This video shows how a standard transformer can be used to boost your mains supply voltage or reduce it for equipment that is struggling with the existing supply voltage.
The transformer only needs to be rated for the current of the load and the voltage difference.
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13 thoughts on “Adjust your mains voltage with a standard transformer.”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Roy Tellason says:

    When I saw the video description I guessed what you had in mind, and I was right. This comes up with regularity in the antique radio forum, where a lot of that older gear was spec'd for "110V" power input, and apparently a lot of folks tend to see a lot higher voltages at their location, like 125V or so. It tends to add to the longevity of tubes, and particularly things like unobtainable power transformers.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars LTDunltd says:

    Congratulations 🎊 you've invented a Buck-Boost transformer. 😁

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tony Weavers says:

    Great video, thanks Clive.

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars aldo b says:

    clever idea

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tiny Tony Maloney says:

    Wow I never knew that about transformers and now you just demonstrated it I can see it makes perfect sense.
    Odd how we never got taught this stuff at college in the late 70s. I wonder if they either knew about it and decided it was too dangerous to teach us or didn't actually know.
    Great vid.
    I got similar crimper in a set complete with a multi box of crimps from Amazon last year, only its only got the 4 crimp grips not 6 like yours, I love em, much better than the crappy scissor like manual ones.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Thimakis says:

    Wow! That is such a fascinating and useful idea.
    I must have over 50 books on electronic circuits and ideas and have never come across this implementation of transformers. I was also worried about how much power capacity the secondary could handle, but since the current is only going across the original voltage of the secondary it means a secondary originally rated at 10 amps could handle a 10 amp load at 220V in this dropper arrangement.

    Thanks so much for sharing. 😎👌🏼

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Clive Barrell says:

    How can I tell if a lighting transformer is going to be suitable for this? I purchased one that 'looked similar', but when I opened it up, it appears to be a switched mode power supply. Without a load, it gives no reading on the secondary side. Any one with a link to a UK available one that would work as in the video?

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ian Butler says:

    Here in the US you can buy ultra-long life incandescent lamps. They are just rated at 130 volts, and when run on 115 to 120, they last forever.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars BedsitBob says:

    So you're adding some turns to the windings, and tapping at ~ 95% of the winding?

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars milehidude says:

    Interesting and useful video, thank you. When your refer to the “neutral” of your 2 conductor 240 VAC (2 Phase) input supply, don’t you really mean ‘one leg’ as we normally identify it in the States?

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Clive Barrell says:

    Help!!! I would like to use two transformers I have (#1 Pri 240V Sec 110V 6A 500VA, #2 Pri 240V Sec 110V 2A 200VA) , to form a 240V<->240V isolation transformer. Is this possible? Safe? Do I put the larger one first? Where should I put fuses…pri side, middle, sec side? Any help much appreciated. I have all the pieces, but don't want to start the build in case it's a no-no. The isolation transformer would be used for testing/repairing vintage valve amps.

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ryan Roberts says:

    I wish I had known this back when I had a shop with 3 phase power…3 phase is nice but it's annoying that we only get 208v from 2 hots. I'm surprised 32v transformers aren't more commonly sold for this purpose.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars These Walk Amongst Us!! says:

    I am learning something new every day off you Big Clive!! Top Man!!

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