VARIAC....MEX?

ken white wrote:

mena661 wrote:
I'm definitely missing something here. So I should raise voltage slowly then connect the load??

...However, moving the wiper contacts while loaded can cause arcing which will increase wear and cause increased contact resistance and possible premature failure.

So set the voltage first and then load the transformer for best life.

There are (well were) versions of autotransformers used in the theatre industry for dimming lights in the 500 - 5000w load range. They were designed to operate under full load. If you can find one of them the contacts will hold up...