Toroidal Transformer Inrush Current issues Got You Down?

Toroidal Transformer Inrush Current Issues Got You Down? We’ve Got the Answer

What You Need to Know About Toroidal Transformer Inrush Current

Toroidal Transformer Inrush Current can cause some serious damage if not appropriately managed. Inrush current can cause circuit breakers to trip and fuses to blow. Additionally, it can cause a complete failure of the transformer itself. And if that weren’t enough to give you a headache, excessive inrush current can also limit the total number of devices which can be connected to the core power source.

The inrush current affects the magnetic property of the core which causes energy losses, therefore it is beneficial to reduce the initial inrush current and the best way to do that is to employ the use of inrush current limiters in your application. Their job is to reduce the surge of power that enters the device at switch on.

How Does Inrush Protection Work? Introducing Inrush Current Limiters

When the transformer is switched on, the initial source of power sends a surge of current to the device known as “Inrush Current” which can cause damage to the power supply.

That is why it’s imperative that you reduce the initial inrush current, which will reduce the inrush of power, and the best way to do that is by using Inrush Current Limiters in your application. They work to reduce the surge of current that enters the device at switch on. They do this by absorbing heat.

Did you know that inrush current can increase up to 100 times the normal steady state current of the device and normally lasts for less than 1/2 a normal 60 hertz cycle?

Switch-On and AC Voltage Waveform. What You Should Know

If at switch-on, the AC voltage waveform is at peak value, the transformer will not draw any inrush current because the magnitude of the current would be at a normal (no load) value.
However, if at switch-on the AC waveform is going through its zero value, then it will draw excessive current which will exceed the saturation current.
If the saturation current is exceeded, the inductance will decrease causing the peak current to increase

Click here to learn more about Inrush Current Limiters

Advantages of Using Inrush Current Limiters to Reduce Toroidal Transformer Inrush Current

Standard fuses may be used
Inrush current limiters allow the use of lower rated components
A lower rated rectifier bridge may be used
Reducing the inrush current at startup will also reduce the power sag noise which can be caused by brownouts or under voltage

Best Placement of Inrush Current Limiters in a transformer

Inrush current limiters inherently self-heat while doing their job so with that in mind, they should be strategically placed in your application for optimum performance. Here are some general guidelines to consider.

If the transformer is equipped, you should use a ceramic spacer to stand off the inrush current limiter unless using a preformed device.
The PCB should not be placed near temperature sensitive components.
You should use a high temperature solder on the PCB.
Keep away from wiring looms.

Watch our video on Transformer Inrush Protection.

We breakdown the 7 steps which ensure that you get the right inrush current limiter for your transformer

Before Inrush Current Protection After Inrush Current Protection

Click to learn more about Toroidal Inductors and Transformers

The calculations in this article presents an example of the selection process when searching for inrush protection options based on specific parameters.