What would you use a 1:1 transformer for?

[Red Squirrel]

We found an old 1:1 plugin transformer in our IT storage area. You plug it in, and there's 2 plugs on it. Would that isolate power maybe? Like if you plug a device in there that would cause lot of spikes (such as a laser printer) would it stop those spikes from happening? Or could you plug in sound equipment in there to have less noise? This thing is heavy too lol. A good 45 pounds at least.

 

[nakedfrog]

Isolation was my first guess.

 

[edro]

Isolation transformers suppress voltage spikes, can limit current and reduce harmonic distortion, among many other things.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Hmm, say I plug a sound board in one, would that help reduce noise?

I think they're just going to throw it out, so I might keep it and use it at our church. We have lot of noise as the lighting system is causing a large ground loop I think. I could try to plug all the sound related equipment in it maybe.

 

[herm0016]

all the sound equip. in our theater building runs on one huge iso transformer, and we use small ones on microphone line splits to isolate one of the outputs.

 

[zanejohnson]

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
Hmm, say I plug a sound board in one, would that help reduce noise?

I think they're just going to throw it out, so I might keep it and use it at our church. We have lot of noise as the lighting system is causing a large ground loop I think. I could try to plug all the sound related equipment in it maybe.

yeah that would be good. as for the ground loop, it might be best to physically ground the lighting circuit, ground loops can be nasty.

 

[edro]

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel
Hmm, say I plug a sound board in one, would that help reduce noise?

I think they're just going to throw it out, so I might keep it and use it at our church. We have lot of noise as the lighting system is causing a large ground loop I think. I could try to plug all the sound related equipment in it maybe.

It's worth a shot. Lighting equipment is notorious for generating harmonics and EMI (due to their power supplies).

I am not familiar with sound systems and what causes their audible distortion, but I know that a dirty input can carry through on a low quality amplifier.

 

[Rubycon]

Galvanic isolation = ground loop breaker.

 

[XZeroII]

I guess that I would use it to help save the world.

 

[gar3555]

ha! when I first read the title I thought it meant a life size transformer like optimus prime or something. hence the 1:1. Man my mind is fried.

 

[Rumpltzer]

Originally posted by: XZeroII
I guess that I would use it to help save the world.

Autobot?


I'd rather a Decepticon so I could take over the world.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Originally posted by: gar3555
ha! when I first read the title I thought it meant a life size transformer like optimus prime or something. hence the 1:1. Man my mind is fried.

LOL good one, I never even thought of that. A life size optimus prime would be kind of cool too...

 

[bobdole369]

A large reason to use a 1:1 isolation transformer is safety. You don't want to work on equipment that is connected directly to the mains. That breaker is usually 15-20A - so thats a lot of power available. Also if you happen to touch the hot side while standing dripping salty and wet in bare feet there is less of a chance to find ground through your body. The 1:1 xformer keeps that hot from killing you. And it usually has its own fuse/breaker at less available current than what comes out of the wall.

 

[Gibsons]

Originally posted by: RedSquirrel

Originally posted by: gar3555
ha! when I first read the title I thought it meant a life size transformer like optimus prime or something. hence the 1:1. Man my mind is fried.

LOL good one, I never even thought of that. A life size optimus prime would be kind of cool too...

Dibs on Starscream.

 

[SparkyJJO]

Yes, isolation.

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: gar3555
ha! when I first read the title I thought it meant a life size transformer like optimus prime or something. hence the 1:1. Man my mind is fried.

thats what i was thinking too