How to safely test antique electrical transformer?

Question

I have a very antique transformer. Got it from Great Grandpa who was an electrical wizard. But I'm not. It weighs about 30 pounds, and basically consists of two coils in a metal frame. On one side in Great Grandpa's handwriting it ways "3000V", and on the other side it says "115V". Can I test this puppy by putting 1.5V in and expect to get 30V out the other side? Is there any way to kill myself (with this device)? What could this transformer have been used for?

Answer 1

Remember that it may contain PCBs, which are extremely carcinogenic. This represents a greater danger than the electrical shock, fire, and explosion hazards. Mostly because you are still exposed to the PCBs even if it is not connected.

Throwing it in the trash is a serious offense, BTW. Your local Hazmat team can probably dispose of it for under $10,000.00.

Answer 2

Things I would do first:

Test with a ohm meter, none of the leads should show any connection to the frame.

If the wires are about the same size for the two coils, then you should see a ratio of resistance similar to the expected ratio of voltages.

Yes, 1.5V AC in should give you 30V AC out.

Thing to consider, if you have no need for it, why take any chances?  It could test out fine, then fail soon after you try using it.  If the primary coil insultaion would fail causing some of the winds to short, you could end up with even higher voltage on the output.

Answer 3

Take it to a licensed electrician before you kill yourself.

If it says 3,000 volts on the other side, the amperage will be down but you will get 3,000 volts, not 30.

If you want to kill yourself, before you do anything else, please call one or the other of these numbers and look at their sites:

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org...

1-800-273-TALK

http://hopeline.com/

1-800-SUICIDE

Answer 4

The answer is yes, you can be hurt. First of all check that the transformer is clean and has no obvious deterioration of the winding insulation.

Consider that it is not 3kV to 115 v but 115v to 3kV. It sounds like a step up transformer to produce 3 kV.  If you need 3kV for some project, it would appear that this would be its function. Either way, I would be sure to have a very good circuit breaker installed and be a long way away when I turned it on.

Answer 5

1. Test the coil continuity for both primary and secondary windings

2. Test for earth faults between windings and the frame

3. Test insulation resistance using a Megger Tester at 500V and then at 1000V

4. Apply a low voltage AC current to the input side (such as 110/220) and test the output voltage

Don't try it on 3000V - it may get damaged permanently considering its age