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Bronson ++ Isolation transformers-Any good?

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djsb:
Thanks. What specific mods would you recommend?

TheBay:

--- Quote from: djsb on November 20, 2021, 04:05:47 am ---Thanks. What specific mods would you recommend?

--- End quote ---

I'd want to do an insulation test on the transformer first. 
Then a few things I would do is change, rewire and insulate that main switch, check over the quality/spec of all the wiring to see if it's suitable. Fit ferrules to all the wires that go in to any screw terminal connectors (if not already fitted) I would personally want all the sockets earthed and another earth cable going from the chassis to the lid. And if I wanted an un-earthed socket I would run a separate one from the terminal block output to an external socket with a big warning on it. I'd also want to check over the quality of the built in sockets too.

The model I'm looking at is a bit different as it is a 1:1 transformer not one with a switchable input transformer for 110-230V as I would never be in a situation where I require a 110V input. So it will have a less complicated circuit board and possibly none at all if it doesn't have a soft start function. But I would check the circuit board over and make sure it is safe and has correct clearances and creepage distances etc.

djsb:
DO NOT BUY THIS UNIT. The unit I have bought is FAULTY AND DANGEROUS.
1/ The unit turns on immediately that the power is plugged in. THE ON/OFF SWITCH HAS NO EFFECT.
2/ There is mains potential between the Chassis and the LIVE OR NEUTRAL, depending on how the mains outlet socket is plugged in.
This unit is NOT suitable for its purpose, and I'm returning it to Amazon ASAP. Problem is, I have to buy a printer, so I can print out the return label for Hermes to pick up the box from home. Or I can get the label printed out at my local library.



PS There was a thin piece of wire bridging the terminals on the ON/OFF switch. I removed this piece of wire and now the ON/OFF switch works. There appears to be very little quality control on these units.

TheBay:

--- Quote from: djsb on November 24, 2021, 07:38:36 am ---DO NOT BUY THIS UNIT. The unit I have bought is FAULTY AND DANGEROUS.
1/ The unit turns on immediately that the power is plugged in. THE ON/OFF SWITCH HAS NO EFFECT.
2/ There is mains potential between the Chassis and the LIVE OR NEUTRAL, depending on how the mains outlet socket is plugged in.
This unit is NOT suitable for its purpose, and I'm returning it to Amazon ASAP. Problem is, I have to buy a printer, so I can print out the return label for Hermes to pick up the box from home. Or I can get the label printed out at my local library.



PS There was a thin piece of wire bridging the terminals on the ON/OFF switch. I removed this piece of wire and now the ON/OFF switch works. There appears to be very little quality control on these units.

--- End quote ---

Sorry to hear that, I really would report this to your local trading standards and they will investigate it. It shouldn't be on sale and would pass no approval in this country.

djsb:
I've tried to return the item to Amazon on 4 occasions over the last week and Hermes who is the courier who collects on behalf of Amazon has cancelled the collection. I complained to Amazon UK, and they have refunded my money AND cancelled the requirement to return the item (I have a confirmation email confirming this as well). SO, now I have an isolation transformer for FREE that I have to make safe. They suggest I keep it or donate it to charity. I won't be donating anything UNSAFE to anyone.
1/ Make sure that the toroidal transformer itself actually has ISOLATED WINDINGS and is NOT an autotransformer.
2/ Do a thorough documentation of the wiring before I go any further.
3/ Change the ON/OFF switch wiring. Any tips on this (a better switch. terminals etc.)

Can anyone recommend anything else I can do to first make it safe and then to possibly improve it? Thanks.

PS If I'm actually able to make it safe (assuming the basics are there) then I might make a video of my investigations and what steps I take.

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