What is an isolation transformer?

An isolation transformer is specifically designed to separate the secondary circuit from the primary circuit while maintaining voltage levels. This means that the secondary winding of the transformer has no direct electrical connection to ground. This design is crucial for safety, as it reduces the risk of electric shock by ensuring that users are not directly connected to the more hazardous primary voltage levels. It protects sensitive equipment from surges, noise, and helps in providing a stable and clean power supply.

This function is particularly important in environments like commercial kitchens or industrial settings where equipment must operate safely among conductive materials and where electromagnetic interference from other devices can disrupt performance. The isolation feature also facilitates maintenance by creating a safer working environment for technicians.

In contrast, a transformer that increases voltage and decreases current refers to a step-up transformer, which serves a different purpose. A transformer that converts AC to DC is not an isolation transformer; it describes a rectifier's function. A transformer with multiple secondary windings is a multi-winding transformer, which can serve various loads but does not specifically pertain to the isolation feature associated with safety and separation of circuits.