I have to test a design with an input voltage range reaching at least 400 VAC and possibly 480 VAC. Power consumption is about 250 W, so not a lot of current.
Trying to figure out the most economical way to get there. My first thought was to get a step-up variac (variable transformer) that can run off 240 VAC and get to at least 400. They do exist. Cost is about $2,000, which is fine.
Any other reasonable options? Even used lab equipment would be fine. I just don't have any part numbers to run a search. For example, did companies like HP or Tektronix make such high voltage variable output voltage power supplies?
While I have 240 VAC single phase, I also have a digital phase converter putting out 3 phase for a CNC milling machine. When I installed it I also installed a 4-prong twist-lock on the wall for any future application that could use this power. I wonder if this might be the ticket? Can I use two phases and get legit 480-is out of it? I haven't thought this one through yet. The device being powered is a switch-mode power supply rated for something like 300 to 500 VAC input.
Thanks,
-Martin