Re: [TCML] MOT ballasting options

[Scott Bogard <sdbogard@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Brian,
     Many will chime in here I am sure, but ballasting depends on what you
want out of it.  If you want a thousand watt system, sure, you could just
use 10 100W lightbulbs in parallel.  My best MOT system runs with no
ballast at all and only two MOTs in series, that won't work on a 10 Amp
breaker but it works very nicely from a performance perspective for a 2.5
ish kW system.  There is always the shorted MOT ballast, reliable, but it
won't pass much current (can tend to overheat as well.)  Or anything you
would use on a Pig would work scaled down, so an archive search would be in
order.  Just my 2 cents...

Scott D Bogard.


On Wed, Jan 2, 2013 at 12:00 PM, Brian Hall <brianh4242@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

>
> I have a few MOTs (and am aware of their high danger factor) and am
> wondering of the various ways of ballasting them, so as not to trip the
> circuit breaker, or overheat after more than a few minutes, what options
> have worked best?  I checked the archives and saw inductive, capacitive and
> resistor methods mentioned but not much as to which worked best or the pros
> and cons of each.  How about using some light bulbs in series or parallel
> between the mains line and the MOT, how would the wattage of the bulbs
> affect the current draw?  I want to keep the voltage high of course to run
> a TC but the amperage draw at a reasonable rate, even in case it gets
> plugged into a line with only a 10 amp circuit breaker.  I am in the USA so
> I have ~ 110 VAC on the mains, and in addition to stories from those with
> experience, any circuit diagrams would be awesome.  Whenever I plug in a
> MOT I plan to have a buddy with me who knows CPR and can call an ambulance
> just in case.  I have used an NST for a few years for my coils so far and
> been careful enough not to get bit by that.
>
>
> ----------------------------------
>
> Brian Hall
>
>
>
>
>
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