Isolation transformer

Transformers are electromagnetic devices which transform alternating current (AC) electrical energy from primary to secondary side. The energy is transformed with equal frequency and approximately equal power by means of the transformer core magnetic field. Thus they provide galvanic isolation in the electrical system. The isolation transformers operate in the same way as other transformer types. But the main task is to provide the galvanic isolation in the electrical system. 

The isolation transformers are used in many electrical devices as computers, measurement devices or specific industry power electronic devices.

It is very important to use isolating transformers when an oscilloscope  measures signals in an electrical circuit which is not galvanically isolated from  the network. Because the current circuit can be closed (short-circuited) between oscilloscope common point and grounding. The main purpose of the isolation transformer is safety and protection of electronic components and the persons against electrical shock.  It physically separates the power supplying from primary side and a secondary side circuit connected to electronic components and grounded metal parts which are in contact with the person. Basically, the transformer secondary side is isolated from the grounding.

Application of Isolation Transformer

There is also some special application of isolating transformers, such us pulse transformers which transmit rectangular pulse signals and provide the electrical isolation. This type is suitable in some computer network designs.