quick transformer question

VictorG · 9th January 2004, 08:36 PM

I am trying to put some price lists together on an tube amp I want to build up, and have a technical question for you. I understand alot of theroy which says this should work, but i want to make sure in the real world it would too.

I need 350V for a power supply I am going to be building up, today, for $10, i obtained a very heavy transformer which steps down voltage by labeled use. But what if I ran the transformer "backwards", in other words, where normally the transformer is designed to take high voltage on a line at say 380V and can put out 120V once stepped down, could I not plug line AC into the transforer at the 120V tap and then expect to get 380V out?

I mean in theory is just two coils, what works one way should work the other right?

Since I am a poor college student, can I at least try this method, or am I likely to run into some adverse reaction and melt the sucker?

Incase its of any use, its a Acme Transformer, Type No TA-2-32669 and is labeled as an "Industrial Control Transformer"

Thanks Guys
B

SHiFTY · 9th January 2004, 08:54 PM

Cant' see why not, if it is rated for 380V...

Keep in mind that 380V rectified in a bridge is likely to give you around 450V!

sreten · 9th January 2004, 09:00 PM

Theorectically only the primary is required to meet safety insulation standards for connection to the mains power supply.

In practise I can't see any real problems using it in reverse.

sreten.

9th January 2004, 08:36 PM	#1
VictorG diyAudio Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Albuquerque	quick transformer question I am trying to put some price lists together on an tube amp I want to build up, and have a technical question for you. I understand alot of theroy which says this should work, but i want to make sure in the real world it would too. I need 350V for a power supply I am going to be building up, today, for $10, i obtained a very heavy transformer which steps down voltage by labeled use. But what if I ran the transformer "backwards", in other words, where normally the transformer is designed to take high voltage on a line at say 380V and can put out 120V once stepped down, could I not plug line AC into the transforer at the 120V tap and then expect to get 380V out? I mean in theory is just two coils, what works one way should work the other right? Since I am a poor college student, can I at least try this method, or am I likely to run into some adverse reaction and melt the sucker? Incase its of any use, its a Acme Transformer, Type No TA-2-32669 and is labeled as an "Industrial Control Transformer" Thanks Guys B __________________ Stewie: You there, fetch me the wall street journal. You two! Fight to the death!

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9th January 2004, 08:54 PM	#2
SHiFTY diyAudio Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: New Zealand	Cant' see why not, if it is rated for 380V... Keep in mind that 380V rectified in a bridge is likely to give you around 450V!

9th January 2004, 09:00 PM	#3
sreten diyAudio Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Brighton UK	Theorectically only the primary is required to meet safety insulation standards for connection to the mains power supply. In practise I can't see any real problems using it in reverse. sreten.