30 amp variac instead of an autoformer?
Hi, I've been looking for a 30 amp autoformer for some time. I wonder if this item would "fill the bill". 30 amp variac $169 Here is the company listing: variable ac transformer
Forum Discussion
Technically, a variac is nothing more than a variable autotransformer.
Those sort of automatic variac voltage regulator devices, assuming that's what this is internally, have been around for quite awhile, and they do work. They do not respond to sudden changes in input voltage instantaneously (like a solid-state switching regulator typically would), but otherwise are OK. It's basically just a variac with a servo-controlled output adjustment; you typically can hear it motor up or down as needed. I saw them in use when growing up for the couple of years I spent overseas in areas with less than great electrical systems, typically to keep fridges happy and operating properly.
It's anybody's guess how effective the linked one in particular would be when used near its putative ratings for a long period of time. Based on some of the reviews, I have my doubts; some of the pictures looked downright scary for a piece of electrical equipment.
Those sort of automatic variac voltage regulator devices, assuming that's what this is internally, have been around for quite awhile, and they do work. They do not respond to sudden changes in input voltage instantaneously (like a solid-state switching regulator typically would), but otherwise are OK. It's basically just a variac with a servo-controlled output adjustment; you typically can hear it motor up or down as needed. I saw them in use when growing up for the couple of years I spent overseas in areas with less than great electrical systems, typically to keep fridges happy and operating properly.
It's anybody's guess how effective the linked one in particular would be when used near its putative ratings for a long period of time. Based on some of the reviews, I have my doubts; some of the pictures looked downright scary for a piece of electrical equipment.
