What is the role of transformers in fire investigations?

The role of transformers in fire investigations is primarily to convert alternating current (AC) voltage from a higher level to a lower level, which is crucial in assessing electrical systems after a fire incident. By reducing voltage levels, transformers enable investigators to analyze electrical components without exposing themselves to unsafe high voltages. Understanding how transformers function helps fire investigators trace the electrical path and identify potential electrical malfunctions that could have contributed to the fire.

In many fire investigations, determining the source of ignition is key, and examining the electrical system is often part of this process. Since transformers are integral components in many electrical systems, recognizing their role in converting voltage and possibly causing electrical failures is vital in investigating the cause of a fire.

The other given options describe functions that are not directly aligned with the role of transformers in a fire investigation context. For instance, while amplifying signals and generating power are essential concepts in electrical engineering, they do not specifically pertain to how transformers are used in the context of fire investigations. Additionally, measuring current flow is typically associated with other devices, such as ammeters or clamp meters, rather than transformers directly.