What type of transformer is routinely used where "clean power" is required to operate delicate electronic equipment?

Isolation transformers are specifically designed to provide "clean power" for sensitive electronic equipment. Their primary function is to decouple the output from the input, which helps to reduce electrical noise and minimize the risk of surges and spikes that can damage delicate components. This isolation also enhances safety by ensuring that the output circuit is not directly connected to the input circuit, providing a barrier that can protect the equipment from faults in the power supply.

The construction of an isolation transformer typically involves having separate primary and secondary windings, which enables it to effectively block high-frequency interference while allowing the necessary AC voltage to be transferred. This feature is crucial in environments where electronic devices need to operate reliably without the disturbances that can come from the power supply system or other nearby electrical equipment.

In contrast, a step-down transformer reduces voltage while a step-up transformer increases voltage; both types do not provide the same level of isolation and noise reduction. An autotransformer, while efficient in size and cost, lacks the electrical isolation between the input and output, making it unsuitable for applications requiring clean power.