[Milsurplus] Back to the drawing board...

[Mike Hanz]

You have a ferroresonant transformer, Rick.  The capacitor is essential 
to its operation.  See 
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_2/chpt_9/6.html for a good 
explanation of its action.

 - Mike

Rick Brashear wrote:

> Thanks again for all of the assistance on the high LV problem.  Now I 
> have discovered I have maybe an even bigger problem.  My transformer 
> seems to be drawing excessive current, about 19 AMPS, when totally 
> disconnected from the rectifiers and filter capacitors and no other 
> load on the secondary.   I know nothing about this transformer, there 
> are few markings and none that identify the maker or model.  However, 
> when I received it there was an AC capacitor (like a motor starting 
> capacitor) attached to a set of lugs marked "CAP".  Unfortunately, 
> that capacitor is shorted.  This is new territory for me or possibly 
> my memory is again playing tricks on me.  Does anyone have any 
> experience with a transformer like this?  The connections are:
>
> Primary
> Secondary with center tap
> CAP
>
> All are clearly marked.  I think it may be out of an old (AC/DC) arc 
> welder or a very hefty battery charger.
>
> Any ideas?
>
> Rick
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