The voltage transformer market is full of different models of voltage transformers that come in a wide range of capacities – they can either be isolated or non-isolated. If you don’t have any previous experience with them, you probably have no idea whether you need an isolated or a non-isolated voltage converter transformer and didn’t even know there was a choice to be made, until you had to make it. For that very reason, and just so that you are not caught off-guard, it’s best that you understand the difference between the two types in order for you to make a well-informed decision.

Isolated Voltage Converters

Isolated voltage converters are power supplying appliances that are basically huge magnets that take typical AC and step it up or down, depending on your downstream requirements. The magnet acts as a magnetic wall that protects the appliances connected to the converter from large power surges. This keeps everything that’s connected to the voltage converter transformer safe and protected, or simply put – isolated. This type of converters is used in regulated industries. Generally, they are larger in size, but most people would gladly trade a bit of space for extra protection. You certainly don’t want the risk of getting electrocuted.

The downside of isolated power converters is that they aren’t as efficient as non-isolated converters are. This is due to the physics of the transformer itself, as it uses an iron core as a lever, and energy is lost as heat dissipates through it and into the air.

Non-Isolated Voltage Converters

So now that you know what an isolated voltage converter does, it’s rather obvious what the non-isolated voltage converter does, or rather, doesn’t do. If you’re powering appliances that aren’t fragile to abrupt power surges, then you’ll probably be better off with a non-isolated voltage converter. Their biggest advantage is their space-saving feature, due to the fact that they don’t have a large magnet in their enclosure. Moreover, you’ll get the benefit of utmost converter efficiency for the same reason – there’s no large, inefficient magnet. Although most people prefer isolated transformers for their safety, many people who don’t mind the surges prefer non-isolated converters due to the fact that they reach over 95% efficiency.

So Which Type Is Right for You?

Now that you know the difference between the two types, you can make the right decision for you. It’s basically a decision between utmost safety and superior efficiency and space saving capabilities. If you’re confident that you’ll be safe using a non-isolated converter, then, by all means, go for it. Otherwise, you’re probably better off with an isolated one.