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Re: [Amps] Neon xfmr for HiPot

To: amps@contesting.com
Subject: Re: [Amps] Neon xfmr for HiPot
From: k9muf@comcast.net
Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2012 19:44:33 +0000 (UTC)
List-post: <amps@contesting.com">mailto:amps@contesting.com>
Mike,

Yes, a neon transformer can work very well to make a hi-pot tester provided you 
take a few precautions and I mean besides the safety ones.

A neon transformer is designed to be operated with a load on it's secondary 
which will hold down the output voltage to about 60% of it's rated open circuit 
voltage. If operated with no load or a very light load, eventually the 
insulation will break down.

I had to learn this the hard way. I built a hi-pot tester using a neon 
transformer and had two of them fail after some time.
 I am now in the process of installing the third one and plan to put in a spark 
gap or some other means to clamp the voltage
 at about the 60% level. 

If 60% of the transformers rated voltage is not high enough, you can always use 
a voltage doubling circuit.
Take a look at Rich Measures design,  http://www.somis.org/BVT.html for some 
ideas.

Don   k9muf




----- Original Message -----
From: Mike <k4gmh@arrl.net>
To: amps@contesting.com
Sent: Mon, 16 Jul 2012 03:28:49 -0000 (UTC)
Subject: [Amps] Neon xfmr for HiPot

Hello,

Can a 10 KV, 30 mA., xfmr used for a neon light be used in a hipot tester?
Seems like a natural with just a small variac used to vary the primary
voltage (120 VAC) for adjusting the output voltage.

  73,
  Mike, K4GMH
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