Um isolation transformer is a transformer designed to electrically separate the primary circuit from the secondary circuit while transferring electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. Because the primary and secondary windings are not electrically connected, an isolation transformer can provide galvanic isolation in addition to voltage transformation.

Isolation transformers are widely used in industrial machinery, CNC equipment, hospitals, data centers, UPS systems, automation equipment, laboratories, commercial buildings, and other applications where electrical isolation and controlled power distribution are important.

But not all isolation transformers are the same.

Depending on the application, you may need a single-phase isolation transformer, three-phase isolation transformer, dry type isolation transformer, cast resin isolation transformer, VPI transformer, shielded isolation transformer, or a customized industrial isolation transformer.

This guide explains the different types of isolation transformers, how they work, their applications, key specifications, advantages, and how to select the right transformer for your project.

What Is an Isolation Transformer?

An isolation transformer is a transformer with separate primary and secondary windings that are not electrically connected to each other.

Electrical energy is transferred from the primary winding to the secondary winding through the magnetic field in the transformer core.

According to Schneider Electric, any two-winding transformer in which the primary and secondary are not electrically connected can be considered an isolation transformer. In contrast, an autotransformer has an electrical connection between the primary and secondary.

For example, a transformer with:

• Potência nominal: 75 kVA
• Tensão primária: 480 V
• Tensão secundária: 208Y/120 V
• Fase: Trifásico
• Frequência: 60 Hz

can convert the voltage from 480 V to 208Y/120 V while maintaining electrical separation between the input and output circuits.

Em termos simples:

AC Input → Primary Winding → Magnetic Core → Secondary Winding → Isolated AC Output

The isolation is created because there is no direct conductive connection between the primary and secondary windings.

How Does an Isolation Transformer Work?

An isolation transformer works according to the principle of indução eletromagnética.

When AC voltage is applied to the primary winding, it produces an alternating magnetic flux in the transformer core. This changing magnetic flux induces a voltage in the secondary winding.

Because the two windings are electrically independent, power is transferred magnetically rather than through a direct electrical connection.

The voltage ratio is approximately determined by the turns ratio:

V₁ / V₂ ≈ N₁ / N₂

Onde:

• V₁ = primary voltage
• V₂ = secondary voltage
• N₁ = primary turns
• N₂ = secondary turns

An isolation transformer can therefore be designed for:

• Step-down voltage conversion
• Step-up voltage conversion
• 1:1 voltage isolation

A 1:1 isolation transformer, for example, may have approximately the same primary and secondary voltage while providing galvanic isolation.

What Does an Isolation Transformer Do?

The main function of an isolation transformer is to electrically separate the primary and secondary circuits.

Depending on the design and installation, an isolation transformer can also be used to:

1. Provide Galvanic Isolation

The separate windings prevent a direct conductive path between the source and load.

2. Change Voltage

An isolation transformer can step voltage up or down.

Examples include:

• 480 V → 208 V
• 480 V → 240 V
• 600 V → 480 V
• 400 V → 230 V
• 380 V → 220 V

3. Help Reduce Certain Electrical Disturbances

Isolation transformers can help limit the transfer of certain common-mode disturbances between the primary and secondary systems. The actual result depends on transformer construction, grounding, shielding, system impedance, and the overall electrical installation.

4. Support Sensitive Equipment

Isolation transformers can be incorporated into power systems serving sensitive electronic and industrial equipment.

5. Provide a Separately Derived System

Depending on the electrical design and applicable code, the secondary can be grounded and bonded to establish a separately derived system.

Types of Isolation Transformers

There are several ways to classify isolation transformers.

They can be categorized according to:

• Fase
• Sistema de isolamento
• Construção
• Aplicativo
• Resfriamento
• Voltage
• Gabinete
• Shielding

The most common types include the following.

1. Single Phase Isolation Transformer

A single phase isolation transformer is designed for single-phase electrical systems.

It is commonly used for relatively small loads and individual electrical equipment.

Typical applications

• Máquinas CNC
• Machine tools
• Control systems
• Laboratory equipment
• Electronic equipment
• Lighting
• Industrial automation
• Test equipment

Common ratings may include:

• 500 VA
• 1 kVA
• 2 kVA
• 5 kVA
• 10 kVA
• 15 kVA
• 25 kVA
• 50 kVA

The exact capacity and voltage ratio should be selected according to the connected load and application.

2. Three Phase Isolation Transformer

A three phase isolation transformer is designed for three-phase industrial and commercial power systems.

It is one of the most important isolation transformer types for industrial projects.

Typical applications

• Manufacturing plants
• Industrial machinery
• Centros de dados
• UPS systems
• Hospitais
• Sistemas de automação
• Sistemas de energia renovável
• Edifícios comerciais
• Mineração
• Instalações de petróleo e gás

Typical voltage combinations include:

The transformer can be designed with different winding connections and vector groups depending on system requirements.

3. Dry Type Isolation Transformer

A transformador de isolamento do tipo seco uses solid insulation and air rather than liquid insulating oil.

Dry type construction is particularly attractive for indoor installations where oil containment, fire protection, or environmental considerations are important.

Dry-type transformers can be designed in different constructions, including encapsulated, cast resin, and other ventilated or enclosed designs. IEC 61558-1 covers safety requirements for various dry-type transformers, including both encapsulated and non-encapsulated windings, for applications within its scope.

Advantages of dry type isolation transformers

• No insulating oil
• Baixa manutenção
• Suitable for many indoor installations
• Reduced risk of oil leakage
• Compact installation
• Good environmental compatibility

Typical applications

• Edifícios comerciais
• Hospitais
• Centros de dados
• Factories
• Escolas
• Aeroportos
• Metro systems
• Instalações industriais

4. Cast Resin Isolation Transformer

A cast resin isolation transformer uses epoxy resin to encapsulate the windings.

The encapsulation provides additional protection against moisture, dust, and environmental contamination.

Vantagens

• Excellent moisture resistance
• Alta resistência mecânica
• Baixa manutenção
• Good fire performance
• Suitable for indoor environments
• Good resistance to environmental contamination

Cast resin dry-type transformer technology is widely used for demanding indoor and industrial applications. ABB, for example, offers cast-resin dry-type transformers for industrial and infrastructure applications.

Typical applications

• Hospitais
• Centros de dados
• Aeroportos
• Shopping centers
• Metro stations
• Instalações industriais
• Projetos de energia renovável

5. VPI Isolation Transformer

VPI stands for Vacuum Pressure Impregnated.

In a VPI transformer, insulating varnish is impregnated into the winding insulation system under vacuum and pressure.

VPI construction is widely used for industrial dry-type transformer applications where mechanical strength, thermal performance, and environmental resistance are important.

Typical applications

• Fábricas industriais
• Mineração
• Usinas siderúrgicas
• Oil and gas
• Industrial drives
• UPS systems
• Energia renovável

When selecting between VPI and cast resin, the decision should consider the installation environment, voltage, capacity, cooling requirements, maintenance expectations, and project specifications.

6. Shielded Isolation Transformer

A shielded isolation transformer includes an electrostatic shield between the primary and secondary windings.

The shield can help reduce the transfer of certain high-frequency electrical disturbances.

However, an important point for buyers is that the word “isolation” does not automatically mean the transformer includes an electrostatic shield. If shielding is required, it should be explicitly specified in the transformer technical specification. Schneider Electric also makes this distinction in its technical guidance.

Typical applications

• Centros de dados
• Laboratories
• Medical equipment
• Precision electronics
• Communication systems
• Measurement equipment
• Sensitive industrial controls

7. Industrial Isolation Transformer

Um industrial isolation transformer is designed for demanding industrial applications.

Compared with small control transformers, industrial isolation transformers may have much higher capacities and customized electrical characteristics.

Typical applications

• CNC machinery
• Manufacturing lines
• Motors and drives
• Industrial automation
• Equipamentos de soldagem
• Mining equipment
• Oil and gas
• Steel mills
• Heavy industry

Industrial projects may require customized:

• Impedância
• Taxa de tensão
• Grupo vetorial
• Taps
• Harmonic performance
• Shielding
• Gabinete
• Resfriamento
• Capacidade de resistência a curto-circuito

8. Isolation Transformer for UPS Systems

Isolation transformers are frequently incorporated into certain UPS and critical power architectures.

They can be used for:

• Voltage conversion
• Electrical isolation
• System grounding configuration
• Separation of electrical circuits

As aplicações típicas incluem:

• Centros de dados
• Telecom facilities
• Server rooms
• Industrial UPS
• Battery systems
• Critical infrastructure

The exact transformer configuration must be coordinated with the UPS manufacturer and the overall electrical system.

9. Medical Isolation Transformer

Medical electrical systems have special safety requirements, so medical isolation transformers should not be selected simply based on capacity and voltage.

Depending on the application, medical transformers may need to satisfy additional requirements concerning:

• Leakage current
• Isolamento
• Monitoring
• Shielding
• Proteção
• Temperatura
• Medical IT systems

Different transformer standards apply to different medical and equipment-transformer applications. For example, IEC 61558 contains specific parts covering safety transformers and particular applications.

For medical projects, the transformer specification should always be reviewed against the applicable local electrical and medical standards.

Isolation Transformer Applications

Isolation transformers are used across a wide range of industries.

Isolation Transformer for CNC Machines

CNC equipment can be sensitive to voltage quality, electrical disturbances, and grounding conditions.

An appropriately specified isolation transformer can provide:

• Voltage transformation
• Galvanic isolation
• Power-system separation
• Reduced transfer of certain common-mode disturbances

As configurações mais comuns incluem:

480 V → 240 V

480 V → 208 V

400 V → 230 V

380 V → 220 V

For CNC applications, the transformer should also be evaluated for starting current, inrush current, harmonics, load characteristics, and required capacity.

Isolation Transformer for Data Centers

Data centers require highly reliable electrical infrastructure.

Isolation transformers may be used as part of the power distribution architecture for:

• UPS systems
• PDUs
• Server equipment
• Critical loads
• Electrical distribution

Common North American configurations include:

480 V → 208Y/120 V

480 V → 480Y/277 V

600 V → 480 V

The appropriate configuration depends on the facility’s electrical distribution system.

Isolation Transformer for Industrial Equipment

Industrial equipment can have very different electrical characteristics from standard commercial loads.

Examples include:

• Variable-frequency drives
• Rectifiers
• Equipamentos de soldagem
• Máquinas CNC
• Motores
• PLC systems
• Linhas de produção automatizadas

These loads can generate harmonics, inrush current, or rapid changes in current.

Therefore, selecting an isolation transformer based only on the nameplate kVA may not be sufficient.

The transformer manufacturer should review the actual load characteristics.

Isolation Transformer vs Autotransformer

This is one of the most frequently misunderstood topics.

An autotransformer has a common portion of the winding between primary and secondary circuits, so it does not provide galvanic isolation.

Important:

If your project specifically requires electrical isolation, do not replace a two-winding isolation transformer with an autotransformer simply because the voltage ratio is the same.

Isolation Transformer vs Regular Transformer

The term “isolation transformer” can sometimes cause confusion.

A two-winding transformer with electrically separate primary and secondary windings already provides electrical isolation.

Therefore, the distinction is often based on the intended function and specification, rather than a completely different transformer principle.

For example, a conventional two-winding dry-type distribution transformer can provide electrical isolation, while an autotransformer cannot.

An isolation transformer project may additionally specify:

• 1:1 voltage ratio
• Electrostatic shield
• Special insulation
• Low leakage requirements
• Noise attenuation
• Specific grounding arrangement
• Special enclosure

These requirements must be clearly defined in the technical specification.

Isolation Transformer vs Transformer: Key Differences

The key point is that not every isolation transformer is a completely separate category of transformer construction.

Dry Type vs Oil Filled Isolation Transformer

Isolation transformers can be manufactured using different insulation and cooling technologies.

Transformadores do tipo seco are especially attractive where the transformer must be located close to the load or inside buildings. ABB highlights the absence of insulating oil and the resulting installation and environmental advantages of dry-type technology.

Key Isolation Transformer Specifications

When requesting an isolation transformer quotation, providing the correct technical information can significantly reduce quotation time.

The most important parameters include:

What Size Isolation Transformer Do I Need?

The correct transformer capacity depends on the actual electrical load.

For a three-phase system:

S = √3 × V × I

Onde:

• S = apparent power
• V = line-to-line voltage
• I = line current

However, simply calculating the connected load is not always enough.

The transformer selection should also consider:

• Motor starting current
• Transformer inrush
• Load diversity
• Harmonics
• Nonlinear loads
• Temperatura ambiente
• Future load expansion
• Continuous loading
• Required overload capability

Exemplo

Suppose an industrial system requires approximately 60 kVA of continuous apparent power.

A 75 kVA transformer may be considered, depending on the actual load characteristics and required margin.

For a large industrial installation, the manufacturer should review the complete load profile before finalizing the rating.

How to Select the Right Isolation Transformer

Step 1: Determine the Rated Capacity

Determine:

• Connected load
• Maximum demand
• Motor starting requirements
• Future expansion
• Continuous operating load

Step 2: Confirm Primary Voltage

Common values include:

• 208 V
• 220 V
• 230 V
• 240 V
• 380 V
• 400 V
• 415 V
• 440 V
• 480 V
• 600 V

Step 3: Confirm Secondary Voltage

Typical secondary voltages include:

• 120 V
• 208Y/120 V
• 220 V
• 230 V
• 240 V
• 400 V
• 415 V
• 480 V

Step 4: Choose Single Phase or Three Phase

Choose single phase for:

• Small equipment
• Control circuits
• Laboratory equipment
• Individual machinery

Choose three phase for:

• Instalações industriais
• Large machinery
• Centros de dados
• Edifícios comerciais
• Industrial distribution

Step 5: Select the Insulation System

Depending on the application, you may select:

• Open ventilated
• Encapsulated
• Resina fundida
• VPI

The installation environment and project standards should determine the final selection.

Step 6: Determine the Enclosure

For an indoor clean electrical room, an open or ventilated design may be appropriate.

For environments containing:

• Poeira
• Moisture
• Dirt
• Chemical contamination
• Wash-down conditions

a suitable enclosed design may be required.

For example, enclosed dry-type transformers are available for environments where conventional ventilation openings are unsuitable.

Isolation Transformer Standards

The applicable standard depends on the transformer type, voltage, capacity, application, and target market.

Commonly referenced standards include:

IEC

IEC 60076 series

For power transformer applications within its scope.

IEC 61558

IEC 61558 addresses safety requirements for transformers, reactors, power supply units, and related equipment. IEC 61558-1:2017 is the general requirements and tests standard within the series.

América do Norte

Depending on the application, project specifications may reference:

• UL
• CSA
• ANSI
• IEEE
• NEMA

The exact applicable standard should always be confirmed from the project specification rather than assuming one standard applies to every isolation transformer.

Isolation Transformer Testing

Before shipment, transformers may undergo routine tests according to the applicable product standard and project specification.

Typical transformer tests can include:

• Winding resistance
• Taxa de tensão
• Polarity / phase displacement
• Perdas sem carga
• No-load current
• Impedância
• Applied voltage test
• Induced voltage test
• Insulation resistance
• Partial discharge, when specified
• Temperature-rise or type tests, when required

The exact test program depends on the transformer design, standard, rating, and customer requirements.

For an EPC project, the buyer should specify whether routine test reports, type-test certificates, or third-party inspection are required.

How Long Does an Isolation Transformer Last?

A properly designed, manufactured, installed, and maintained isolation transformer can provide many years of reliable service.

Actual service life depends on:

• Temperatura operacional
• Load level
• Sistema de isolamento
• Harmonic content
• Ambient conditions
• Ventilação
• Maintenance
• Short-circuit events
• Installation quality

For this reason, transformer life should not be determined by a single fixed number of years.

Advantages of an Isolation Transformer

Isolamento elétrico

The primary and secondary circuits are electrically separated.

Transformação de tensão

The transformer can change voltage while maintaining isolation.

Flexible Design

Isolation transformers can be customized for different:

• Voltages
• Capacities
• Frequencies
• Phase configurations
• Grupos de vetores
• Enclosures
• Cooling methods

Reduced Transfer of Certain Disturbances

With appropriate design, shielding, grounding, and system configuration, an isolation transformer can reduce the transfer of certain common-mode electrical disturbances.

Suitable for Sensitive Loads

They can be incorporated into power systems serving sensitive industrial and electronic equipment.

What Is an Electrostatic Shield?

An electrostatic shield is a conductive layer installed between the primary and secondary windings.

It can provide additional attenuation of certain capacitive/common-mode noise paths when correctly designed and grounded.

However:

An isolation transformer does not automatically include an electrostatic shield.

If your application requires shielding, specify it separately in the RFQ.

This is particularly important for:

• Centros de dados
• Laboratories
• Medical equipment
• Instrumentos de precisão
• Audio systems
• Sensitive electronic equipment

Schneider Electric explicitly notes that “isolation” does not itself imply the presence of an electrostatic shield.

Isolation Transformer for 480V to 208V

480V to 208V isolation transformers are a particularly common configuration in North American commercial and industrial electrical systems.

A typical specification may look like:

75 kVA Three Phase Isolation Transformer

• Primary: 480 V
• Secondary: 208Y/120 V
• Frequency: 60 Hz
• Winding: Copper
• Cooling: AN
• Insulation: Class H
• Vector Group: Dyn11
• Shield: Optional
• Enclosure: Indoor/outdoor as required

The final specification should be coordinated with the electrical distribution system and applicable project requirements.

Isolation Transformer Manufacturer

Por que escolher o transformador EverNew?

EverNew Transformer is a professional transformer manufacturer in China providing customized transformer solutions for industrial, commercial, renewable-energy, and infrastructure projects.

Our engineering team can design isolation transformers according to customer requirements, including voltage, capacity, frequency, phase, winding material, insulation system, cooling method, enclosure, and applicable standards.

Our capabilities include:

• Single-phase isolation transformers
• Transformadores de isolamento trifásicos
• Dry type isolation transformers
• Transformadores de resina moldada
• VPI transformers
• Shielded isolation transformers
• Industrial isolation transformers
• Control transformers
• Custom voltage ratios
• OEM / ODM transformer manufacturing

Customized Manufacturing

We can customize:

Potência nominal: according to project requirements
Tensão primária: customized
Tensão secundária: customized
Frequência: 50 Hz / 60 Hz
Fase: single-phase / three-phase
Enrolamento: copper / aluminum
Resfriamento: AN / AF
Insulation: according to design
Enclosure: customized
Padrões: according to target market and project specification

Why Buy an Isolation Transformer Directly from the Manufacturer?

Working directly with a transformer manufacturer can be particularly useful for EPC contractors, electrical distributors, system integrators, and industrial users requiring customized specifications.

A manufacturer can support:

Technical Design

Review your single-line diagram, datasheet, or technical specification.

Customized Production

Adapt:

• Voltage
• Capacidade
• Grupo vetorial
• Impedância
• Taps
• Gabinete
• Resfriamento
• Shielding

Factory Testing

Provide routine test reports and other documentation required by the project.

OEM Services

Manufacture transformers according to customer drawings, specifications, or branding requirements.

Export Support

Support international packaging, documentation, and shipping for overseas projects.

How to Order an Isolation Transformer

If you are requesting a quotation, providing the following information will help the manufacturer respond quickly.

Por favor, forneça:

1. Rated capacity (kVA)
2. Tensão primária
3. Tensão secundária
4. Single phase or three phase
5. Frequência
6. Material de enrolamento
7. Instalação em ambiente interno ou externo
8. Required standard
9. Quantidade
10. Delivery destination

If you already have a technical specification, BOQ, drawing, or datasheet, simply send it to the manufacturer.

Our engineers can review the technical requirements and recommend a suitable isolation transformer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Isolation Transformers

What is an isolation transformer?

An isolation transformer is a transformer with separate primary and secondary windings that provides galvanic isolation between the input and output circuits.

What is the main purpose of an isolation transformer?

Its primary function is electrical isolation. It can also provide voltage transformation and, depending on its design and system configuration, help limit the transfer of certain electrical disturbances.

What is the difference between an isolation transformer and an autotransformer?

An isolation transformer uses separate primary and secondary windings, while an autotransformer has a common electrical connection between the input and output windings. Therefore, an autotransformer does not provide galvanic isolation.

Can an isolation transformer change voltage?

Yes. An isolation transformer can be designed as a step-up, step-down, or approximately 1:1 transformer.

What is a 1:1 isolation transformer?

A 1:1 isolation transformer has approximately equal primary and secondary voltage ratings while maintaining electrical isolation between the two circuits.

What is a three-phase isolation transformer?

It is an isolation transformer designed for a three-phase electrical system, commonly used in industrial and commercial applications.

Are isolation transformers dry type?

Many isolation transformers are dry type, particularly those used for indoor industrial, commercial, electronic, and specialized applications.

Does an isolation transformer reduce electrical noise?

It can help reduce the transfer of certain common-mode disturbances. The effectiveness depends on transformer construction, shielding, grounding, and the overall electrical system.

Does every isolation transformer have an electrostatic shield?

No. An electrostatic shield must normally be specifically requested when required by the application.

Can an isolation transformer be customized?

Yes. Manufacturers can customize capacity, primary and secondary voltage, frequency, phase, winding material, impedance, vector group, cooling, enclosure, shielding, and other requirements.

How do I choose the correct isolation transformer?

Start with the required capacity, input voltage, output voltage, phase, frequency, installation environment, applicable standards, and load characteristics. For industrial or critical applications, provide the complete technical specification to the transformer manufacturer.

Request an Isolation Transformer Quote

Looking for a Reliable Isolation Transformer Manufacturer?

Whether you need a small single-phase isolation transformer, a three-phase dry type isolation transformer, a 480V to 208V isolation transformer, or a customized industrial transformer, EverNew Transformer can provide a solution based on your project requirements.

Send us your transformer specification, datasheet, BOQ, or project requirements.

Our engineering team can help you confirm:

• Transformer capacity
• Tensão primária e secundária
• Phase configuration
• Grupo vetorial
• Sistema de isolamento
• Método de resfriamento
• Gabinete
• Electrostatic shielding
• Padrões aplicáveis
• Testing requirements
• Production and delivery requirements

Request a Quote from EverNew Transformer

Contact us today for a customized isolation transformer solution and competitive quotation.