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Buck boost transformer
E-mail: geno03245w@gmail.com
Buck-boost transformers are for converting 240 volt to 120 volt, or 120 to 240 Volt.
Household voltage is dangerous and should be worked on only when power if verified OFF.
Resource: Safe electric wiring
Buck-boost transformers are for converting commercial 480 volt to 240 volt etc.
Commercial 480-277 volt power will immediately penetrate insulating effects of skin and kill.
High voltage carries extreme hazard and should be worked on only by professional electrician.
2020
Square D transformerLarger image
Buck boost transformers

Typical household use for a buck boost transformer would be to step 240 volt down to 120 volt.
Depending on model, you can Convert 120 Volt to 12 or 24 Volt output AC
Inputs and output are AC and not DC.
Wiring example for step down
240 Volt input: 1 wire connects to H1 and H4, and then other wire connects to H1 and H2.
120 Volt output: 1 wire connects to X1 and X3, other wire to X4 and X2.
Buy:
Buck boost transformer
Siemens transformer at Amazon
240-120 buck boost transformer

More detail
How transformers work. Inside each transformer are the primary and secondary windings. Each winding is a coil of wire that is wrapped around a shared iron core. Apply power to the primary winding and it magnetizes the iron, which induces power on the secondary coil of wire even though the two coils share no wire in common. If the number of turns of wire on the primary winding are exactly twice as many as on the secondary side, then the voltage is lowered by 1/2. Varying the turns ratio lets transformers deliver a variety of voltages.

Ordinary household transformers are called insulating transformers because the primary windings are electrically separated (or insulated) from the secondaries as described above. This ensures that the lower voltage wires can never be energized by the higher voltage.

A buck boost transformer offers more options. It can be wired as an insulating transformer to step down voltages as described above for typical household use ... or be wired as an autotransformer to buck up or buck single phase or 3-phase voltages by 10-20%. Keep in mind that most voltages are stable, but they can vary, and this can make a difference for some commercial installations which might require 10-20% higher or lower voltage.
Insulating transformers share no wire between the primary and secondary side and achieve voltages using magnetic induction via the shared iron core. 

Autotransformers are a single continuous winding, where the primary and secondary voltages are electrically connected. The higher or lower voltage is achieved by having a tap along certain points in the coil of wire.
In the case of buck boost, one wire from high voltage would be connected to H4 and other wire connected to X1. Then X1 jumpered to X3, then X2 jumpered to X4, H1, H3, and H2 jumpered to H4. In other words, all 4 coils of wire inside the buck boost are connected into 1 long coil of wire. Then the lower voltage is connected to H4 and midpoint between X4 and H1.
Using the various combinations of autotransformer wiring, the transformer can be wired either way so high voltage is converted into low voltage, or low voltage into high voltage. Resource Buck boost pdf

Why can a buck-boost transformer operate a kVA load many times larger than the kVA rating on its nameplate?
Read Question-answers-Buck-Boost-Transformers.pdf

Resources:
Kva is Kilo watts: 1 kilo watt is 1000 watts, so .5 Kva is 500 watts
Va = volts x amps = watts
Siemens transformers/ pdf
Read about household single-phase electricity
Difference single-phase and 3-phase
What is 3-phase
How to wire 3-phase timers
Buck-Boost Transformers are rated for heavy-duty commercial use ... but can be used for residential applications without problem ...
Typical buck boost transformer has four separate windings; two windings on the primary side for incoming voltage ... and two windings on the secondary side for output voltage. Inputs and outputs are AC and not DC.

By definition, the primary coil is whichever is used to connect incoming power.
For example a residential transformer on the grid receives 7200 volt on the primary side, and delivers 120-240 to the residence from the secondary side of transformer.
However, if home has solar panels, and the panels are producing more power than used by residence, the solar-produced electricity sends 120-240 to the power company transformer. The transformer uses the 120-240 to produce 7200 volt ... and when this happens, the primary side is on the residential side of transformer and the secondary is on the power company side.

Buck–boost transformers can be used to power low voltage circuits including control, lighting circuits, or applications that require 12, 16, 24, 32 or 48 volts, consistent with the designs secondaries.
If 12-24 volt DC current is needed instead of AC, then an LED driver is used. Buy: LED driver

Transformer loss can range from .5 to 8%, meaning 92-98% efficiency.
Efficiency losses come from "eddy currents that are magnetically induced on the iron core and hysteresis loss, or heat loss, from iron atoms in the core resisting polarity change when the atoms realign with changing polarity caused by oscillating current, plus loss from resistance of the winding (wire) itself."
Higher amp draws and high heat locations cause lower efficiency and shorten life of any electrical installation.
Power transformers have humming sound ranging from 40-66 dB / while 70 dB is annoying and 100 dB is very loud. The sound can be magnified if transformer is installed against wood etc.
Transformers as a general rule, have long life expectancy, are reliable, have no moving parts, and no repairs are needed or possible.
buck boost transformer



Siemens industrial transformers
Inexpensive .... reliable ... requires enclosure
5.1 x 5.6 x 3.6 inches ; 3 pounds
Different models have input for 120 with 24 volt AC output, input for 240 with 120 volt output ... or input 480 volt with 240 volt output.
Outputs are AC.
When ordering: "If the dual voltage is separated by an “X” (120 x 240), the transformer can be connected only for 120 volts or 240 volts.
But, if it is separated by a “slash” (120/240), an additional Neutral connection is possible since the mid-point becomes available for 240/120 3-wire operation." Resource pdf pg 4
Buy:
Buy:
Siemens industrial transformers

Choose enclosure that is large enough
Bud industries hinged box 6x8x4
Metal outdoor Enclosure/ with 1/2-3/4" knockouts
Polycarbonate enclosures drill for knockouts
Thomas and Betts 6x6x4 plastic with cover at Amazon
Bud industries 11x7x5 box no knockouts
Tapered drill bit 1/4"-1-3/8 holes
tapered drill bit
Example Nema 3R indoor outdoor enclosures
2T511GA enclosureAltelix enclosure

Resources:
Siemens control transformers
Siemens transformers
Siemens MT0050AExample wiring diagram for transformer
If the input voltage is 220-230-240 volt, then connect one wire to terminals H1 and H3, connect other wire to H2 and H4.

If input voltage is 440-460-480 volt (480 for Americas), then connect one wire to H1 and other wire to H4, then jumper a wire between H2 and H3.
Larger image of transformer
Buy:
Siemens MT0050 industrial transformer

Note: 60 Hz Hot to Hot 240 volt is for power grid in Americas, 50 Hz Hot to Neutral 230 for Europe, and 50 Hz Hot to Neutral 220 for Australia etc.
Intermatic PX series transformers
Intermatic PX series 120 volt AC transformers with Nema 4X enclosure are rated for harsh conditions, interior or exterior installation.
These 300-600 watt transformers are designed for 120 volt input only, and have 'multi-tap' 12-13-14 volt AC output for pool equipment and other low voltage applications such as pathway lights etc. Multi-tap means there is a choice of three output wires, each gives slightly different voltage. Use higher voltage if distance is farther or there are more lights, use lower voltage for fewer lights or less brightness
-Best if transformer is located out of direct sun where heat can shorten life of any electrical installation.
-PX series transformers are manufactured specifically for electrical safety. They are designed to electrically separate or insulate the incoming 120 volt power from low voltage wires that go to pool. This ensures that low voltage wires going to the pool or to lights cannot be energized with high voltage.

Safety
-Never use 120 volt lights under water, or where wires or connections might come into contact with the pool or any pool liner ... even if wires are properly insulated. Why? Because insulation failure of coatings surrounding a wire are not uncommon with nearby lightning strike or short circuit. The result will put high voltage into the water that will cause electrocution if a person comes in contact.
-Never depend on GFCI for 100% protection. GFCI must be properly grounded, and must be tested before each use by pushing test and then reset buttons. Ungrounded GFCI will not trip immediately, and while an ungrounded GFCI will usually protect person, there is no guarantee. Two prong extension cords, and double insulated tools do not give complete protection even if plugged into GFCI. Always use 3-prong extensions cords and grounded power tools when working outdoors.
-Always use conduit for outdoor 120-240 volt wiring. Use approved 600 volt cables and wires for 120-240 volt household wiring. It is against code to use extension cord for permanent wiring. Resource: Color code for residential wiring

PX series transformer output gives choice of 12-13-14 volt AC .... use higher voltage for longer lengths of wire or brighter lights or when more lights are used.
Use larger wire for best result ... choose 12 gauge instead of smaller gauge 14. Buy Low voltage cable

PX50 / PX50S / PX100 ? PX100S / PX300 / PX300S / PX600 / PX600S / + transformers: 119T267 / 119T340 + wiring and manuals
Buy:

PX100 100 watt multitap with choice of 12-13-14 volt
PX300 300 watt multitap with choice of 12-13-14 volt
PX600 two 300 watt transformers in one
12 volt swimming pool light
Pool cleaning equipment

Resources:
Low voltage transformers swimming pool lights / wiring
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