Step-up transformers are not seen in homes unless you have older electronics that uses vacuum tubes (including CRT TV's and monitors). Those use a step-up transformer to produce the hundreds of volts to operate the tubes, and thousands of volts for the CRT.
Microwave ovens also use step-up transformers to produce the thousand volts needed to operate the magnetron tube that produces the microwaves.
Step-down transformers are in every piece of electronic equipment that operates from the AC outlets. That includes battery chargers.
Outside the home, step-up and step-down transformers are used extensively to change the power line voltage up to high voltages for transmission and back down to lower voltages for use in the home.
In autos, a step-up transformer is used (with electronics) to generate the thousands of volts to drive the spark.
Transformers can either increase or decrease the voltage. Items that require a higher voltage use a step up transformer. One example is an old TV that uses a CRT. Most household items require lower voltages.
Flourescent tubes require a high voltage to push current through the tube.
For the long flourescent lamps these are called ballast - because they have an extra winding for extremely high voltages to initiate the current flow, once the current is flowing the extra winding is cut out and a lower voltage is then applied, the ballast also acts as a current-limiter so excessive current won't flow through the tube.
Electronic ballasts for flourescent tubes might or might not use a transformer, as it is possible to step-up voltages without a transformer.
STEP UP transformers are used in transmission lines.
STEP DOWN are used in distribution.
High voltage power supplies and some audio applications. Automotive spark coils
Also used in industrial boilers to generate ignition spark at plug.
what are some examples of step-up transformers? and also what uses step down transformers?
