Transformers are electrical devices that increase or decrease alternating current (AC) voltages through the principle of electromagnetic induction. They consist of two coils - a primary coil and secondary coil - wrapped around an iron core. When an alternating current flows through the primary coil, it induces an alternating voltage in the secondary coil. The ratio of the number of turns in the primary coil to the number of turns in the secondary coil determines the ratio of the voltages. Transformers are used to efficiently transfer electrical power from one circuit to another while isolating the two circuits. Common transformer types include isolation transformers and autotransformers.