What is the function of an isolation transformer?

The function of an isolation transformer is fundamentally to separate two circuits. This separation provides safety and ensures that each circuit operates independently without any electrical interference from the other. By isolating the circuits, the transformer helps to protect sensitive equipment from surges and transients that may occur in one circuit.

Isolation transformers also ensure that no direct electrical connection exists between the input and output, which can eliminate ground loops and minimize the risk of electric shock. This makes them particularly useful in medical and laboratory settings where high levels of safety are paramount. Additionally, they can be employed in audio systems and certain industrial applications to create a clean, noise-free signal path.

While converting AC to DC, amplifying signals, or reducing power consumption are essential functions in electrical systems, they do not describe the primary role of an isolation transformer, which is indeed the separation of circuits.