
Dry Type Distribution Transformers
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© January 2017
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Application Note
Application Limitations with Buck-Boost Transformers
1. A Buck-Boost transformer cannot be used to develop a three
phase, four wire wye circuit from a three phase, three wire
delta circuit.
A delta to wye connection does not supply enough
current carrying capability to provide for unbalanced
currents owing in the neutral wire of the four wire
circuit. The neutral created is not stable and under
load will not deliver desired line to neutral voltages.
This connection would also be in violation of the
National Electric Code, Article 210.9.
2. Buck-Boost transformers cannot be used in a closed delta
connection.
A closed delta requires more kVA capacity than a wye or
an open delta connection, plus phase shifting comes into
play on the output side.
3. Buck-Boost transformers should not be used to correct for
voltage drop on a long circuit run where the load fluctuates.
Voltage drop varies with the load and buck-boost trans-
formers are connected for a specic voltage change. If
a buck-boost transformer was used to correct voltage
drop during peak loading conditions, high voltages may
result under light load conditions. This could be equally
detrimental to the load and possibly pose safety hazards.
4. Buck-Boost transformers cannot be used to create a
240/120 Volt, single phase service from a 208Y/120 Volt
three phase supply.
Two problems that would occur:
A. Two neutrals would exist on the same circuit. Since
neutrals must be grounded according to the National
Electric Code, a short circuit would be created.
B. Unbalanced line to output neutral voltages would be
created; one line would read 120 Volts, the other
130+ Volts.
What is a Buck-Boost transformer and why is it used?
Isolation transformers have separate primary and secondary
windings, electrically insulated and isolated from one another.
With a relatively high voltage primary (typically 120, 240 or
480 Volts) and a relatively low voltage secondary (typically
12, 16, 24, 32 or 48 Volts), buck-boost transformers are
designed to be eld connected as autotransformers. These
are transformers with one continuous winding, a portion of
which is jointly shared between the input and the output. No
electrical isolation is present in an autotransformer.
Buck-Boost transformers have two major uses:
1. When eld connected as an autotransformer, they
can be used to Buck (lower) or Boost (raise)
available line voltage in the range of 5 to 27% and
at a kVA rating many times that listed on the
transformer nameplate.
2. When left as an isolation transformer, they can be
used to supply power to low voltage circuits at the
nameplate rating listed.
The importance of altering available line voltage.
Electrical equipment is designed to operate at maximum
efciency at a specic standard supply voltage. Your voltage
may not be at the standard supply voltage level. Causes can
be proximity to a large utility transformer, losses in the line
voltage due to loads on that circuit, or a difference between
the standard supply voltage available and the standard
supply voltage needed to run the equipment.
Normally the problem is having low voltage available. Low
voltage on a circuit, even as little as 5% lower can cause a
decrease in incandescent light output, and a decrease in
resistive heat output. With motors low voltage can cause a
decrease in motor torque, an increase in motor amperage
requirements, an increase in motor temperature and
decrease in motor life expectancy.