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Re: Transformers

At 10:00 AM 1/10/96 +0700, you wrote:

>The ideal bullet-proof transformers for medium to high-powered, 
>multi-kVA Tesla coil work are pole (distribution) transformers with 
>potential transformers probably running a close second.  These, 
>however, are extremely dangerous and are generally not as easy to get 
>hold of as neon sign transformers.  They will also require external 
>current limiting unless you want to drag the neighborhood into your 
>adventure, and will need a more sophisticated (i.e. - rotary)  gap 
>system to be effective.
>
>Other more available alternatives are plate transformers (typically on 
>the order of 5kV with mucho mA), or even microwave oven transformers 
>(you can get 4kV or 5kV units).  To use them, you can hook them in 
>series to get a higher voltage, but from what I've heard, I probably 
>wouldn't run more than 2 or 3 in series to prevent arc-over to the low 
>voltage wiring.  Also, these transformers are not current limited like the 
>neons, so external current limiting is a must.  I had three 4kV 
>microwave oven transformers hooked up in series, and they were 
>sucking about 70 (yep, 70!) AMPS from the wall when I was playing 
>around and pulling an arc with them.  The arc caught at about 1/4" but 
>didn't let go until it was an inverted 'V' shape with about 7 inches of 
>total arc length.
>
>
>Steven Roys (sroys-at-radiology.ab.umd.edu)
>
>
>
>Thanks for the info Steve, I think I can obtain some pole transformers. I
have a good friend who is a technician for the power company. What kind of
current limiting circuit is recommended?
Jim Leonard