What device adjusts voltage (pressure) up or down?

A transformer is the device that adjusts voltage, also referred to as pressure, up or down. It operates on the principle of electromagnetic induction, allowing it to step up (increase) or step down (decrease) the voltage levels in an electrical circuit. This adjustment of voltage is essential in various electrical applications, including power distribution, where high voltages are used for transmission over long distances to minimize energy loss, and lower voltages are required for end-use applications.

Transformers consist of two coils of wire, known as the primary and secondary windings, wound around a magnetic core. When alternating current flows through the primary winding, it generates a magnetic field that induces a voltage in the secondary winding. The ratio of turns between the two windings determines whether the transformer steps up or steps down the voltage. This functionality is crucial in both residential and industrial settings to ensure that electrical devices receive the appropriate voltage for safe and efficient operation.