transformer question to all the electricians out there??

[Alistair Hosie]

I have blown (a while ago) the transformer in my lathe a 440v in reducing to 110 v out.I removed the transformer and took it to r s components they supplied me with a 440v with instead of 110v single outlet two outlets of 55v making 110v out my friend an electrician says to simply join the two 55's to get 110 V out will blow the transformer.I went back to rs components and asked if I had been supplied the right transformer as this had two output terminals of 55v instead of one 110v I was told politely that they were unable to explain why as they did not have insurance to explain electrical wiring to customers so I would need to figure it out myself but the one supplied was basically fine. Can anyone explain this as I simply assume that joining the two output 55's will be fine am I wrong ?Alistair

[John Stevenson]

No problem.
You have the right transformer and the wrong electrician.

John S.

[3 Phase Lightbulb]

Sounds like the transformer they gave you has two 220v windings.. Input is 440v (+220 -220) output is (+55 -55) which has a potential of 110v. If you can hook up the transformer, test the A/C voltate between the two 55 volt secondary side terminals.

-Adrian

[John Stevenson]

Adrian.
Not quite, he has a standrd 440 / 110 transformer for the UK it's one winding in, 440v and a 55-0-55 output.
Just using the two 55's and ignoring the centre tapped 0 will give him 110v.

John s.

[aboard_epsilon]

Lets hope you got the right transformer Alistair ....because i thought your lathe ran on 415 volts
all the best.mark

[JRouche]

As stated, a voltage reading off the secondary will show you what you have...Shouldn't really be doing electrical without breakin out a confirmed good multimeter...JRouche

[This message has been edited by JRouche (edited 05-09-2005).]

[J Tiers]

Without showing us some idea of what connections are available on that transformer, it is unwise to believe any of us.

That said, I think John S sounds closest....at least what he said makes sense.

How many wires are there? Did they give you a diagram? Does it have a ratings plate? If so, can you post a pic?

[dp]

Connecting together any single wire from each of the 55 volt side will produce either of the following on the other two wires:

110
0

Depending on the phase relationship of the two windings the output will be additive (110), or subtractive (0). If the load is nothing but a 110 lamp or volt meter it will be harmless to test it. I presume your 440 is single phase although it doesn't matter to the secondary windings.

Certainly do not connect both wires from a single winding together as that well send you back to the store for another new one.

dp

[3 Phase Lightbulb]

You already have a great VOM (Voltage - Ohm - Mouth).

High numbers of nerve endings in the tongue permit greater electrical sensitivity and the ability to measure voltage levels..

I can tell the difference between 5v and 12v so I never need a meter to measure them.. I'm sure you can tell the difference between 55v and 110v with your tounge too.. No need for a meter.

[dp]

Coupla decades ago I had two crowns installed on adjacent teeth. One gold the other silver. I'm guessing one or the other may have been anodized aluminum, for all I know. Anyway, for the longest time after that second one was installed I'd get that electrical taste any time I bit hard enough to short them together. Bleh - hated that.

dp