Why did the fuse blow when a DC supply was connected to a transformer?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the effects of connecting a DC supply to a transformer, specifically why a fuse blew in such a scenario. Participants explore the operational principles of transformers, particularly in relation to AC and DC voltages, and the implications of using a DC supply.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that transformers only operate with AC voltage, suggesting that when DC is applied, the transformer behaves like a short circuit due to its low resistance.
  • One participant requests clarification on how a transformer exhibits very small resistance to a DC supply.
  • Another participant implies that the question may be a disguised homework question, suggesting that the asker should already know the answer.
  • It is noted that transformers consist of coils of wire around a core, which inherently have low resistance.
  • A later reply discusses the behavior of the current when DC is applied, mentioning that the magnetic field in the iron core takes time to build up and produces a 'back emf' that delays the increase in DC current, potentially leading to the fuse blowing.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that transformers are designed for AC operation and that applying DC can lead to issues, but there are varying explanations regarding the mechanisms involved and the implications of the current behavior.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the transformer's design and operation under DC conditions are not fully explored, and the discussion includes varying levels of technical detail and understanding among participants.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and practitioners interested in electrical engineering, particularly those studying transformer operation and the effects of different types of electrical supply.

dhivakhar
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
my friend gave a dc supply to a transformer in my college lab accidentally and the fuse went off can i get an explanation on why this happened?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Transformer work only with AC voltage. For DC transformer act just like a short wire (a very small resistance ).
 
Jony130 said:
Transformer work only with AC voltage. For DC transformer act just like a short wire (a very small resistance ).
Can you please explain how a transformer shows very small resistance to a DC supply?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Actually this sounds like a disguised homework question. If you are messing with transformers in lab you should already know the answer to the question.
 
Because transformers is essentially just two or more coils of wire wrapped around the core. And wires has "low" resistance.
 
dhivakhar said:
my friend gave a dc supply to a transformer in my college lab accidentally and the fuse went off can i get an explanation on why this happened?
You have a careful smart friend
 
Actually, if your friend had been able to measure the way the current varied around the time of switch on, he would have found that the current value followed a curve, because the Iron core of the transformer behaves like an electromagnet. The magnetic field energy takes time to build up and it produces a 'back emf' which delays the DC current increase (This would be fairly quick with a mains transformer - only a few tens of milliseconds before the fuse started to blow.)
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Replies
13
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
5K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
11K