LV transformer, 120 -> 16 what to do with it?

[skeer]

So I finally got around to figuring out the specs on this secondary transformer, it's in the SquareD series: lv transformers And I confirmed it's currently wired for 120vac pri, 16vac sec.

When I pulled this from the large enclosure that housed both this and the big 240/480 -> 240/120 it was wired to a dual gang outlet. So.. I guess the question is, what can a person do with this?

I mean 16/24vac... run a furnace? Maybe a really big door bell? I'm kidding obviously but all I can think of would be lighting. All thoughts welcome.

 

[RPH]

Transformers go both ways. What can you think of that would be a fun project with weird voltages.

 

[Lightning rod]

sounds like it could have decent resale value if the new price is $1,121

 

[skeer]

Hmm, I do have a fist full of these: https://www.farnell.com/datasheets/2341003.pdf But.. I don't think 16vac will meet the minimum.

 

[skeer]

Ok well that didn't quite work. The rectifier wanted to smoke, unplugged it quickly enough. It's rated at 50 amps, the t-formers putting out at most 13a.

 

[nadogail]

With a transformer like that and a few diodes, an Inductor and filter caps, I would make a battery charger.

 

[skeer]

Not a bad idea.. cant Have too many chargers lol

 

[wyliesdiesels]

So I finally got around to figuring out the specs on this secondary transformer, it's in the SquareD series: lv transformers And I confirmed it's currently wired for 120vac pri, 16vac sec.

When I pulled this from the large enclosure that housed both this and the big 240/480 -> 240/120 it was wired to a dual gang outlet. So.. I guess the question is, what can a person do with this?

I mean 16/24vac... run a furnace? Maybe a really big door bell? I'm kidding obviously but all I can think of would be lighting. All thoughts welcome.

Thats a buck boost transformer... used for stepping up 208v to 240v or vice versa, stepping down....

Doubt youll find a use for it... better to try and sell it as there is a market for it

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Ok well that didn't quite work. The rectifier wanted to smoke, unplugged it quickly enough. It's rated at 50 amps, the t-formers putting out at most 13a.

Thats because its a buck-boist transformer. It wont have a high output rating

 

[skeer]

Thats a buck boost transformer... used for stepping up 208v to 240v or vice versa, stepping down....

Doubt youll find a use for it... better to try and sell it as there is a market for it

Interesting.. So should it be putting out 16vac on the secondary?

I mean, either way you are right insofar as I don;t have an immediate use nor would I likely create a use. Maybe I'll throw it on the classifieds here and see what I could get in a trade.

 

[Innovate1]

Doesn't seem like it should have smoked the rectifier unless it was wired somehow to exceed the voltage rating of the diode or the load was too much. The way I figure it the low voltage windings should both be good for 46A (or 92A when paralleled). A bit oversized for a doorbell. Was just talking to someone at work this week about using this type transformer for a site. You should be able to sell it without much problem. I got my numbers from table 6 here:

https://download.schneider-electric..._Name=39000-322-01.pdf&p_Doc_Ref=39000-322-01

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Interesting.. So should it be putting out 16vac on the secondary?

I mean, either way you are right insofar as I don;t have an immediate use nor would I likely create a use. Maybe I'll throw it on the classifieds here and see what I could get in a trade.

yes unless you wire it like its supposed to be wired as a buck-boost then it will output whatever voltage you need it to....

but typically buck boost transformers are used in tandem to boost say 208v to 240v... so you would be adding 32v to 208v input to get 240v output....

heres the wiring instruction sheet

https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_enDocType=Instruction+sheet&p_File_Name=39000-322-01.pdf&p_Doc_Ref=39000-322-01

doubt youll have a use for it

 

[skeer]

Comparing the wiring to it's big brother, the same X2-3 and H2-3 are wire nutted together. Whjich on the big one that meant it was ready to accept the lower of the two possible primary voltages.
I did a quick search on ebay last night, prices for similar units were all over the place. From Low $60's to high $400's. With no identifying marks IDK that I won't to deal with ebay people

 

[skeer]

yes unless you wire it like its supposed to be wired as a buck-boost then it will output whatever voltage you need it to....

but typically buck boost transformers are used in tandem to boost say 208v to 240v... so you would be adding 32v to 208v input to get 240v output....

heres the wiring instruction sheet

https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_enDocType=Instruction+sheet&p_File_Name=39000-322-01.pdf&p_Doc_Ref=39000-322-01

doubt youll have a use for it

AHHHHH now it makes sense! So the big one with a primary of 480-240... I won't be able to use it because at most I've got is 220.

 

[skeer]

yes unless you wire it like its supposed to be wired as a buck-boost then it will output whatever voltage you need it to....

but typically buck boost transformers are used in tandem to boost say 208v to 240v... so you would be adding 32v to 208v input to get 240v output....

heres the wiring instruction sheet

https://download.schneider-electric.com/files?p_enDocType=Instruction+sheet&p_File_Name=39000-322-01.pdf&p_Doc_Ref=39000-322-01

doubt youll have a use for it

So, I gotta ask, what are these things worth in a used condition? (In your opinion)

 

[wyliesdiesels]

So, I gotta ask, what are these things worth in a used condition? (In your opinion)

whatever someone is willing to pay for it

sorry but just had to.... lol

markets vary so i really couldnt tell you... post it up for a high number and see if someone will negotiate down...

i doubt you have a use for it

 

[skeer]

Totally fair, and I don't blame you for taking the low hanging fruit, lol.

 

[Norcal]

So, I gotta ask, what are these things worth in a used condition? (In your opinion)

It will be expensive to ship which is another consideration.

 

[mogandave]

Will a 480-240 not also work for 240 -120?

 

[mogandave]

To get the value, the you might use the “sold” prices on ebay rather than the “sell” prices.

 

[skeer]

To get the value, the you might use the “sold” prices on ebay rather than the “sell” prices.

True.. again though the spread is wide. lol.

 

[skeer]

Will a 480-240 not also work for 240 -120?

If you are talking abotu the big brother, yeah it's a 480 or 240 pri/240 or 120 sec. Square D 3s1f.

 

[Innovate1]

AHHHHH now it makes sense! So the big one with a primary of 480-240... I won't be able to use it because at most I've got is 220.

Most of these have two primary windings that can be wired in series or parallel. If rated for 480-240 then in parallel would be for 240. The unit in the first post is 120-240 so could be used for either voltage.

The bigger one can be used at 240 input which would work at 220 if that's really the voltage (220 - 221, whatever it takes. ) Or you could use the smaller transformer to boost the 220 to a higher voltage to feed the second if you really need an isolated supply. You could reverse the big one to give you 480 out. But it sounds like you don't really have a use for such things and might want to sell them locally due to the weight and shipping cost.

 

[skeer]

Gotcha, thanks! I grabbed them originally with the idea of isolating my shop from the house. Now granted 3kva isn't a ton, but it's what I have now and it's been working fine once I learned how long I could kick a single weld without tripping the shop's breaker.

 

[dogdog]

Chop it up and make a spot welder out of it. And a copper soldering heaters out of it from the latest tiktok. Like this one, seems like good for hvac and plumbing application. Now I just gotta find some graphite and large gauge wires. There are other videos that it is using to heat larger copper pipes.

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