where does all the extra current go?

[anonymous]

WARNING - dumb question follows - WARNING

consider yourself warned.

So I have a nice transformer that puts out 25V and 1.5A. I want to step it
down to 9V with some voltage regulators. The regulators say they are rated
for 1A and 37V max (given proper heat sinking).

If the output of the regulator is drawing < 100mA - do I have to worry about
the remaining output from the transformer?

 

[dB]

"anonymous" <anonymous@catfarm.com> wrote in message news:<pmIad.350483$mD.296451@attbi_s02>...

So I have a nice transformer that puts out 25V and 1.5A.
.........
If the output of the regulator is drawing < 100mA - do I have to worry about
the remaining output from the transformer?

No.
Your transformer can deliver up to 1.5A but will do so only if its
load demands it.

Similarly, your domestic a.c. supply can deliver up to "x" kilowatts
but will only do so if you switch on enough appliances etc to draw
that much power.

Or your domestic water supply, which can deliver "x" gallons per
minute but will only do so if you open the tap/s sufficiently.

So, your "remaining current" doesn't go anywhere - it isn't flowing.
If you are drawing 100mA from your 1A transformer it means that the
transformer still has a further 900mA capacity which you aren't using