4th Year Lineman Apprentice Practice Exam

Autotransformers with ratios no greater than 2-1 do tend to be more efficient and produce less harmonic distortion compared to transformers with higher turns ratios. This is largely due to their design, which allows for less copper and iron loss, making them lighter and more efficient in transferring electrical power.

With lower turns ratios, the autotransformer can step voltage up or down with minimal phase shift and better response to varying loads, which contributes to lower harmonic distortion. This reduction in distortion is important in power systems, as it mitigates potential damage to equipment and ensures better performance in electrical circuits.

In scenarios where the turns ratio is kept within this range, the efficiency of energy transfer generally remains high, supporting both performance and stability in electrical networks. Their ability to effectively handle loads without significant distortion is a key advantage, making them suitable for many applications, particularly where efficiency and power quality are crucial.