What do I need this transformer for?

[bad_idea]

I found three transformers in the scrap bin today. Here are their specs from the label on the face of them:

Acme Transformer
Cat No T-2-53012-S
Primary Volts 240x480
Secondary Volts 120/240
2.0 KVA 60 Hz 1 Phase


I'm at the pack rat stage of my garage build, squirreling away anything that may be of value for use in the future. So what kind of projects would I need these for?

After all, the price is right!

 

[Garage5.9]

tesla coil

 

[larry_g]

Typically used on machines that are powered by 240 and need a 120v for some control circuit. I THINK.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[nehog]

Valuable as step up, step down and isolation transformers. Good rating (2 KVA) which helps.

 

[darkk]

tesla coil

hahahaha...hell yeah!

 

[mrb]

those are useful and bring around $100ea used at least around here.

 

[bad_idea]

I hear you all saying they are useful, but other than a tesla coil or control circuits on a piece of machinery, what are they good for?

Just read about tesla coils and see no need for one of them. I think someone was being a smart ***.

 

[mrb]

here's a good example for using a pair of them. You have a gate opener and motion light out at the street, 600ft from your house. Instead of having to run some gigantic wire out there you use one transformer to step the voltage up to 480 or 600v run #10 wire instead of #2, and back down to 120v at the other end.

 

[mrb]

another use is to tap 480v off a walmart parking lot light to power your camper

 

[jbberns]

another use is to tap 480v off a walmart parking lot light to power your camper

genius, but if you're not an electrician your getting dangerous

 

[ddawg16]

2Kva? That is basically 1 15A ckt....good for a TV or hair dryer...

Sounds like Wallmart is your best bet....

 

[Grumpy365]

It is WAY to small for a tesla coil, plus it is stepping down.

For a tesla coil you need to step up to 9,000 or 10,000 volts. ( think Neon light transformer)

 

[nehog]

It is WAY to small for a tesla coil, plus it is stepping down.

For a tesla coil you need to step up to 9,000 or 10,000 volts. ( think Neon light transformer)

Grumpy is right about the ratio, useless for a Tesla coil.

Another source of higher voltage for Tesla coils are the corona supplies from larger copiers and laser printers. Older ones have separate supplies that are great for playing with, just be careful you don't get zapped!

However, any transformer can be connected either way as long as the voltages match. So these transformers can be used to step up or step down. The transformer doesn't know what is the primary and what is the secondary...

 

[bad_idea]

Could I use two of them with a RPC to step the voltage up to 480 3 phase?

 

[nehog]

Could I use two of them with a RPC to step the voltage up to 480 3 phase?

Three yes, two no...

 

[mrb]

Three yes, two no...

open delta?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

another use is to tap 480v off a walmart parking lot light to power your camper

Most lighting is 277v on a 480v wye system so it there would have to be a MWBC(2 hots) to be able to do this....