Can I vary the speed of my motor with a variable transformer?
Many motors can use a variable transformer for speed control. Motors that usually can be controlled by varying the motor voltage:Universal MotorsSeries Wound MotorsTorque MotorsShaded Pole MotorsMotors that sometimes cannot be varied by changing the motor voltage:Split Phase MotorsPermanent Spli ...
How can I protect my three phase variable transformer from excessive currents?
You may (and it is highly recommended) place a fuse in each phase between the variable transformer and the load. On the models listed the ouputs are terminals #3 on the three coils.One other caution:These units should be connected to a Wye (3 hot wires, a neutral and a safety ground)source. If t ...
Is any kind of calibration required and/or beneficial for a Variac?
We do not consider our variable transformers as devices that require calibration unless they include a digital or analog meter. A variable transformer only provides an output that is a ratio to the input. This is accomplished using transformer action (turns ratios). There really is not anything ...
Variacs and Guitar Amplifiers
Variable transformers are used for several purposes with guitar amplifiers. Tubes in amplifiers last longer if voltage is gently increased during power up. The filaments in the tubes are not stressed as much as when power is applied all at once. When the amplifier has not been used for som ...