What type of transformer is a step voltage regulator classified as?

A step voltage regulator is classified as an autotransformer. This type of transformer is designed to adjust the voltage level without isolation between the primary and secondary windings. Unlike a traditional transformer with separate windings for input and output, an autotransformer has a single winding tapped at multiple points. This design allows it to either step up or step down voltages more efficiently and with less material, making it a cost-effective choice for voltage regulation in power systems.

Autotransformers are particularly useful in applications where a small voltage change is needed and where galvanic isolation is not a critical requirement. They can provide better voltage regulation and quicker response times in voltage adjustment compared to traditional transformers. This makes them ideal for maintaining consistent voltage levels in power distribution networks where load conditions may fluctuate.

In contrast, a step-up transformer is designed to increase voltage, a step-down transformer decreases voltage, and an isolating transformer provides electrical isolation between the input and output while maintaining the same voltage level. While these types serve specific purposes, they do not provide the same versatility and efficiency as an autotransformer when it comes to voltage regulation.