Changes

A transformer works because the two circuits are wound around a common magnetized metal core. As the current alternates on the first circuit, it creates a varying [[magnetic field]].  That field, in turn, induces a current in the coils of the second circuit.  The ratio of the voltage on the two circuits is determined by the ratio of the number of times coils on the two circuits are wrapped around the metal core that serves as a magnet.

A transformer works because the two circuits are wound around a common magnetized metal core. As the current alternates on the first circuit, it creates a varying [[magnetic field]].  That field, in turn, induces a current in the coils of the second circuit.  The ratio of the voltage on the two circuits is determined by the ratio of the number of times coils on the two circuits are wrapped around the metal core that serves as a magnet.

[[File:Transformer3d col3 XML stripped.jpeg|thumb|right|The ratio of the number of turns around the core determines the ratio of the voltage on the two circuits.]]

[[File:Transformer3d col3 XML stripped.jpeg|thumb|right|The ratio of the number of turns around the core determines the ratio of the voltage on the two circuits.]]

[[Newt Gingrich]] and other [[conservative]]s have expressed concerns about the viability of power grid transformers against [[threat]]s from modern adversaries such as [[Islam]]ic [[jihad]] [[terrorists]], [[China]], [[Russia]] and [[North Korea]]. They consider the current "hardening" of transformers to be a major issue requiring investment.<ref>[[One Second After]] written by [[William Forstchen]] with a forward by [[Newt Gingrich]] discusses this potentially major threat to modern power transformers: [http://www.amazon.com/One-Second-After-William-Forstchen Amazon.com], Tor Books, 2011. Accessed January 5, 2015.</ref>

[[Newt Gingrich]] and other [[conservative]]s have expressed concerns about the viability of power grid transformers against [[threat]]s from modern adversaries such as [[Islam]]ic [[jihad]] [[terrorists]], [[China]], [[Russia]] and [[North Korea]]. They consider the current "hardening" of transformers to be a major issue requiring investment.<ref>[[One Second After]] written by [[William Forstchen]] with a forward by [[Newt Gingrich]] discusses this potentially major threat to modern power transformers: [https://www.amazon.com/One-Second-After-William-Forstchen Amazon.com], Tor Books, 2011. Accessed January 5, 2015.</ref>

If there is a major disaster, damaged transformers may have to be replaced, and both homeland security experts as well as the electric utilities are worried that the inventory and placement of spare transformers may not allow the electric grid to be reenergized quickly.  As a result, the industry is attempting to arrange for nationwide cooperation in the distribution of spare transformers and parts to respond to such emergencies.

If there is a major disaster, damaged transformers may have to be replaced, and both homeland security experts as well as the electric utilities are worried that the inventory and placement of spare transformers may not allow the electric grid to be reenergized quickly.  As a result, the industry is attempting to arrange for nationwide cooperation in the distribution of spare transformers and parts to respond to such emergencies.