DIYbanter - View Single Post - Test to determine if something is an isolation transformer?

wrote:
Hello all...

I have some old line conditioners (of the Sola brand) with large
transformers, a capacitor and maybe some other stuff inside. These are
big and heavy things.

I asked a long time ago in this group if these happened to be isolation
transformers as well...but nobody knew for certain and I didn't want to
take a chance on my safety.

So what I'm looking for is some kind of a test that can be used to
determine if something is an isolation transformer. Is there any test
that can be used to determine this? What equipment would be needed?

Thanks in advance for any help!

William

Measure resistance between all combinations of input and output pins.
If they're all infinite, you have DC isolation. Not to be confused with
AC isolation which can be the result of caps, filters, etc. The
switching frequencies in a switching supply can sneak past DC isolation
and cause unsafe conditions.
Be aware that a transformer may not like high voltages between primary
and secondary. Maybe it's even defective.

Depends on what you intend to do with it. A device not intended for a
particular purpose is "not intended for that purpose".

I've seen people do ABSOLUTELY STUPID things just because they thought
their isolation transformer made everything safe. As a general rule,
you only need an isolation transformer when you intend to defeat some
safety protocol. Keep one hand in your pocket in all cases.
mike

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