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Why does a transformer work only with AC power supply? What would happen if it was connected to a DC power supply?

From my understanding of how a transformer works. A AC power provides an alternating magnetic field which drives the current to the other coil. So what is the reason why transformers only work with AC and not DC power? Is it because the DC power will provide constant current which can be too much for the wires to handle? #engineering #mechanical-engineering #physics #electrical-engineering

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Daniel’s Answer

Your standard AC transformer works by inducing a magnetic field that changes, which in turn induced a (different) electrical current. This process is called induction (you can read the wiki page on Faraday's laws for some good info).


Reason that setup doesn't work for DC is that DC doesn't vary, so the resulting magnetic field wouldn't​be changing and thus would make an electrical current.


There are DC voltage converters though: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/DC-to-DC_converter
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Billy’s Answer

AC current has a changing potential, or voltage. That changing voltage creates magnetic fields that change as well, and if wound into a coil those fields can influence other conductors.

DC voltage is generally pretty constant, so no changing field, no way to induce voltage onto other conductors.
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Bill’s Answer

transformers are made to convert AC to DC current. If you want to convert DC to AC you need an inverter. The electronics do not simply work in reverse. you need a different circuit design.
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