Higher tier: Transformers and current
When a transformer steps-up voltage it has exactly the opposite effect on the current.
The current is stepped-down or decreased in size.
As we will see, this is very useful when transmitting electricity from a power station across country to your home.
Likewise, a step-down transformer steps-down the voltage but steps-up the current.
Key points
A step-up transformer:
- Steps-up voltage.
- Steps-down current.
- Has more turns of wire on the secondary coil.
A step-down transformer:
- Steps-down voltage.
- Steps-up current.
- Has fewer turns of wire on the secondary coil.