Transducers and transformers

Transformers and transducers are two ways of managing and monitoring electrical energy, often used interchangeably, although they are different.

[edit] Transformer

A transformer might be used to step down or reduce a current to a more usable level, particularly if an electric current is too powerful for a specific piece of equipment or where the primary current is being measured on the basis of Faraday's Law of induction. Transformers work with two sets of coils, one which take in the higher input current and the other that outputs the lower current that is of stepped down by a certain ratio to make it useable.

[edit] Transducer

A transducer, converts electrical energy into other types of energy and is used in applications such as microphones, car horns, and photoelectric cells. Current transducers, in particular, convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) and are used for example in control systems that monitor electricity usage.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

• BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings.
• BSRIA definitions.
• BSRIA.
• Building management system.
• Building services.
• Electricity.
• Glossary of electrical terms
• Transformer.