratio in a transformer can be done easily with a simple voltmeter. As transformers convert one AC voltage to another AC voltage, measuring the difference of the two will help to tell you the turn ratio in the transformer coils. Knowing this information is essential to determining such a ratio without physically opening and counting the turns inside the transformer. As basic electronic principles tell us, power in must equal power out in a transformer, with some efficiency losses. Thus, measuring such power and comparing it with the voltages will help tell us the ratio.
Instructions
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1
Measure the voltage going into the transformer. For example, let's say it was measured at 100 volts.
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2
Measure the voltage leaving the transformer. Let's say, for example, it was 10 volts. This shows us that this particular transformer is a 'step-down' transformer and that there would be more turns in the primary coil than the secondary.
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3
Divide the primary coil voltage with the secondary coil voltage, or voltage in by voltage out. In the example above we would divide 100 by 10. Telling us that the turn ratio here was 10:1.