23ECE181/CCE181 Electrical Engineering Laboratory 2024-2025

Experiment 8: Estimation of Turns Ratio of a Single Phase

Transformer

Objective
To find the turns ratio of a single phase transformer.
Pre-Lab Task
Student should be aware of the concepts related to step up and step down of voltage
through transformers and relationship between number of turns and voltage.
1. The number of primary and secondary windings is 90 and 120 respectively. The
secondary voltage is given by 100V. determine the primary voltage.
2. The number of primary and secondary windings is 110 and 240, respectively. The
primary voltage is given by 100V. Determine the secondary voltage.

Theory:

One of the most valuable apparatus in electric systems is the transformer, for it enables
us to utilize different voltage levels across the power system for the most economical
value. Generation of power at the synchronous machine level is normally at a relatively
low voltage, which is most economically desirable. Stepping up this generated voltage
is achieved through power transformers to suit the power transmission requirement to
minimize losses and increase the transmission capability of the lines. This transmission
voltage level is then stepped down in many stages for distribution and utilization
purposes. Transformers are used at all levels of the system. Besides voltage
transformation, in electronic circuits, transformers are used for impedance matching.

The main uses of electrical transformers are for changing the magnitude of an AC
voltage, providing electrical isolation, and matching the load impedance to the source.
Transformers are magnetic circuit elements used in AC circuits for a variety of
applications. Transformers are often used to convert voltages from high to low values,
or from low to high values. They are often used to isolate one AC line from another,
for safety or for equipment isolation. And they are often used to connect two
components with mismatched impedances, such as a high-impedance stereo amplifier
and a low-impedance speaker.

Transformer Turns Ratio Test

Transformer Turns Ratio Test is one of the most popular tests that is used to evaluate
the state of the windings and the core of the transformer. It is carried out as a component
of the acceptance and maintenance test procedure in order to identify any issues that
may have arisen as a result of faulty design, assembly, handling, overloading, fault
situations, or inadequate maintenance.
The turns ratio test for a power transformer is a that determines the ratio of the winding
with high voltage to all of the other windings when the transformer is not under load.
The turns ratio test is carried out on each and every tap of each individual winding. In
point of fact, the no load voltage ratio of a transformer is exactly the same as the turn
ratio. The ratio test was performed on the transformer. Because it has a direct impact
on the transformation of voltage as well as the impedance, the turns ratio is an essential

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23ECE181/CCE181 Electrical Engineering Laboratory 2024-2025

characteristic for transformers. This article offers a detailed summary of the turns ratio
test, discussing its fundamentals as well as its methodology and the importance of the
test’s results.
When certain circumstances are met, the ratio of the voltages that are found across a
transformer’s windings is known as the turns ratio of the transformer. In a perfect
transformer, the turns ratio and the voltage ratio would be identical to one another. A
transformer with a turns ratio of 1:2, for instance, will have a primary voltage that is
twice as strong as the secondary voltage.

Importance of the Transformer Turns Ratio Test

The turns ratio test is extremely significant for a number of reasons, including but not
limited to the following:
 During the manufacturing process of transformers, the turns ratio test verifies
that the winding designs are accurate and that the converter satisfies the design
requirements. This is an important aspect of quality control.
 Evaluation of the Health of the Transformer Conducting routine turns ratio
testing is vital for determining the state of the converter’s health and identifying
any modifications in the winding that may have occurred as a result of wear and
tear, deterioration of the insulation, or mechanical stress.
 Fault Detection: The test has the capability of identifying a variety of internal
problems, including open circuits, short circuits, and winding deformations,
amongst others. The early identification of these problems paves the way for
prompt repair and protects against catastrophic breakdowns.
 Evaluation of Efficiency an accurate measurement of the turns ratio is helpful
for evaluating the efficiency of the transformer and the voltage regulation it
provides. Variations from the turns ratio that are predicted can be an indicator
of efficiency degradation.
 The turns ratio test is an essential component of the overall evaluation process
for determining the state of health and functionality of transformers. The turns
ratio is determined during the test, which provides vital insights into the
condition of the transformer, the integrity of the windings, and the overall
efficiency of the device. Testing the turns ratio of transformers on a regular basis
assures their dependability and longevity, which in turn enables power systems
to operate at their full potential.

The Transformer Ratio Formula for Voltage is as Follows

K=V1/V2
Where, V1 = Primary voltage; V2 = Secondary voltage

The Transformer Ratio Formula for Current is as Follows

K=I1/I2
Where, I1 = Primary current; I2 = Secondary current

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23ECE181/CCE181 Electrical Engineering Laboratory 2024-2025

𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑆𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑆𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝐾= 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒
= 𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑠 𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑆𝑖𝑑𝑒
= 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑦 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡

𝑉2 𝑁2 𝐼2
𝐾= = =
𝑉1 𝑁1 𝐼1

If the value of K is
 Greater than 1, then the transformer is step up transformer
 Less than 1, then the transformer is step down transformer
 Equal to 1, then the transformer is isolation transformer

Circuit Diagram

Figure 1

Figure 2

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23ECE181/CCE181 Electrical Engineering Laboratory 2024-2025

Steps:

1. Connect the circuit as per fig 2

2. Connect the Voltmeters/Mustimeter across primary and secondary winding of
the transformer.
3. Note down the voltage across the load terminals (Voltmeter reading) that gives
K.
4. Estimate the turn ratio with the help of the voltage across secondary and primary
winding of the transformer. Decide the type of transformer.

Measurement:

S. Primary Voltage Secondary Transformer Remarks

No. (V1 Volts) Voltage (V2 Volts) Ratio
K = V2/V1
Step down
transformer
Step-up
transformer

𝑉2 𝑁2
𝐾 = = =___
𝑉1 𝑁1