Watts control 10 Amp variac-Thoughts/advice before purchase.

[djsb]

I've found a UK made 10 Amp Variac that does not appear to have any external terminal connections for the mains input or the variable output.

https://wattscontrol.co.uk/product/10-amp-variable-transformer-variac-single-phase-enclosed/

The terminals are probably behind a metal cover (I have asked them about this-I'm awaiting their reply).

This company is based in Stockton On Tees in the North East off England and I would much rather buy from a UK company than an unknown supplier from China. What are your thoughts and do you have any advice before I buy one? Thanks.

PS On second thoughts probably not a good idea to buy from a company that has just gone into voluntary liquidation.

https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/09374871

[rogerggbr]

I agree with your ps......
I presume you already know Claude Lyons?
My rule of thumb for variacs:- never use them above about 50% of their current rating. They seem to be the second fastest form of circuit protection (after a transistor). Third is a fuse....

[djsb]

I'll wait for a reply first before I decide. It may still be a going concern and be taken over and continue to operate. I'm just wondering if I should buy a 5amp or 10amp version?

[themadhippy]

I'm just wondering if I should buy a 5amp or 10amp version?

10A,ya can always limit it down to 5A with  overload protection,but you aint gonna get 10A out of a 5A unit for very long.

[Stray Electron]

  I was just wondering, how readily available are the Gen Rad variacs in England?  They've made them since forever and they're pretty much the only ones that I see in the US and they seem to be bulletproof.  I find used ones fairly frequently in old industrial and military electronics.

[rikkitikkitavi]

Go to Farnell or RS components. They have encapsulated variacs with plug connections' or bare ones.

The one in the picture have screw terminals behind the cover. Easiest way to connect then to cut an extension cord in two.

It would benefit from installing a fuse on the variable tap to protect the brush ' which is the most sensitive part to overloads. The rest can take some beating due to the large mass.

 Buy one spare  brush and the variac can be used by next generation and perhaps beyond.

If buying a used one' ask seller to see brush assembly. If the brush is worn down to the metal holder it is critical.

[Ian.M]

+1 for get a spare brush, especially if the company is going out of business.

Also, fusing the wiper tap is essential.

[djsb]

I've bought a used Claude Lyons PortaVolt 710-EA ANA off of Ebay instead. It has IEC sockets for input and output as well as analogue voltage and current meters. It's a bit rusty in places but its fully functional according to the seller. It arrives on the 7th of July. I will post pictures and the data sheet in a separate post later.