Inductive coupling

Inductive coupling is widely used throughout electrical technology; examples include:

• Electric motors and generators
• Inductive charging products
• Induction cookers and induction heating systems
• Induction loop communication systems
• Metal detectors
• Transformers
• Wireless power transfer
• Testing:
  • Radio-frequency identification
  • Presence of voltage

• Uses of inductive coupling
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  Power transformer transfers power from one winding to the other by inductive coupling
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  Antenna transformer inductively couples antenna of AM radio station to transmitter
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  clamp ammeter measuring current by inductive coupling
•  
  Utility transformer cutaway shows inductively coupled coils
•  
  Variometer from radio allows inductive coupling to be varied
•  
  Ignition coil of truck produces high spark plug voltage by inductive coupling
•  
  Inductive charger wirelessly charging a cellphone
•  
  Prototype railgun accelerates a projectile by inductive coupling
•  
  Induction furnace heats silicon by eddy currents
•  
  Induction stove boiling water by inductive coupling to pan

Low-frequency induction can be a dangerous form of inductive coupling when it happens inadvertently. For example, if a long-distance metal pipeline is installed along a right of way in parallel with a high-voltage power line, the power line can induce current on the pipe. Since the pipe is a conductor, insulated by its protective coating from the earth, it acts as a secondary winding for a long, drawn out transformer whose primary winding is the power line. Voltages induced on the pipe are then a hazard to people operating valves or otherwise touching metal parts of the metal pipeline.^{[citation needed]}

Reducing low-frequency magnetic fields may be necessary when dealing with electronics, as sensitive circuits in close proximity to an instrument with a power transformer may pickup the mains frequency. Twisted wires (e.g. in networking cables) are an effective way of reducing the interference as signals induced in the successive twists cancel. Magnetic shielding is also an effective way of reducing unwanted inductive coupling, though moving the source of the magnetic field away from sensitive electronics is the simplest solution if possible.^[3]

Although induced currents can be harmful, they can also be helpful. Electrical distribution line engineers use inductive coupling to tap power for cameras on towers and at substations that allow remote monitoring of the facilities. Using this they can watch from anywhere and not need to worry about changing camera batteries or solar panel maintenance.^{[citation needed]}