testing transformers

johnnyloobz

What's the best way to test a transformer on an oil gun?

Steve Eayrs

You mean beside a good rubber handle

screw driver???

we have a transformer tester, Sorry don't remember the brand name, but it can measure the voltage. Works good.

Steve

john_35

transformer testing

Get a galvanized washtub, fill it with water, stand in it and grab hold of the secondary side of the transformer. If you live it's probably no good.

Jim Davis

The best way is a screwdriver and see if you can draw a 1" spark. Sold transformer testers for years, but found out you can have 10,000 volts on the terminals and still not get a good spark. My old boss told customers to lick their fingers and touch the terminals. Most people only did this once. Mitco & Dongan are the two testers I sold.

jim sokolovic

Inquiries like this...

should only be answered with a serious and full explanation of what to do and what not to do, in my opinion. Really, it should be something demonstrated on the actual equipment. It can kill you! I'll try to give what I was taught, but if it is not 100 % I hope someone will add to this:

Wear rubber sole shoes, squat - do not sit or kneal or lean on anything. Make sure the floor is dry where you stand.

Use only a screwdriver that has a rubber handle - no rips, no cracks, no gunk on the shaft. Hold it only by the handle, with one clean, dry hand only - with your fingers no where near the shaft. Make sure that other hand is at your side or behind your back.

The transformer should be swung open and the nozzle line disconnected to spray into a container, as far away from the transformer as possible.

Place the middle of the screwdriver shaft on one of the transformer contacts, while keeping the rest of the screwdriver away from all other surfaces. Slowly swing the tip end of the shaft toward the other contact, at about 1" away you should get a spark jumping across.

Hope this helps - be safe!

ed wallace

transformer testing

allison makes a tester called the chekmate works on 10,000 volt transformers and newer 14,000 volt igniters (electronic)transformers

To Learn More About This Professional, Click Here to Visit Their Ad in "Find A Professional"

Unknown

Testing Transformers and Ignitors

In addition to the screwdriver test, it is advisable to check for proper grounding with newer style ignitors. It can be accomplished as follows:

1.) Turn power off.


2.) Ohms reading between electrode spring and bare metal of burner should be <2000 ohms.


3.) If the resistance is infinite the ignitor is not grounded to burner.


4.) Both spring to burner readings should be about the same, if >20% difference replace the ignitor.


5.) Spring to burner checks should be 1/2 of the spring to spring resistance.

If you choose to test with the screwdriver, use the following criteria:

1.) Ignition transformers and ignitors can be tested with a well insulated screwdriver on the terminals.


2.) If a newer style ignitor fails it normally will not produce spark at all.


3.) Using a good insulated handle screwdriver, bridge the electrodes with the screwdriver keeping the tip about 3/4" away from the second electrode. You should pull a 3/4” spark. This should only be attempted by qualified individuals or technicians!


4.) Do Not use transformer testers on ignitors. It will probably cause damage to ignitor and transformer tester.

Hope this helps.

Glenn Stanton

Burnham Hydronics

Weezbo

to prove spark?

here are a few Variables that dont immediately jump out and express themselves on first perusal.:))) seriously...what do you mean Test the transformer? at what temperature? to determine what? listen there are things say ambient temp etc that profoundly influence transformers. a friend of mines wife father Wrote the Book on what we use as transformers on boilers. if the transformer is in ? why not go get a newer version ...?...it works on a set an arc,prove the flame,turn off, flame keeps going. instead of constant ignition:) nah go get a riello and do yourself a favor.

Weezbo

oh . by the way...

if you are "Testing" the transformer on an oil gun you are in for a Heck of a suprise:))) you will not forget my words .

jim sokolovic

I'm not really following...

the message that people are giving here on this post, other than Glenn's very complete instructions.

After reading the DIY thread recently, I'm thinking that this type of service MUST only be attempted by a technician who has been trained ON THE JOB OR IN A CLASS by qualified personnel.

I would have never responded to this inquiry, but was dismayed to see the jokes and partial instruction on this subject, and thought that I could at least prevent someone who was determined to try this from getting hurt.

I have not personally ever seen a transformer tester. If they are safer to use, and reliable, then that sounds like a better method. I have tested the spark with a screwdriver, periodically, in the past. It's scary, even when you do it carefully.

Guy_5

Testing

The Allanson transformer tester referred to above is excellent. And yes, I too have landed on my punkin from an improper testing method. When it happens, you just aren't right for the better part of the day. Kid working with me thought that it was funny as heck...

john luebbers

wash tub

> Get a galvanized washtub, fill it with water,

> stand in it and grab hold of the secondary side

> of the transformer. If you live it's probably no

> good.

john luebbers

testing transformers

allright guys, yes i'm an apprentice, I've heard guys say to use the screwdriver method or ohm it out, just looking to see what is the better procedure, obviously it is the ohm reading procedure. 12k to 14k ohm spring to ground, significant difference between ohm readings on individual springs- time for a new transformer. Am I right?


Hold my head high,
Pay attention to detail,
Listen, watch, ask questions,
Be safe,
Respect those before me,
Never jumper across tranformer terminals!


Have a great day gentlemen.