Is the power usage of a Transformer always equal to its capacity?

Question

I have two-way transformer (120V<=>240V) that has a surge capacity of 2000W and a continuous capacity of 1600W. The transformer is plugged into my wall socket and is, on its output side, attached to a power surge protector that leads to six separate sockets. There are periods where not all six sockets are in use - in this specific case, the only appliance is a 50W fan - and my question is, does the transformer still eat 1600W off my meter and waste most of it as heat, or is it nice and intakes maybe only 60W and inefficiently converts it to the required 50W? If the company/model comes into question, I can only say the transformer is of Taiwan origin - the company logo is a 'Z' with small D intersecting the two parallel lines of the former letter, all against a blue background - and has a model number of TC-2000. Many thanks.

Answer 1

The power TRANSFORMED by a transformer is governed by the load connected to the transformer. So if you apply a 50W load, then the output of the transformer will be about 50W.



No electrical component is perfect - all incur some kind of losses. In the case of transformers, there are two kinds of losses. Through losses (aka 'copper losses') are losses that occur as (and because) power is passing through the transformer and occur as a consequence of heating in the conductors that make up the windings of the transformer. The magnitude of copper losses depends on the design of the transformer, but on a small transformer might be something in the range of 1-5% of the power being transformed. So for your 50W, load, the copper losses might be as much as 2.5W.



The other form of loss with a transformer is excitation loss. These are losses associated with magnetization of the iron core of the transformer. These losses are fixed and irrespective of the amount of power being transformed. On a small transformer, core losses could be as much as 1% of the transformer RATING. In your case, the rating is 1600w (that 2000W 'surge' rating is simply a short-time thermal overload capability - its not really a rating). So 1% of 1600 watts is 16 watts.



So what that means is if the output of the transformer delivered to the load is 50 W, then the input to the transformer including losses might be 68.5W.

Answer 2

If you plug in a 50W fan into your 1600W transformer, it will only draw what it needs + a little more for losses. You are right about the losses that you feel/see with this transformer. Some of the voltage conversion is lost as heat as a transformer is not 100% efficient. (As a matter of fact, no energy conversion system is 100% efficient as stated in the 2nd law of thermodynamics).



A transformer typically is pretty efficient; usually above 95%. So you would be drawing maybe an extra 1 or 2 watts, not 10, with your fan. When nothing is plugged into it, it should draw some minuscule power due to losses, but not very much and definitely not 1600W.



I personally would not let it be plugged in all the time. If it of a cheap or poor design and not UL (Underwriters Laboratory) or other agency rated, it could short out and cause a fire. But that is just my anal-retentive nature...

Answer 3

the thought is "sure" and "NO". sure, by way of fact a transformers considerable coil has a undeniable resistance. Wattage used is a function of voltage cases modern-day. on the grounds which you recognize the enter voltage is a hundred and twenty V, in case you are able to degree the coil resistance you are able to calculate the present used. Multiply modern-day cases voltage and you get wattage. although, the character of a transformer is extra desirable than basically a trouble-free function of "Ohm's regulation" which you would be able to seem up on the internet. there is yet another function of a transformer that could desire to be further into the equation, and that i'm not an authority on that. although, this extra ingredient is talked approximately as "Inductance". that rather skill that reckoning on the burden of the output, the enter wattage will replace, however not heavily. Suffice is to assert that a transformer it is plugged into the wall yet isn't working something DOES proceed to apply power. you are able to tell this by way of fact the transformer would be warmer than if it weren't plugged in in any respect. this is going on on the grounds which you're changing electric powered modern-day into warmth - you're making use of electricity. on your case, making use of a decrease wattage bulb (this difficulty LED) you will use much less power, yet will in no way be saving a form of electricity. If going green is the objective, you would be extra valuable off making use of a hundred and twenty v LED lights OR a low voltage device it is designed around using LED. to easily set up LED will consequence in little or no decrease fee rates at an exceedingly huge fee. LED lights isn't decrease priced. solid success. :)

Answer 4

ok so most transformers are able to use almost 100% efficiency because of their advanced technology. Like optimus prime - he's badass