Re: Microwave Transformer

From: Graham W (graham_at_his.com.puter.INVALID)
Date: 10/16/04 

Date: Sat, 16 Oct 2004 17:52:21 +0100

Watson A.Name - "Watt Sun, the Dark Remover" wrote:
> <William P.N. Smith> wrote in message
> news:3590n099sismklb65h30ktb1unkiqg1kkl@4ax.com...
>> "Jim Works" <jimworks@charter.net> wrote:
>>> I am new to electronics so please be gentle.
>>>
>>> I have a microwave transformer from a 600 W oven. This is very
>>> confusing to me because the power in side has the standard two lead
>>> connection. The part that puzzles me is, the out side has three
>>> connections. Which connections are the ones I should use?
>>
>> DANGER! WARNING! Microwave oven transformers make lethal voltages.
>> If you don't know what you are doing (and from the above, you don't),
>> please don't screw around with them.
>>
>> [Normally I'd say Google is your friend, but in this case it'll give
>> you just enough information to kill yourself or some innocent
>> bystander.]
>>
>> Please learn a lot more about electronics!
>
> Well, hey - he asked to be killed gently, didn't he?? ;-)

He emailed me, so I replied:

Jim Works wrote:
> Already did attach it to the power and no spark gap. Instead of
> telling me what I can't do, please let me know what I can do.

Every one who has replied has advised of the lethal danger of these
things. If you knew a little more about High Voltage supply equipment
you would realise what danger you are in!

There are no domestic/hobby applications for such supplies except
for Ham Radio final amplifiers for which you will need to pass the
FCC examinations and hold a current licence of proficiency.

Dans Data had an article IIRC about making a small electric welding
set from the primary circuit as is and removing the HV secondary
altogether and adding a very heavy braided high current winding
instead.

Mains voltage circuits are dangerous enough at 115/230 VAC but
the several thousand volts on its secondary is very very dangerous.
If you get bitten by it you will remember it for life, should you survive
the encounter. HV electric shock burns out the core of fingers and
arms leaving a charred mess where arteries and veins and nerves
fibres used to be. 

-- 
Graham W   http://www.gcw.org.uk/ PGM-FI page updated, Graphics Tutorial
WIMBORNE   http://www.wessex-astro-society.freeserve.co.uk/ Wessex
Dorset UK  Astro Society's Web pages, Info, Meeting Dates, Sites & Maps
Change 'news' to 'sewn' in my Reply address to avoid my spam filter.

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