Using a voltage converter transformer

db! · 5th December 2009, 09:58 PM

I've been looking around lately and I noticed that 110-220vac converter transformers are much more available and cheaper than purpose built isolation transformers. Are these acceptable/usable substitutes?

Thanks in advance

Iain McNeill · 5th December 2009, 10:10 PM

depends on your application. There are small "efficient" switched mode converters which put out a harmonically rich version of a 50/60Hz sine. Wouldn't use one on any sound system of mine.

For lab work I'd still recommend a large hunk of iron. Clean power, stable performance in fault conditions and true, robust isolation.

db! · 5th December 2009, 10:22 PM

My current amp project calls for a 200VCT transformer; unfortunately, I went over budget on other parts so I don't have much to work with. The average cost of a transformer in this voltage range is approximately $50USD. I can probably get a voltage converter transformer for $25.

Iain McNeill · 6th December 2009, 12:11 AM

For a design-in you can ensure the switcher is appropriate. Just make sure that the step load response is adequate and consider the implications of HF noise and filtering.

The extra $25 saves you a lot of engineering

woody · 6th December 2009, 12:32 AM

NO! The converter transformer is also refered to as an autoformer. It is not safe to
use this instead of a regular transformer.

5th December 2009, 09:58 PM	#1
db! diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ontario	Using a voltage converter transformer I've been looking around lately and I noticed that 110-220vac converter transformers are much more available and cheaper than purpose built isolation transformers. Are these acceptable/usable substitutes? Thanks in advance

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5th December 2009, 10:10 PM	#2
Iain McNeill diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Santa Cruz, California	depends on your application. There are small "efficient" switched mode converters which put out a harmonically rich version of a 50/60Hz sine. Wouldn't use one on any sound system of mine. For lab work I'd still recommend a large hunk of iron. Clean power, stable performance in fault conditions and true, robust isolation.

5th December 2009, 10:22 PM	#3
db! diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ontario	My current amp project calls for a 200VCT transformer; unfortunately, I went over budget on other parts so I don't have much to work with. The average cost of a transformer in this voltage range is approximately $50USD. I can probably get a voltage converter transformer for $25.

6th December 2009, 12:11 AM	#4
Iain McNeill diyAudio Moderator Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Santa Cruz, California	For a design-in you can ensure the switcher is appropriate. Just make sure that the step load response is adequate and consider the implications of HF noise and filtering. The extra $25 saves you a lot of engineering

6th December 2009, 12:32 AM	#5
woody diyAudio Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Tyrone Ga. U.S.A.	NO! The converter transformer is also refered to as an autoformer. It is not safe to use this instead of a regular transformer.

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