RE: variac

• To: tesla@pupman.com
• Subject: RE: variac
• From: "Lau, Gary" <Gary.Lau@compaq.com> (by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla@uswest.net>)
• Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2000 07:02:07 -0700
• Approved: twftesla@uswest.net
• Delivered-To: fixup-tesla@pupman.com@fixme

Don't assume that the power drawn by an NST will be limited to anything
close to it's faceplate rating.  In Tesla service, particularly when using a
Larger-Than-Mains-Resonant tank capacitor, the power drawn will be much
higher.  Current speculation is that this is due to saturation of the
current limiting shunts.  I find that with my 15kV/60mA NST (no
modifications to current shunts), I pull over 20 Amps from my 15A variac,
even with a PFC capacitor.

I'd recommend finding a 15-20 Amp unit.  You may not need it now but you
will have room to grow.  Ebay always has a large selection at reasonable
prices.  No need for 3 phase.

Gary Lau
Waltham, MA USA

> Original Poster: "Kelly Shutt" <tcatut@mail.utexas.edu>
> 
> well, I've been trying to find a good variac for a while now, and have
been
> unsuccessful at finding one at a good price.  I live in Austin, TX and was
> wondering if anyone knew any good places to look... or maybe one of you
has
> one that you wouldn't mind parting with... also, I'm not exactly sure what
I
> need... I'm running a 15kv 30ma NST and I'm thinking I need a 3-phase
rated
> at about 15 amps... if I'm way off let me know.
> oh yeah, and what's the best way to hook one of these things up once I get
> it?
> 
> thanks,
> Kelly

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