ECE 261

Laboratory Study #2
Single Phase, 1-Ф, Transformer Parameter Model

NOTE: Students must strictly follow all of the safety precautions. In case of any question or
concern, please contact LAB INSTRUCTOR or TA.

Safety:
• Arrive on time at room CPH-1333. Only call x-33815 if you have an emergency.
• Power off prior to making any wiring changes
• Pre-lab must have been submitted
• Lab safety demonstration has to be attended prior to starting your lab work
• Lab Instructor/TA must initial all connections for all parts prior to your turning the power on.
• Do not touch any wiring while the power is on.
• All lab partners must be at the workstation at all times before the power is turned on.
• Members of your group are not to disturb the other groups at the workstations. Ask the staff for
help.
• EMERGENCY: Clear all centre areas immediately. Turn the power off at your workstation
without hesitation. Stand still and quiet and ready to receive instructions.
• The phone is in the office. Dial 911 and keep the phone off the hook if you are designated to call
911. Listen to the instructions and stay at the phone.
• First Aid persons maybe asked to assist. But do not jump into action in front of the staff.
• Students must strictly follow all of the safety precautions. In case of any question or concern,
please contact LAB INSTRUCTOR or TA.
• In LS-2 you will be wiring most of the circuits yourself. You need to follow definite wiring
formats. HINT!!! Wire all current meters and cables in a loop (series) from one source terminal
around and back to the other source terminal. Now wire the voltmeters in parallel appropriately.

Pre-lab calculations: Take to the laboratory

• Note the nameplate details of the transformer in Table #1.
• I1 (A) for Table #2 and I2 (A) for Table #3 are to be calculated and shown at the laboratory.
Table #1 Nameplate Details of the Transformer

Parameter
Value
Hammond Model 25-F
Rated Output 1000 VA
Voltage of HV winding 208 volts
Voltage of LV winding 120 volts
Frequency 60 Hz
Type of Transformer Shell
No. of Phases 1

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Photo #1 Equipment set up

Photo #2 Auto-transformers – Single phase– VARIAC -- two models

Photo #3 Digital Multi-meter – Fluke model 8050 The resistance jack has been taped over.

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A: Open circuit test
Preparing experiment:

1. Note that the H1 and H2 terminals for High Voltage winding and the X1 and X2 terminals for Low
Voltage winding as seen on the top of the transformer. Picture #4
2. On Figure #1 add the subscripts to all the meter labels.
3. Make connections as per the circuit diagram of Figure #1. Picture #1
4. The single phase auto-transformer (VARIAC) is shown in Picture #2. Ensure that the VARIAC
dial is set to zero before turning the power on or off.
5. The digital multi-meter shown in Picture #3 has the resistance jack covered to prevent damage do
to an incorrect connection. The voltage function, AC and 200 volt range must be selected.
Procedure: Conducting experiment
6. Turn the power off by switching the single phase circuit breaker on the power panel for the
autotransformer receptacle.
7. Make sure that the 1-Ф variable autotransformer is kept in ZERO position initially.

8. Ask the Lab Instructor/TA to check your Figure #1 and to

check the connections before you turn the power on.

9. Turn the power on.
10. Adjust the autotransformer to the values specified in the Table #2 and record I1, V2 and Pc for each
voltage step.
11. Set the autotransformer to zero position. Turn the power off.
12. Remove the connections for the circuit.

Electronic
Wattmeter Transformer
X1 H1

1Φ
V V V2
120 V
60 Hz

A A
1f X2 H2
Variable
Autotransformer

Figure#1: Open Circuit Test

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Open Circuit Test Report --Test Results:

1. Plot the input voltage, V1, versus the no load input current, Io. Use Io as the horizontal
coordinate. Include the plot in the report with full annotation. Use Excel or GNUplot.

2. Plot the core loss, Pc, versus the input voltage, V1. Use V1 as the horizontal coordinate. Include
the plot in the report with full annotation. Use Excel or GNUplot.

3. Calculate the equivalent circuit parameters from this test.

4. What are the power losses that occur in the open circuit test and how to reduce the losses?

5. Which losses are negligible in this test and why?

6. What will happen to the transformer if double the rated voltage is applied to the winding?

7. What will happen to the transformer if double the rated voltage is applied to the winding?

Hint: Think about saturation of the core, current in the windings.

Think about the effect of the power to be dissipated internally.

Photo #4 Transformer unit under test Photo #5 Load Side Circuit Breaker Box

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B: Short circuit test
Preparing experiment:

1. On Figure #2, write in the subscripts for all the meter labels.
2. Make connections as per the circuit diagram in Figure #2. A short wire can be used for the short
circuit connection of the H1 and H2 terminals.
3. Calculate the rated value of current (I1) in the XV side and its percentage values specified in the
Table#3. The percentage of the rated I1 current values can be calculated from the nameplate
details.
Procedure -- Conducting experiment:
4. Make sure that the 1-Ф variable autotransformer (VARIAC) is kept in ZERO position initially.

5. Ask the Lab Instructor/TA to check your Figure #2, the

connections and the calculated values.

6. Turn the power on.
7. Slowly vary the 1-Ф autotransformer (VARIAC) to obtain the current close enough to the
calculated values in the Table #3. Large current variations should be avoided.
8. Record V1, I1 and Psc for each “% of rated I1current” step calculated.
9. Set the autotransformer to zero position. Turn the power off.
10. Remove the connections.

Electronic
Wattmeter Transformer
X1 H1

1f
120 V
V V
60 Hz

A A
1f X2 H2
Variable
Autotransformer

Figure#2: Short Circuit Test

Short Circuit Test Report -- Test Results:

1. Calculate the equivalent circuit parameters from this test.

2. Draw the approximate equivalent circuit of a 1-Ф transformer referred to “Low Voltage” and
indicate the model values obtained from OC test and SC test.

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 3. What are the power losses that occur in the short circuit test? Do you think these losses will
change from no-load to full-load? Explain.

4. Which losses are negligible in this test and why?

5. What will happen to the transformer if the rated voltage is applied to the winding during short
circuit test?

6. What will happen to the transformer, if DC voltage is applied to the primary winding? Voltage,
current and resistance should be considered and discussed.

C: Load test
Preparing experiment:

1. Use one current meter to measure I1 and another current meter to measure I2. Draw the missing
current meter on your Figure #3. The LI/TA will view this once your circuit is wired.
2. On Figure #3, write in the subscripts for all the meter labels.
3. Rload is varied by using the load bank connected in single phase. The wiring diagram for the load
bank is posted on the front of the load bank. It should already be wired for you.
4. Make connections as per the circuit diagram in Figure #3. Picture #5 shows the circuit breaker
box for the load connection.
5. Calculate the rated value of current, I1, in the “Low Voltage” side and its’ percentage values
specified in the Table #4. The percentage of the rated I1 current values can be calculated from
the nameplate details.
Procedure -- Conducting experiment:
6. The 1-Ф variable autotransformer used is shown in Picture #3.
7. Make sure that the 3-Ф variable autotransformer is kept in ZERO position initially.

8. Ask the Lab Instructor/TA to check the connections and to

verify the calculated values.

9. Turn the power on.
10. Vary the autotransformer SLOWLY until V2 reads 208V at no load (no load switched on).
11. Make no further voltage adjustments.
12. Apply the load in 7 steps to cause I2 to vary from zero to 110% of the rated value of current (I2).
13. Use one current meter to measure I1 and another current meter to measure I2.
14. Record V2, I1, V1 and Pin in each step.
15. Set the autotransformer to the zero position. Turn the power off.
16. Remove the connections. And tidy up the workstation. Sign out with the Lab Instructor.

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 Electronic
Wattmeter Transformer

X1 H1
1-Φ

120 V
V V2 Load
V
60 Hz

A A
X2 H2
3f
Variable
Autotransformer

Figure 3 Load Testing Schematic

Load Test Report -- Test Results:

1. Calculate and complete Table#5. Show sample calculations for Pout, Efficiency and % regulation.
% regulation = [V2 (no load) - V2 (load)] / V2 (load)
2. Using load current I2 as the horizontal coordinate plot the following curves on one sheet. (a) % reg.
(b) Efficiency (c) Copper loss (attach the plot to this report)

3. What are the performance parameters to judge a transformer whether it’s a good or bad?

4. Explain why the secondary terminal voltage is decreased with an increase in load current?

5. What is the purpose of transformer in long distance power transmission?

6. What do you understand by the term ‘Electrical Isolation’? And what is the advantage of it?

General Comment Notes:

1. Look at the Pc(W) in Table #2 at 120 volts and the Pin(W) in Table #4. Comment.

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D: Typical use test; Full load and Percent Regulation
Preparing experiment:

1. Draw the wiring schematic to be used. Include all meters as noted below.
2. Use one current meter to measure I1 and another current meter to measure I2.
3. Use one multi-meter to measure V1 and another to measure V2.
4. Use two watt-meters.
5. The 1-Ф autotransformer (VARIAC) will be used to keep the output voltage at 208 volts.
6. The load bank settings will be changed to increase the load until the output voltage is at 208
volts. The rated load should be calculated (1000 VA/200 V =) and noted in Table #6.
7. The LI/TA will view this once your circuit is wired.
8. Note the I1, I2, V1, andV2 in Table #6. Also note V2
9. To find the regulation percentage one has to now take off the load by switching off the load side
circuit breaker. Note the no load voltage in Table #7.
10. Calculate the power P = Volts x Ampere for the input and the output. Use Table #6.
11. Remove the connections. And tidy up the workstation. Sign out with the Lab Instructor.

Typical use test Report – Test Results:

1. Review the results with the rest of the experimental results, compare and comment.
2. Calculate the percentage regulation and comment (note table #5 results also).

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Table#2 Open circuit test

V1 (V) 0 25 40 65 85 100 120* 125 135 LI/TA

Io (A) Initial

V2 (V)
Pc (W) 

V/I
range

Table#3 Short circuit test

% of rated I1 0 25 40 65 85 100 LI/TA

I1 (A) -- (Calculated) * Initial

I1 (A) -- (Measured)
V1 (V)
Pshort circuit (W)

V/I range

Table#4 Load test R load is varied by using the load bank connected in single phase.

% of rated I2
0 25 40 65 85 100 110
LI/TA
I2 (A) Initial
(Calculated) *
I2 (A) (Measured)
H1-H2

I1 (A)
X1-X2

V1 (V)
V2 (V)
Pin (W) 

V/I range

Note: Slanted entry for V/I range of watt-meter

V/I range 240

The 240 volt range and the 10 amp range are indicated.
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 ECE 261 Laboratory Study #2
Single PhaseTransformer Parameter Model

Group Station First Name Last Name UserID @uwaterloo.ca

# #

LI or TA Info INITIALS
When finished. DATE

Table#5: Calculate for the report.

% of rated I2 0 25 40 65 85 100 110

I2 (A)
(Measured)
Copper loss (W)
Pout (W)
Efficiency
% regulation

Table #6 typical use and loss analysis.

Parameter Measured value Transformer white or

I1 (A) green tag number

V1 (V) close to 120 volts

I2 (A) Calculate or copy

V2 (V) set voltage 208 volts 1000 VA/208 V = amperes

Pin (W) Measured core loss

Pout (W) Measured copper loss
Pin (W)- Pout (W) Total of both losses

Table #7 Percentage Regulation

Rated load V2 (V) 208 volts At the rated load current amperes
No load V2 (V) No load current Zero
No load V2 (V) - Rated load V2 (V)
Regulation % ------------------------------------------- 100% =
Rated load V2 (V)

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