Problem Solving

A doorbell transformer has an 800 turn primary and a 20 turn secondary. When the primary is
connected to a 60 Hz, 120 volt line, what is the secondary voltage? If a current of 0.5 amp is
present in the secondary when the doorbell is operated, what is the current drawn in the
primary circuit?

We have a transformer problem. Since we assume it is an 'ideal'

transformer (no power loss), then we have:

AC

Solution:

Pin = IpVp = Pout = Is Vs

The ratio of the voltages are equal to the ratio of turns. That is:
Vs/Vp = IP/IS = NS/ Np
Solving for VS = (20)/(800) = 1/40 ---> Vs = Vp/40 = 120/40 = 3 volts.
From the power equation we then have:
Ip = (Is Vs)/Vp = (0.5)(3)/(120) = (.5/40) = .0125 A.