Step up/down transformer.

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Does anyone here have any experience using a step up transformer to run 220v tools in their shop?

Im thinking about picking one up, at some point in the future so i can get faster heating out of my kiln. (Obviously ill make new coils at the appropriate resistance when doing this).

I have some questions for anyone with experience using these. To see if it even makes sense to use this.

Like would it be able to handle running at the same amperage, while also giving 220v instead of 110? Or is the current effected? Also are these transformers made for use for long periods and generally safe?
 
Since I can't post links to what im talking about on amazon. Im talking about the larger ones, that run about $100. Not one of the smaller 17 dollar ones.

I see one rated for up to 5000 watts. So maybe that could work well for this kind of application?
 
Probably your best option is just to run a 220 line to your shop.

With voltage conversion you are still limited by the amps you can draw from your 110 plug.

Given the 5000w limit, your pulling more amps than a 110 line will allow, so you wouldn't be able to actually get 5000w out of it.

Also, converting voltage takes power, so your gonna lose some more capability there.

Anyway, getting a 220 line installed is the way to go, barring that, getting motors, furnaces etc, that are 110v is probably a better way to go.
 
Transformers merely "transform" voltage.... they don't create power. In fact, you'll actually have some power loss as a result of going through the transformer, as A.McPherson also pointed out.

You're gonna want to run a dedicated 240VAC circuit to your shop. That, or move your kiln into your laundry room and share a plug with the clothes dryer. ;)
 
Drew Riley said:
Transformers merely "transform" voltage.... they don't create power. In fact, you'll actually have some power loss as a result of going through the transformer, as A.McPherson also pointed out.

You're gonna want to run a dedicated 240VAC circuit to your shop. That, or move your kiln into your laundry room and share a plug with the clothes dryer. ;)
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Where I am, running the power out of the laundry room is a more realistic option for me, than getting a dedicated 240v line added
 
Step up is the easiest method of getting 220V. As mentioned it's limited to the power draw. How much power does your kiln draw? If the line can feed it, it's a go. Transform losses are practically nonexistent.
 
JoeBusic said:
Step up is the easiest method of getting 220V. As mentioned it's limited to the power draw. How much power does your kiln draw? If the line can feed it, it's a go. Transform losses are practically nonexistent.
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I can't remember what resistance coils i ended up making.

I would have to make new ones if i was going to use 220v on it though it would definitely draw a crazy amount with what i have in there now. I remember i think theyre drawing like 13 amps at least.

Id have to look more into transformers, and all that, and then decide what resistance to shoot for with the new ones.
 
Blankblank said:
I can't remember what resistance coils i ended up making.

I would have to make new ones if i was going to use 220v on it though it would definitely draw a crazy amount with what i have in there now. I remember i think theyre drawing like 13 amps at least.

Id have to look more into transformers, and all that, and then decide what resistance to shoot for with the new ones.
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If it's 13A, you'll get a 24A draw@220V. That's 5.3kW@120V=44A draw. Seems a lot for a classic socket. Not to mention will it burn your coils.
 
JoeBusic said:
If it's 13A, you'll get a 24A draw@220V. That's 5.3kW@120V=44A draw. Seems a lot for a classic socket. Not to mention will it burn your coils.
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Yeah. Like i said. I would definitely be making new coils if i was going to consider doing this.
 
I think you are missing the point. Step-up transformers don't create extra power, they only change the voltage.

If an oven uses 3500 watts (for example) it draws about 15 amps at 220, or 30 amps on 110. There is no difference in the power draw. If you used a step-up transformer to create 220, you would still draw 30 amps on your 120 socket it is plugged into.

A 220 circuit draws the 15 amps on two separate (opposite phased) 110 legs. With a step-up transformer, it is all still coming from one leg. The 110 volt circuit it is plugged into will still draw 30 amps.

There will also be some wiring issues to deal with because you are not really using two legs.
 
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