How to Transform AC into DC

It’s not difficult to distinguish alternating current from direct current. By observing how some electricity-powered appliances in your home function, you can tell which ones use AC or DC by their distance from the power source. Those plugged farther away from the power source use AC, while those connected directly to the source use DC.

The Two Main Types of Current Transformers

Current transformers (CT) are generally used to measure and control current in an electrical system. High current levels cannot be fed to a system’s relays and meters, and it’s a CT’s job to quantify our manipulate current to a level that these devices can handle. Based on function, CTs can be classified as follows:

Measuring CTs

This type of CT is typically used in combination with measuring devices for the accurate measurement of energy, current, and power.

Real-Time Data from a Current Transformer

Current transformers can be hooked up to an ammeter, although the resulting amperage reading only paints a partial picture of an office or factory's energy consumption. A gauge system brings out the transformer’s full potential by providing real-time data that includes amperage, voltage, frequency, power factor, and more. Access the data on the computer, and you'll get a bird's-eye-view of your power consumption patterns.

A gauge system is a mother unit that can support a number of conductors. It gathers data from all connected units and, depending on the model, may upload the data on the Internet through an Ethernet connection. This enables the user to access the information, whether onsite or offsite, and make quick decisions.

An Energy-Efficient Future with Split-Core CTs

Split-core current transformers (CTs), among other things, are used to conduct electrical load surveys. Offices and factories periodically ask for a thorough assessment of their energy consumption and ways to get more for less. Such an assessment answers the question: "How much energy does it take the load to convert electricity to light, heat, or motion?"

A War of Currents

When Nikola Tesla created alternating current (AC) in the late 1800s, the world didn't realize that electricity was about to change for the better. In fact, businessmen like Thomas Edison, a fellow inventor, tried to discredit Tesla for the discovery since he invested heavily in direct current (DC). In fact, many of Tesla's inventions conflicted with business interests.

What exactly was in AC that gave DC a run for its money? AC traveled in a wave-like motion, moving power more efficiently than DC’s straight-line motion. This innovation meant electricity can be distributed to long distances using low voltages, which is much safer. Tesla demonstrated the safety of AC by using his own body as a conduit to light up lamps.

Safe, Accurate High-voltage Measurements

Regardless of current type, all high-voltage currents pose a significant risk to the life and limbs of the people who work with them. Given this, one might be tempted to think that avoiding high-voltage currents altogether might be best for all involved. However, there are instances when working with high-voltage currents cannot be avoided.

Take for example power transmission. In this application, electricity is raised to a higher voltage to reduce line loss at long distances. Additionally, many industrial devices require higher voltages due to their higher power requirements.

Notes when Using a DC Transformer

Nearly all households in the U.S. are using AC (alternating current) power, mainly because it is easier to change the voltage of this type of electricity than DC (direct current) power. However, some household appliances, like a TV, require DC power to run properly, making a DC current transformer at home important.

Understanding AC and DC Current Transformers

When your company needs to monitor electrical usage, one of the more accurate means to do so is to use current transformers. Working for both alternate current and direct current, they provide a way to measure the high voltage currents that are usually used by industrial and commercial firms; they do this by converting the current into a much lower value so it can be measured safely and easily. There are three types of current transformers on the market.

Can You Use DC on a Current Transformer?

Current transformers are a staple tool in any industry that uses electricity. Basically, a current transformer takes in a current that is too powerful and reduces it (“step down”) to a more manageable quantity. It does this by using coils or windings, with the primary one accepting the input current and the secondary winding producing the output current. Since the output current is proportional to the input one, you can easily measure the former by noting the number of coils the secondary winding has.

Of course, the type of current you introduce into the transformer plays a vital role, too. As it happens, many people wonder why you can’t use a direct current (DC) power system with transformers for power distribution.

The answer is simple: electromagnetic induction. A direct current is unidirectional, so the magnetic field it creates in the primary and secondary coils are unchanging. Unfortunately, without a changing magnetic field, electrons will not travel from one coil to the other, and thus the current cannot be “stepped down.”

What can you do to measure and reduce a direct current? One way to do this is to pulse the DC voltage supplied to the transformer. Another method is to transform the DC to an alternating current or AC. As the name suggests, an AC naturally creates a changing magnetic field, making it ideal for use with transformers.

Stay Safe When Working with Electrical Equipment

When working in dangerous environments, safety should always be the first priority. This is especially true for those who work with electricity. With that in mind, here are a few safety measures you should take before you start working:

Check Electrical Equipment

Malfunctioning electrical equipment is a massive electrocution risk. Inspect your equipment carefully for any faulty or peeling wiring and other forms of damage. If your device has a current transformer, don’t forget to inspect that as well. If you feel a tingling sensation when touching an electrical device, stop working immediately and ask for replacement equipment.

Take Off Your Watch

It is no secret that metals conduct electricity, so remove your watch while you’re working. Rings, piercings, and jewelry should also be removed. It may seem like an obvious thing to do, but this important safety measure easily slips the mind of many people.

Bring a Towel

A small, super absorbent face towel will suffice. This is so that you can wipe off any sweat from areas where your skin is exposed, thereby decreasing the chance of your sweat conducting electricity.

Working with electricity is no laughing matter. All it takes is for one person to be lax in his or her safety procedures for an accident to happen. Always run through the safety measures above before you start working with electricity.