Re: pole pig beginner

["Tesla list" <tesla@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Original poster: Chip Atkinson <chip@xxxxxxxxxx>



On Mon, 24 Jul 2006, Tesla list wrote:

> Original poster: ben eells <squeels2171@xxxxxxxxx>
>
> Hi guys, I called this guy Gary told us about in the "pole chicken"
> thread about some transformers and it seems he doesn't really know
> what he has. This makes for a bad buying situation because I don't
> really know what I need. I've built 2 coils prior to this one and
> they we're both NST powered. I wanted to make the jump to pole pigs
> but the more I look for answers the more questions I come up with.
>
> 1. I told him I wanted a 10KVA pole mount distribution transformer
> and he insist that they run on 480V. I really don't know. Do they?

Some pole transformers put out 220V.  I haven't been following the thread,
so forgive any repetition.  You should get a pole pig with two HV
bushings.  A "bushing" is the industry term for insulator.  My pole pig
puts out 14,400V on the HV side and 220V on the low voltage side.  "Puts
out" depending on how you run it.

>
> 2. From what I'm told I have 240V coming into my house at 200A. The
> pole pig that powers my house has a 15 stamped on it that I can only
> assume refers to 15KVA. If that is the case I should be able to buy a
> 15 KVA pig and have just enough power to run it if nothing in the
> house is running. Is this right?

Yeah, the 15 is KVA, but first, you don't have to worry too much.  They
are pretty robust and you can run a pole pig at twice its rating for
coiling work.  It's unlikely you'll pull 200A from your coil, but if you
do, the pig that powers your house will be ok if you don't do it for very
long (long being in hours or so).  Still, 200A at 220V is a lot of energy,
and you'd be running a pretty big coil at that much input.

>
> 3. I'm 99% sure that I wouldn't be able to run anything over 15 KVA
> meaning it would serve no purpose to buy one bigger than that or more
> than one 15KVA. However you guys have suprised me before so if anyone
> knows something I don't on this issue please tell me.

Yeah, a 10kva would probably do you just fine.  They're plenty heavy, and
a 15KVA is just that much heavier.

>
>   If you guys could please clarify some of my assumptions and tell me
> exactly what I need so I can buy from this guy with confidence I
> would realy appreciate it.
>

Mine's a 14,400 volt primary pig with two hv bushings and 220V secondary.
I've never had any problems with it.
Some may recommend a higher primary voltage though.

Chip