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WHAT'S YOUR ENGINEERING QUOTIENT?

Problem 3—What happens if you try to operate a power transformer at a frequency too low for its rating; e.g., a 60-Hz unit on 50-Hz power?

The biggest risk is that since the primary impedance will be lower at a lower frequency, the primary current could be higher than what the wire can safely carry. The transformer will overheat, regardless of any load that might be connected to it.

Contributor: Dave Tweed

02-02 — NEXT Q&A