30 amp variac instead of an autoformer?

pianotuna wrote:
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

Are you planning to baby sit it 24/7?

It is not a regulated output, no standard variacs are regulated which means you would have to monitor the input voltage and then manually turn the dial up and down.. Seems to me it would be a dull boring job..

They are nothing more than a one sided transformer which has extra windings with a fully variable center tap..

No automatic voltage regulation which means if you are using to boost a low input voltage and the input voltage suddenly rises to say 130 on the input the output will rise to 140 or more volts..

If the input voltage is high and you are dialing it down to 120V and the input voltage drops to say 100V now you output voltage might drop to 80V..

Spend the money and buy a proper designed system, this one is not for you..