Transformers Short Interview Questions 1

Why do we represent leakage flux in a transformer by

inductive reactance?

Ans. In a actual transformer, there is primary leakage flux as well as

secondary leakage flux. The primary leakage flux is the flux which links with
the primary but not with the secondary. Similarly, the secondary leakage flux
is the flux which links with the secondary but not with the primary winding.
Since leakage flux links with only one winding, it produces an induced. e.m.f.
in that winding. It is, therefore, equivalent to a small inductance in series
with that winding.

Why is the efficiency of a transformer not determined by direct

loading ?

Ans, The efficiency of a transformer is not determined by direct loading as

this method has the following disadvantages :
(i) It requires a large supply of power and a means of dissipating it.
(ii) It gives no information regarding the proportions of various losses.
In practice, the efficiency of a transformer is determined by two simple tests
viz., open-circuit test and short-circuit test.

What are the advantages of open and short-circuit tests on a

transformer ?

Ans. The efficiency of a transformer is always determined by open-circuit and

short-circuit tests due to the following reasons :
(i) The power required to carry out these tests is very small .
(ii) These tests give the core loss and copper losses separately.

What are the advantages of back to back test in determining

the efficiency of a transformer ?

Ans. In this method, the efficiency of a transformer is determined by putting

it under full-load conditions and yet the power demand is small. This test
requires two identical transformers (or, even number of identical
transformers). The primary windings are connected in parallel and supplied
at normal voltage and frequency and the secondary windings are connected
in series opposition and supplied through a variable voltage regulator. The
method offers the following advantages :
(i) The transformers are tested under full-load conditions and yet the power
demand is small.
(ii) The losses can be determined very accurately.
(iii) Two large transformers can be put under full-load conditions for several
hours, so that the temperature rise can be measured, with an expenditure of
energy equal to that required for losses only.

Why are iron losses constant at all loads in a transformer ?

Ans. Since the induced primary ampere-turns and secondary ampere-turns

always neutralize one another, the flux in the core on load is the same as the
flux on no load. Hence, the iron losses are constant and are independent of
load.

What is the difference between power transformers and

distribution transformers ?

Ans. Those transformers installed at the sending or receiving end of long

high-voltage transmission lines are the power transformers. The distribution
transformer (generally pole mounted) are those installed in the localities of
the city to provide utilization voltage at the consumer terminals.
(i) Power transformers generally operate at nearly full-load. However,
distribution transformers operate at light loads during major part of the day.
(ii) The performance of a power transformer is generally judged from
commercial efficiency whereas the performance of a distribution transformer
is judged from all-day efficiency
(iii) The rating of a power transformer is many times greater than that of a
distribution transformer.

What would happen if a power transformer designed for

operation on 50 Hz is connected to a 500 Hz source of the
same voltage ?

Ans. Power transformers are made to operate on one particular frequency,

usually 50 Hz. If the frequency is too high, the inductive reactance of the
primary will prevent the primary from drawing sufficient power. The
hysteresis and eddy current losses will be excessive.

What would happen if a power transformer designed for

operation on 50 Hz were connected to a 5 Hz source of the
same voltage ?

Ans. Power transformers are made to operate on one particular frequency,

usually 50 Hz. If the frequency is too low, the primary will have insufficient
reactance and too much primary current will flow, producing considerable
copper losses. The transformer may start to smoke.

If part of a primary winding of a transformer were accidentally

short-circuited, what would be the immediate effect ?

Ans. If a few turns of the primary of a transformer short out for some reason,
a high current will be induced in the turns, producing excessive heat in the
transformer. This is not only because of the 'shorted turns' heating but also
because of the cancellation of the inductance of the primary by the magnetic
field set up by the shorted turns. Cancellation of the inductance decreases
the inductive reactance of the primary and excessive primary current flows.
This causes excessive heat in the transformer.

Why are autotransformers not safe for supplying a low-voltage

from a high-voltage source ?

Ans. Autotransformers are not safe for supplying a low voltage form a high
voltage source. It is because if the winding that is common to both primary
and secondary accidentally becomes open-circuited, the full primary voltage
will appear across the secondary. This may cause severe shock to the
operating personnel.

What functions are performed by instrument transformers ?

Ans. Instrument transformers perform two functions viz.

(i) they act as ratio devices, making possible the use of standard low-voltage
and low-current meters and instruments.
(ii) they act as insulating devices to protect the apparatus and operating
personnel from high voltages.
There are two types of instrument transformers viz., potential transformers
and current transformers:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of 3-phase

transformer over 3 single-phase bank of transformers ?

Ans. Advantages of 3-phase transformers over 3 single-phase bank of

transformers are :
(i) less cost
(ii) less weight
(iii) requires less space
(iv) somewhat higher efficiency
Disadvantages of 3-phase transformers over 3-single-phase bank of
transformers are :
(i) greater cost of standby units
(ii) increased cost and inconvenience of repairs