Amerpage Transformer: Is There Such a Thing?

[Kalrag]

Does anyone know if there is a such thing as an amperage transformer? Is there a device that multiplise current like a transformer multiplise voltage? If so how does it work?

 

[Averagesupernova]

Yes. It is called a current transformer. Technically, all transformers do this since stepping up voltage comes at the price of reduced current and stepping down voltage makes available more current.

 

[sophiecentaur]

In practice, a current transformer can consist of a magnetic core, wrapped around a current carrying cable and a secondary coil, consisting of a number of turns in series with an Ammeter. You have, effectively, a 1:N ratio transformer and the Ammeter will register 1/N times the current flowing in the cable. Power distribution centres have a lot of these.

It is important not to open circuit the secondary circuit of the transformer of the open circuit voltage may be embarrassing as the secondary is a 'current source'.!