Variable Transformer Review: Mophorn 110 VAC In, 0 to 230 VAC Output

[@Vertabraker101]

Good stuff! Just ordered the exact same model. Thanks for the review!

[@neontime]

That's a universal socket on the output. It should also take a US NEMA plug...

[@spaceted3977]

My Variac is the digital UK 2000W UK 240volt, but I use mine with a Residual Circuit Device. I have never shorted mine out, but I expect the RCD will trip, but I don`t use my fingers to test the voltage of electrical equipment !!!!!

[@jeffankstitus5435]

There are a number of differently branded Chinese units of different ratings that look just like this. I bought one and and and opened it up to check its safety. Its construction (soldering etc) was substandard and potentially unsafe....fuse and socket werent agency approved. Switch is not meant to be soldered. Power cord is glued in place. However the coils themselves were wound properly. I suggest that it be inspected to make sure the chassis is grounded properly. Forgot to mention that if the schematic is correct, with the switch in the off position, if the secondary is backfed then the pri is shorted with no protection.

[@EETechStuff]

I have no relation whatsoever with the vendor, and couldn't care less if anyone buys this transformer, but I'd caution folks not to take vague generalities like "substandard", "potentially unsafe", not "agency approved" and some of the other points as a conclusion that any device as inherently "unsafe". Unless you've shown that the supplied fuses fail to blow under fault conditions, or that somehow the soldering is insufficient to keep the hot wires from touching the case, and so on, then I don't think any clear conclusion can be reached. People who use this type of device need to be skilled and knowledgeable and take proper precautions, especially since you're working with high voltages and you'll probably be doing external wiring unrelated to the transformer that is far more likely to get you injured. And never assume ANY equipment is in perfect operating condition, no matter how many agency approvals and name brand fuses and nice looking solder joints. And don't do dumb stuff like touching metal cases when the equipment isn't totally disconnected and de-energized. That's why they have a plastic knob to vary voltage. And if you're worried about the fuses, do as I showed in my video explaining how fuses work and test the performance characteristics to see what they ACTUALLY do, don't just assume. And if you don't like the soldering, take out your soldering iron and spend 1 minute to make it nice. These are not consumer devices, they are for people who are skilled and knowledgeable and know how to work with them safely, and who take extra precautions because they're working with high voltages and don't assume the devices are working perfectly.

[@randallmarsh446]

Is the UK 230 volt system different from our US 220 volt aa/c?

[@p_mouse8676]

It's actually very advisable to use this in combination with an isolation transformer, since VARIACs aren't isolated. A nice little project is actually use this isolation transformer after the variac. That way you can make a simple DC (lab) power supply without dissipating to much heat (since you're changing the input voltage with the variac) Particularly ideal for like audio amplifiers that use a split rail power supply. Btw, the output of this variac is a universal plug, so US connectors will work as well as EU connectors

[@anacaros]

Hello, excellent video. Do you have the purchase link on Amazon or on any other platform ? please

[@thornyturtleranch4u]

Glad I found your video. I'm trying to use a non inverter dirty power gasoline generator and clean the power to run sensitive electronics. I know I need a UPS or AVR. Will this clean power? I may need 50 amps. What are your thoughts?

[@englishrupe01]

Since this is a very large inductor, it should clean up the power very well, but don't forget to put a large capacitor across the output leads too, if you can. That should put your worries at ease.

[@biggest23]

Do you have a link to where it can be bought by any chance? My internet refuses to acknowledge this things existence in a search and instead enthusiastically displays an unending parade of 130V output versions. Very odd.

[@p_mouse8676]

The model number is in the description box

[@biggest23]

@@p_mouse8676 .....I know, that’s what I used to initiate the failed searches, ergo the request for an actual link. Thanks though but, the model number not being enough was the point of my question.

[@p_mouse8676]

@@biggest23 oh my apologies. I think I misunderstood your question. Normally looking for "variac 240V" will do. But be careful not getting a 230V input variac If you still can't find any you could also use a second transformer 115V to 230V after the variac. This basically multiplies any voltage by 2 (since it's a 1 to 2 ratio). Extra benefit is that is will be isolated as well. Which a variac isn't.

[@biggest23]

@@p_mouse8676 ....Cheers Mr Mouse, I appreciate your efforts mate. Have a good one.

[@p_mouse8676]

@@biggest23 No problem :) look what I just found; www.amazon.com/Mophorn-Transformador-ajustable-regulador-universal/dp/B07Y2MRQ79 I actually wasn't looking for it, but I guess Amazon recommended because I was looking for it the other day :)