[Hallicrafters] Variac and cucuit interupt plugs

[Roy Morgan]

On Jul 17, 2009, at 1:51 PM, <eurom6 at cox.net> <eurom6 at cox.net> wrote:

> Hi guys,  I am unable to use my Variac with a curcuit interupt  
> plug.  Is this "normal."  John   N0GBR

John,

By "Circuit Interrupt Plug" do you mean a circuit  protected by a  
ground fault interruptor?

If so,  I would suspect something amiss, such as electrical leakage  
from the variac winding or switch or such to the case.  Possibly  
through the varnish or other insulation in the device.  Some variacs  
are insulated with thin cardboard-like transformer insulation. This  
might have become leaky.

If what  you mean is a fused line cord plug, do yourself and your  
would-be widow a favor. Get rid of that plug. Install a proper three  
wire grounded line cord.

Note that in many variacs, the fuse is in the supply line, not in the  
OUTPUT line that's connected to the moving wiper of the transformer.   
There should be a fuse at BOTH places.

Roy


Roy Morgan
k1lky at earthlink.net
529 Cobb St.
Groton NY, 13073
Home: 607-898-3607
Cell: 301-928-7794