Transformer on No-Load

A transformer is said to be operated in no-load condition if no

electrical load is connected across its secondary winding
terminals. In other words, when the secondary winding of a
transformer remains open-circuited and no current flows through
it, then the transformer is said to be in no-load condition.
When a transformer operates in no-load condition, no current
flows in the secondary winding, but a small current called no-load
current (I0) which is around 2% to 10% of the rated current flows
in the primary winding.
This no-load current I0 magnetizes the core of the transformer and
results in some core losses (i.e., iron losses and copper losses).
The following figure depicts the circuit diagram of an electrical
transformer in no-load condition.

Transformer on No-Load Condition

In this circuit, we can see that there is an input voltage of V 1 volts

is applied to the primary which forces a no-load current of
I0 ampere through it. The secondary winding is open-circuited,
hence the secondary I2 is equal to zero amperes.
As we discussed that when a transformer is operated in no-load
condition, it draws only a small current called no-load current
from the input power supply. This no-load current has two
components namely,
 Magnetizing component
 Power component
The magnetizing component is also called the reactive
component and it is responsible for setting up the magnetic flux
in the core. This component of the no-load current lags the supply
voltage V1 by an angle of 90°, as it is due to the inductive effect.
This component is usually denoted by Im.
The power component is also called the active
component and it is responsible for supplying core losses i.e.,
iron and copper losses. The active component remains in-phase
with the supply voltage. In other words, the angle between the
supply voltage V1 and the active component of the no-load
current. This component is designated by the symbol I w.
Therefore, we can express the no-load current of the transformer
as the phasor sum of the magnetizing component and the power

𝐼0=𝐼𝑚+𝐼𝑤I0=Im+Iw
component i.e.,

Operation of Transformer on No-Load

Here is the operation of a transformer in no-load condition:
 Firstly, the input voltage V1 is applied across the primary
winding of the transformer. It magnetizes the core of the
transformer by setting up a magnetic flux (ϕ) in it.
 This magnetic flux induces EMFs in the primary and
secondary windings due to electromagnetic induction.
These induced EMFs lag the applied voltage by an angle
of 90°. Here, we are neglecting the primary winding
copper loss and the secondary winding copper loss is zero
because I2 = 0.
 The no-load current I0 lags behind the supply voltage
V1 by an angle of ϕ0 which is called the no-load power
factor angle.
 It is also important to note that the EMF E 1 induced in the
primary winding is equal to the supply voltage V 1.
 There are also some losses in the primary winding (copper
loss) and the core (iron losses) of the transformer which
are represented by the active component (Iw) of the no-
load current. This component is equivalent to the resistive
effect and hence remains in-phase with the supply
voltage (V1).
 This is how an electrical transformer operates under no-
load conditions.
This complete operation of the transformer on no-load can be
illustrated with the help of a phasor diagram which is shown in the
following figure.
 Phasor Diagram of Transformer on No-Load

Phasor Diagram Explanation

 The induced EMF (E1 and E2) are out of phase with respect
to the supply voltage (V1) and lags the magnetic flux by
90°.
 The reactive component Im lags the supply voltage V1 by
90°.
 The active component Iw is in-phase with the supply
voltage (V1).
 The no-load current I0 lags the supply voltage V1 by an
angle φ0 which is the no-load power factor angle of the
transformer.
From this phasor diagram, we can derive the important relations
of different electrical parameters of the transformer. They are,

𝐼0=𝐼𝑚2+𝐼𝑤2I0=Im2+Iw2
(1). The magnitude of no-load current:

𝐼𝑚=𝐼0𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜙0Im=I0sinϕ0
(2). The magnetizing component of no-load current:

(3). The active component of no-load current:

 𝐼𝑤=𝐼0𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙0Iw=I0cosϕ0

𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙0=𝐼𝑤𝐼0cosϕ0=I0Iw
(4). The no-load power factor:

𝑃0=𝑉1𝐼0𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜙0P0=V1I0cosϕ0
(5). The power consumed under no-load:

Hence, this is all about the theory and operation of an electrical

transformer in no-load condition.
Let us now study the theory and operation of an electrical
transformer under loaded conditions.

Transformer on Load
A transformer is said to be on load condition if an electrical load is
connected to its secondary winding and a current circulates in the
secondary winding circuit. The load connected across the
secondary winding can be a resistive load or an inductive load or
a capacitive load or a combination of the three. Therefore, the
magnitude of the secondary winding current also called load
current depends on the load impedance and secondary voltage
(V2). Also, the phase angle between the secondary voltage and
load current depends on the type of the load. For example, if the
load is of inductive nature, the load current will lag the secondary
voltage.

Operation of Transformer on Load

Operation of Transformer on Load

Here is the operation of an electrical transformer operation under
loaded condition:
 An electrical input supply voltage V 1 is connected across
the primary winding. Due to the application of this voltage
 an electric current I1 will starting flowing in the primary
winding and sets up a magnetic flux in the core as shown
in the above figure.
 This magnetic flux follows a path through the core and
links to the secondary winding.
 An EMF E2 is induced in the secondary winding that
developers a v
 oltage V2 across its terminals.
 When a load is connected between the secondary winding
terminals, a current will flow in the secondary winding and
load circuit which is denoted by I2.
 The secondary winding current also induces a counter
magnetic flux that reduces the main flux in the core. But
the main flux must be maintained at a constant value for
operation of the transformer.
 Thus, an additional current is taken by the primary
winding from the supply to cancel out the demagnetizing
effect of secondary winding current. This is represented
by I’1 which is in-phase with the secondary winding
current (I2). Thus, the total current flowing in the primary
winding under loaded condition of the transformer is I’ 1.
Therefore, if N1 and N2 are the primary and secondary winding
turns and I’1 and I2 are the primary and secondary currents, then

𝑁1𝐼’1=𝑁2𝐼2N1I’1=N2I2
the EMF balance equation of the transformer on load is given by,

𝐼’1=(𝑁2𝑁1)𝐼2=𝑘𝐼2I’1=(N1N2)I2=kI2
Hence, the primary winding current will be,

Also, the total primary winding current (I1) has two main
components namely,
 No-load component – to set up main magnetic flux in
the core and supply the losses.
 Counter balancing component – to overcome the
effect of secondary winding current.
Thus, the total primary winding current of the transformer on load

𝐼1=𝐼0+𝐼’1I1=I0+I’1
condition is given by,

The bold facing letter denotes the phasor sum of current

components.
In practice, the transformers mostly have inductive loads. So, let’s
assume the load connected across the secondary of the
transformer and draw the phasor diagram of it on load condition.
 Phasor Diagram of Transformer on Load

Phasor Diagram Explanation

The steps given below are to be followed to draw the phasor
diagram of the transformer on load:
Step (1) : Taking main magnetic flux (ϕ) as the reference axis.
Step (2) : This magnetic flux induces EMFs E 1 and E2 in primary
and secondary windings. Hence, E 1 and E2 lags the flux (ϕ) by an
angle of 90°.
Step (3) : The applied voltage across the primary winding is
utilized in three components namely, to induce emf E 1, voltage
drop in primary winding resistance I 1R1, and voltage drop in
primary winding reactance I1X1. Hence, the primary winding
voltage V1 is the phasor sum of voltage component corresponding
to E1 and the voltage drops in primary winding.
Step (4) : If ϕ1 is the power factor angle of the primary winding,
then the current I1 will lag the voltage V1 by ϕ1. It is the phasor
sum of no-load current I0 (lags the supply voltage by 90°) and
counter balancing current I’1 (in anti-phase with the secondary
voltage V2).
Step (5) : The secondary winding EMF E 2 is the phasor sum of
voltage V2 and the voltage drops in secondary winding resistance
and reactance.
Step (6) : The magnitude and phase angle of the load current or
secondary current I2 depends on the load connected to the
transformer. As in this case, we are assuming an inductive load,
hence the load current I2 will lag the voltage V2. If the load is
capacitive, the load current will lead the voltage V 2.
Thus, when we operate a transformer on load condition, it takes
both no-load current and current required to handle the load
connected across its secondary winding.
Let us now understand the theory of transformer on load with two
other load conditions
 Transformer on load with purely resistive load
 Transformer on load with purely inductive load
 Transformer on load with purely capacitive load

Transformer on Load with Purely Resistive Load

When a purely resistive load is connected across the secondary
winding of a transformer, it draws only active current from the
transformer. The resistive load creates a phase difference of 0°
between the load current and the secondary winding voltage.
The phasor diagram of the transformer on load with purely
resistive load is shown in the following figure.

Transformer on Load with Purely Inductive Load

When a purely inductive load is connected across the secondary
winding of the transformer. It cause a phase different of exactly
90° between the secondary voltage and load current.
The phasor diagram of a transformer on load with purely inductive
load is shown in the following figure. It can be observed that the
load current I2 lags the secondary voltage V2 by an angle of 90°.

Transformer on Load with Purely Inductive Load

Transformer on Load with Purely Capacitive Load

When a purely capacitive load is attached to the secondary
winding of the transformer, it draws a leading current from the
secondary winding. This causes a phase difference of 90°
between the load current and the secondary voltage. Where, the
load current I2 leads the secondary voltage V2 by an angle of 90°
as shown in the following phasor diagram.
Transformer on Load with Purely Capacitive Load
Till this section of the article, we have discussed about the
operation of a practical transformer on no-load and on-load (with
resistive load, inductive load, and capacitive load).
Also, we have analyzed a practical transformer on load with
winding resistances and leakage reactances. However, there can
be three other possible cases, they are:
 Transformer on Load with No Winding Resistances and
Leakage Reactances
 Transformer on Load with Winding Resistances but No
Leakage Reactances
 Transformer on Load with Leakage Reactances but No
Winding Resistances
Let us understand these three cases of transformer operation on
load in detail.
Transformer on Load with No Winding Resistances and
Leakage Reactances
When we consider a transformer on load with no winding
resistances and leakage reactances, then its electrical circuit will
look like as shown in the following figure.

Transformer on Load Having No Winding Resistance and Reactance

In this case, there are no voltage drops due to resistances and

leakage reactances of the windings. Thus, the terminal voltages
and induced emfs are equal i.e.,
E1 = V1 and E2 = V2
If we consider a practical inductive load connected across the
secondary winding, then the load current I2 will lags behind the
secondary winding voltage V2 by an angle of ϕ2. Where, ϕ2 is the
power factor angle of the load.
In this condition, the primary winding current I 1 will supply the
following two things:
 It supplies the no-load current I 0 to establish magnetic
flux in the core and iron losses.
 It cancel out the demagnetising effect of the secondary
winding current.
Therefore, the primary winding current is given by,
𝐼1=𝐼0+𝐼1′I1=I0+I1′
Here, the component I’1 is the counter balance current of the
secondary winding current.
If we draw the phasor diagram for this case of the transformer on
load, then it will look like as shown below.
 Phasor of Transformer having No Winding Resistance and Leakage Reactance

In this phasor diagram, the secondary winding voltage V 2 is equal

to the secondary winding emf E2 and they are in-phase. While, the
primary winding voltage V1 is equal to the primary winding emf
E1 but they are out of phase with each other. The primary winding
current is the phasor sum of I0 and I’1.
Transformer on Load with Winding Resistances but No
Leakage Reactances
The circuit diagram of a transformer on load having winding
resistances but no leakage reactances is shown below.
 Transformer on Load with Winding Resistance but No Leakage Reactance

In this circuit diagram, the resistors R1 and R2 represent the

primary and secondary winding resistances. A practical inductive
load is connected across the secondary winding terminals.
When the input voltage V1 is connected to the primary winding,
there will be a voltage drop in the primary winding resistance
R1 and the secondary winding resistance R2.
Therefore, we get the following equations of the voltages,
𝑉1=𝐸1+𝐼1𝑅1V1=E1+I1R1
And
𝐸2=𝑉2+𝐼2𝑅2E2=V2+I2R2
The phasor diagram for this case of transformer on load is
depicted in the following figure.
 Phasor of Transformer having Winding Resistance but No Leakage Reactance

Transformer on Load with Leakage Reactances but No

Winding Resistances
The circuit diagram of a transformer on load having leakage
reactances only and not having the winding resistances is shown
in the figure.

Transformer on Load Having Leakage Reactance but No Winding Resistance

Here, X1 and X2 represents the leakage reactances of the primary

and secondary windings respectively.
The voltage equations are given by,
𝑉1=𝐸1+𝐼1𝑋1V1=E1+I1X1
And
𝐸2=𝑉2+𝐼2𝑋2E2=V2+I2X2
The phasor diagram for this case of transformer on load is
depicted below. Where, we have considered a practical inductive
load.
 Phasor Diagram of Transformer on Load Having Leakage Reactance but No Winding Resistance

Conclusion
In conclusion, a transformer is a device used to change the levels
of voltage and current in an electric circuit. A transformer when
operated with open-circuited secondary winding, it is said to be in
no-load operation and when it is operated with attaching a load
across its secondary, it is said to be in on-load operation.
In this detailed article on “Theory of Transformer on Load and No-
Load Operation”, we have discussed the operation of a
transformer under both conditions and explained its behavior
using the phasor diagrams.
FAQs on Transformer on Load and No Load
Operation
What is main difference between no load transformer
and on load transformer?
The most significant difference between a no-load transformer
and on-load transformer is that a no-load transformer has a open-
circuited secondary winding where no electrical load is connected
across its terminals, whereas an on-load transformer has a close-
circuited secondary winding. In the case of a no-load transformer,
the secondary winding current is always equal to 0 A, but an on-
load transformer has certain secondary winding current whose
magnitude depends on the load connected across it.
What happen if a current transformer is operated on no-
load?
When a current transformer (a type of instrument transformer
used in electrical measurement) is operated under no-load
condition i.e., open circuited secondary winding, a very large
voltage is developed between its secondary winding terminals.
Due to high voltage, air between the terminals gets ionized and
causes an electric spark of very high intensity that can lead to an
electrical accident.
What happens when a transformer is loaded by a short
circuit?
When a transformer is loaded by a short-circuit, the secondary
winding current becomes too high that will destroy the insulation
between the winding and core. This results in burning of the
secondary winding.

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Open and Short Circuit Test of Transformer
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