Electronics > Beginners
Safest way to test unkown transformers with wire taps
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queennikki1972:
Aside from a suicide cable plugged directly into outlet with gator clips, what is the ideal safest setup for powering on 120vac transformers for the purpose of identifying the secondary voltages of unkonw transformers.? Should I build a box with banana jacks and a switch? Just use a short extension cord with inline switch?

This is not for the large transformer I previously asked about.

I would of course use gator clips to the multi-meter before powering on rather than loosely probing.

This is all of course if I know for a fact its 120vac primary.

Was thinking about buying a variac from Amazon and using the suicide cable plugged into the variac transformer..
radiolistener:
Use multimeter to measure coil resistance. Maximum resistance coil is primary for high voltage.
capt bullshot:
A variac won't isolate your transformer under test from the mains. So no added safety here.
Extension cord with switch is my preferred choice, since it's easily available. Just ensure the switch is double-pole (disconnects live and neutral).
radiolistener:
Use 1-2 A fuse if you will try to connect it to mains. It helps to avoid big bada bum  :D
queennikki1972:
So Ill get a plastic outlet box and plastic cover, install a DPST switch with rubber boot and a panel mount fuse 1-2 amp and add alligator clips on the hot end with some shielding around the gator clips. Maybe even throw in a AC powered red light. Gives me something to do.
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