Re: Homemade Voltage Divider

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: FIFTYGUY@xxxxxxx 

In a message dated 1/28/06 3:07:02 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
tesla@xxxxxxxxxx writes:

>It's also very simple to do this type of
>measurement by simply monitoring the input
>potential to the power xmfr.

...

>It's easy to do and always accurate since the
>xmfr ratio never changes. Initial (test)
>measurements are taken with a HV probe or divider
>to insure accuracy on the meter calibration.

    But wouldn't this not apply to a NST or other 
current-limited/ballasted transformer used as a charging source? You 
could put full voltage to the primary side of the charging circuit, 
and still have zero volts on the secondary. I guess the thing to do 
with a ballasted transformer is to put the meter on the primary taps 
themselves, after the ballast. But you can't do that with a NST, 
OBIT, or other shunted-core transformer.
    Also won't work with a flyback or induction coil inverter - 
unless you added some more measurements and fancy calculations?
    My biggest worry with direct HV measurement of a cap bank would 
be the possibility of the divider flashing over or failing. Would a 
water or "rubber hose" resistor be safer than a bunch of little 1/2 watt units?

-Phil LaBudde