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Solid State XFMR

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Servicewiz_3
Servicewiz_3 Posts: 77
in Oil Heating

I would like to know , if it is correct to test a 1lb. solid state spark transformer(secondary 1,400 VAC) the same way you would test a 7lb. iron core spark transformer (secondary 1,000 VAC) by simply bridging the gap at the secondary, with an insulated screwdriver? Any help is greatly appreciated!!!

Comments

  • HydronicMike
    HydronicMike Posts: 466

    Which one? Are you talking about an oil burner transformer, which would be 14k volts, vs. iron core which is 10k?
    Beckett only has you bridge gap to show if it’s not dead but relies on ohms readings, post to ground and post to post.
    Carlin has 3 tests. Spark test, then secondary coil test-checking ohms, each post to ground, then an input current test, testing AC milliamps.
    I’ve had Carlin ignitors pass the first 2 tests and fail the third. I’ve had Beckett ignitors pass spark/ohms test and intermittently fail, then work fine.
    For both heat and lack of proper ground tends to be their enemy.

  • mattmia2
    mattmia2 Posts: 18,366

    that sounds like a bad capacitor in the chopper that make the high frequency voltage that drives the low mass transformer.

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