Isolation Transformer Workshop

Q&A and troubleshooting
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1

Hi,

We are a repair facility in the Netherlands and looking for a Isolation Transformer.

We repair all kinds of Audio equipment with and without SMPSses.

These units are running on 230/240V and on full power they can eat up a full 16amp group.

We are planning to buy e thVictron ITR040362041 Isolation transformer (3600W) and connect the incoming ground and outgoing ground together.

My question is: Is this a good solution for these kind of tasks (because it’s original use case is for it is for Marine/Boats).

And how does the unit handle inrush currents?

I hope you guys can give me some advice.

2

Interested to see the reason for using an isolating transformer in this way?

3

Yes you can use these transformers in this manner, but I would also include an RCCD device on the output for further protection.( assuming the equipment under repair does not have too great an earth leakage current).

Transformers are pretty good at inrush currents, due to high thermal mass.

@GUMPY Reason for using this would be to help protect personnel diagnosing / repairing live powered equipment.

4

I guessed it was the reason as we used to do it years ago before the advent of RCDs.

5

These days if needed I use a small inverter to power the equipment under test, thus keeping the ac fully isolated. This is ok for single fault condition - i.e. one hand /finger touching a live circuit. Also helps if using an oscilloscope for probing live / non isolated supplies.

6

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your answer.

Yes we are going to use a RCCD and a circuit breaker on the output of the Victron.