Re: variac ratings

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: BunnyKiller <bunikllr-at-bellsouth-dot-net> 

The best way to determine the avg. current is to find out what size wire is 
wound on the core.  If you can determine the size of that wire, you can 
guesstimate the current capacity.  for example, the Powerstat 1256D is 
wound with either a #12 or #10 wire ( well 1256 /1156).  #12 is rated for 
about 15-20A  where the #10 is rated for 30A. The diameter of the core is 
also a determining factor in current capacity. The 1156/1256 core is on 
average 12" in dia. as to where a 7A unit is only 3-4 " in dia. and wound 
with approximatley a # 16-18 Ga. wire. Soooo... in retrospect, the bigger 
the core and the thicker the wire, the more amps it will handle...


Scot D



Tesla list wrote:

>Original poster: "Richard Modistach" <hambone-at-dodo-dot-com.au>
>hi all,
>
>if say i was to get hold of an unknown rated variac
>that has had a 240v input, is there any simple way to
>ascertain it's peak\average current rating\handling
>characteristics.
>
>regards
>richard
>aus.
>
>