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4hv.org :: Forums :: General Science and Electronics
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120v variac run on 240v?

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Aussienitro
Fri Dec 25 2009, 07:21PM Print
Aussienitro Registered Member #2399 Joined: Mon Sept 28 2009, 09:29AM
Location:
Posts: 27
Hello.

What would be the outcome of running a 120v input 0-130v output variac on 240v mains power from a wall socket?

I for the life of me cant find a 240v variac at less then $1000, but picked up a 120v one for $15.
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Proud Mary
Fri Dec 25 2009, 08:07PM
Proud Mary Registered Member #543 Joined: Tue Feb 20 2007, 04:26PM
Location: UK
Posts: 4992
It would very rapidly heat up and destroy itself, if the fuse doesn't blow first.
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mikeselectricstuff
Sat Dec 26 2009, 01:30AM
mikeselectricstuff Registered Member #311 Joined: Sun Mar 12 2006, 08:28PM
Location:
Posts: 253
The core would saturate, probably blowing the fuse. However if you had two 120v variacs you could probably use a series configuration, preferably mechanically ganged to balance load between them.
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Backyard Skunkworks
Sat Dec 26 2009, 02:06AM
Backyard Skunkworks Registered Member #1262 Joined: Fri Jan 25 2008, 05:22AM
Location: Maryland, USA
Posts: 451
And I'd make sure that they are both of the same make/current rating, or at least have very similar inductance and resistance.
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IamSmooth
Sat Dec 26 2009, 04:44AM
IamSmooth Registered Member #190 Joined: Fri Feb 17 2006, 12:00AM
Location:
Posts: 1567
Depending on where you get the variac, it might not be wired the way you think. I would make sure the neutral wire is really neutral and not going to the HOT terminal of your outlet. I would also make sure the neutral is not connected to the grounding wire of your chassis.
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Aussienitro
Sat Dec 26 2009, 12:40PM
Aussienitro Registered Member #2399 Joined: Mon Sept 28 2009, 09:29AM
Location:
Posts: 27
OK, well i guess the alternative would be stepping it down to 120, then back up to 240. Low power transformers are $1 on ebay.

But that brings up the next question :P What would happen to a 60Hz variac running at 50Hz?
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Coronafix
Sat Dec 26 2009, 11:10PM
Coronafix Registered Member #160 Joined: Mon Feb 13 2006, 02:07AM
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 938
How much did you want to spend on a variable transformer. You can buy them new from Westek Electronics in Melbourne.
I'm sure you can source a local supplier if you are elsewhere.
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