What Is a Voltage Reducer?

Alternating Current (AC)

• The electricity delivered to our homes and businesses is in the form of an alternating current (AC). This type of power constantly changes direction back and forth along the power lines. It changes direction at a frequency of 60 times per second (Hz). Though it may seem counterintuitive, AC power travels more efficiency over long distances than power that only travels in one direction.

Transformers

• A transformer's job is to reduce the high voltage from the power plant to the 120/240 volt service our home electrical devices work on. These are the large round steel objects installed on the top of electrical poles. Areas with underground electrical service have transformers installed on the ground in large steel containers. The transformer accomplishes this reduction in voltage by transferring the voltage between two circuits via induction. The further the two circuits are apart, the lower the voltage is reduced.

Resistors

• A resistor is an electrical device that restricts the flow of the electrical current. This restriction reduces the voltage of the source. Different sized resistors reduce the electrical supply at various levels. The extra energy is dispersed through the device as heat. The more restrictive the resistor, the more heat it generates.

Low Voltage Lighting

• A common application for a voltage reducer is in low voltage lighting systems. These lights need a 12/24 volt power supply to operate properly. Since your home delivers 120/240 volts of power, a small transformer is used to reduce the power to the required level. Low voltage lighting is a good electrical project for homeowners that have little experience with electricity, because the power levels are reduced to a level that significantly lowers the risk of electrocution.