0 - 260VAC Variable AutoTransformer (Variac) - 500 VA
Jan - Feb 2007
Every Service Bench needs one of these units.
MasTec Stock these units.
The variable autotransformer (Variac is the trade name of a popular brand) is one of the most useful and efficient devices ever invented for the control of A.C. voltage and of voltage- dependent parameters such as current, power, temperature, light intensity, motor speed. etc.
It enables the A.C. input to a mains powered appliance to be easily varied from 0 to full line voltage (or greater).
Encased in heavy- duty steel housing it also features on/off switch, output- voltage meter, mains- supply lead and standard 3- pin power output.
A must for testing appliance performance under real (simulated) mains fluctuations.
An example of how to use a Variac for troubleshooting.
You have a failed device that the AC Fuse fails everytime it is powered up. Connect the failed device to a Variac with a new fuse in place and turn the variac up to .5 to 1 VAC and then using a DMM track where the current is going, it will be very obvious in most cases, then fix the failed section and increase the voltage watching the current into the device and if all is well power up to 230 VAC. Difficult to do other ways with things like Switched Mode Power Suplies.
- Now supplied with slow blow fuses for extra reliablity.Specifications:
- Rated power handling: 500 VA (fused)
- Input Voltage: 240 VAC @ 50 Hz
- Output Voltage: 0 ~ 260 VAC @ 50 Hz
- Dimensions: 165 x 120 x 160 mm (DxWxH).If you want us to contact you about these products click this link
Another device well worth having in the tool box also is an AC ohm meter scope, will discuss this next month in Tech Tips. A great help for testing Switched Mode Power Suplies.
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