Since the calculation of auto transformer is less than the specified capacity. Therefore, under the same specified capacity, the main size of the auto transformer is relatively smaller. So the effective material (steel sheet and wire) and the structural material (steel) are correspondingly reduced, thereby reducing costs. Effectively reducing of the material makes the copper loss and iron loss less, so the auto transformer enjoys high efficiency. At the same time, because of reduction on the main size and quality, we can manufacture more larger-capacity auto transformer under the permitted transport condition.
Because of small short-circuit impedance of the auto transformer than the standard two-winding transformer, so the voltage change was smaller, but short-circuit current was higher.
There are closely linked power energies between the first and second windings of the auto transformer. So when the high voltage side overloads, the low voltage side would also seriously overloads. To avoid this danger, the first and second windings of the auto transformer must be installed, with lightening arrester. Please do not believe that primary and secondary windings of the auto transformer are connected in series, one time has been installed, the second can be omitted, this idea is not taken.
In general transformers, OLTC devices are often connected to the grounding of the neutral point, so that the voltage regulating device can be low when the line-side surge. The auto transformer voltage side of neutral point will bring the so-called pressure regulating issues. Therefore it only uses the line-side surge when there is need of loading regulating pressure.