• stro...

  

  18

  Re: Electronic transformers

  Fri, June 18, 2004 - 2:44 PM

  You probably got your answer a long time ago, but here goes: no, you can't use a standard dimmer on an inductive load such as a transformer (or motor). The dimmer relies on the AC signal phase behaving itself, and the inductive load screws that all up.
  You need a rheostat, or maybe there's something better nowadays (more efficient), like some sort of PWM thing, or a rectifier followed by a pulsewidth modulated inverter thingie.

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• • Tim

    

    3

    Re: Electronic transformers

    Sat, June 19, 2004 - 10:04 AM

    Thanks for the answer, Brian.
    
    If I point out that this is an electronic transformer, not a coil wound type, would that change your answer? I don't know the difference the types, but from what I read there is a basic physical difference b/t the two and how they do their thing.

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  • • stro...

      

      18

      Re: Electronic transformers

      Sat, June 19, 2004 - 2:37 PM

      
      An electronic transformer? That could be the "something better" I was guessing about.
      
      It could be a rectifier followed by an inverter.
      
      I' guessing though, so I guess I'd have to say "I don't know". It could be safe to use with a standard dimmer. Are there any instructions for it, either with the unit or on the manufacturer's website?

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    • • Tim

        

        3

        Re: Electronic transformers

        Sat, June 19, 2004 - 8:27 PM

        Good idea, the mfgr. web site. I'll check it out.

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      • • stro...

          

          18

          Re: Electronic transformers

          Tue, June 22, 2004 - 3:56 PM

          Did you find anything yet?

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        • • Tim

            

            3

            Re: Electronic transformers

            Wed, June 23, 2004 - 4:53 AM

            Nothing technical. Only that they sell a "special" dimmer for their xformers. And guess what? The dimmer costs about $50!!!
            
            Onward through the fog...

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          • • Terry

              

              38

              Electronic transformers

              Thu, December 8, 2005 - 7:31 AM

              You might look into fan control type dimmer,they are more than a simple variable resistor,which is what most potentiometers are.
              There is some sort of R/C nework inthere to work with the inductive load-go for about $5-$10.

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