Long ago I found a Variac I think it's called at the scrap yard. So yep I grabbed it up. I now need to check a device I think uses 12V AC input. I want to use the Variac, start low and work up slowly till the device works. It has a fried transformer with no markings and I am about certain it is 12V AC comming for the transformer, 2 yellow wires.
This variac has 5 connections for wires. There is like a schematic on the front just coil loops really.
Number 1 is the left beginning coil end, #5 is up 2 loops, then go to the other end and #3 is 3rd loop from end, #2 is second loop from end, and #4 is the end.
Before I wire 120Vac to this, I want to be sure WHAT connections should the 2 wires go to?
This is a powerstat variable autotransformer, type 1260, spec BP124201, input 120Vac 60HZ 1 phase,
output volts 0-140 15 amps KVA 2.1
Says the Superior Electric co Bristol Conn. USA.
output volts 0-140 15 amps, so does that mean any volts I set this transformer too is going to be 15 amps? 12Vx 15 amps= 180watts, or 140Vx15amps = 2100watts??
For right now I need to check out a stereo I am sure only has a fried 12V transformer (friend checked it and thinks so too). But I am also working on something that will be using batteries of odd volts. I am thinking about using this to charge them. I have not actually decided what voltage I am using yet, depends on the motor used (I have several DC motors you know). So if I use a 36volt set of batteries or even a 140V set, if I rectify the output of this variac to get DC and crank in the correct volts for the battery bank, is that going to charge at 15 amps as planned?
I am not familiar with these devices but it seems odd to me I would have the same amps at any voltage from 1-140AC.
Thanks for any help on this thing, I don't want to fry it (or anything else), I'd probably never find another one.