What type of transformer increases voltage from the primary to the secondary side?

A step-up transformer is designed specifically to increase voltage from the primary side to the secondary side. This type of transformer operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction, where the number of turns of wire on the secondary coil is greater than that on the primary coil. As a result, when an alternating current flows through the primary winding, the magnetic field induces a higher voltage in the secondary winding due to the increased number of turns.

In applications where voltage needs to be increased—such as in power transmission over long distances—step-up transformers play a crucial role. They help to minimize energy losses by raising the voltage, which in turn lowers the current flowing through transmission lines. This is essential for efficient electrical power distribution.

On the other hand, other types of transformers serve different purposes. Step-down transformers reduce voltage from primary to secondary; isolation transformers are used to isolate two circuits without changing voltage; and variable transformers can adjust their output voltage to a certain degree, but they do not inherently increase voltage in the same way a step-up transformer does. Each type of transformer serves vital roles in electrical systems, but a step-up transformer is uniquely tailored for increasing voltage.