Step-up vs. step-down transformer

A transformer changes one voltage to another. A transformer doesn’t change power levels. If you put 100 watts into a transformer, 100 watts come out the other end.
A step up transformer allows a device that requires a high voltage power supply to operate from a lower voltage source. The transformer takes in the low voltage at a high current and puts out the high voltage at a low current. A step-down transformer allows a device that requires a low voltage power supply to operate from a high voltage. The transformer takes in the high voltage at a low current and puts out a low voltage at a high current. A step up transformer is one whose secondary voltage is greater than its primary voltage. This kind of transformer steps up the voltage applied to it. A transformer converts alternating current (AC) from one voltage to another voltage. It has no moving parts and works on a magnetic induction principle; it can be designed to step up or step down voltage. So a step up transformer increases the voltage and a step down transformer decreases the voltage.
A step down voltage is one whose secondary voltage is less than its primary voltage. The step down transformer is designed to reduce the voltage from the primary winding to the secondary winding. This kind of transformer steps down the voltage applied to it. Step up transformer are used in applications where the device connected requires more than the typical 120V outlet. This could be anything such as outdoor lighting. If you plan to buy a transformer for some of your project, remember that step up transformer cannot create more power. So you should add up the power measured either in volt amperes (VA) or watts of all the devices you intend to connect. Step down transformers are produced with the ratio of voltage and resistance transformation either in whole numbers or in fractions. Transformers must be efficient and should dissipate as little power as possible in the form of heat during transformation process. Efficiencies are normally above 99 per cent and are obtained by using special steel alloys to couple the induced magnetic fields between the primary and secondary windings. To increase transformer efficiency and reducing heat one of the most important considerations is choosing the metal type of windings. Copper winding is more efficient than aluminum and other winding metal choices.

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