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3 reviews
A great isolation transformer that not only provides power filtering, but Earth reference isolation out of the box.
I'm very happy with the purchase. Some isolation transformers aren't actually earth-isolated, and are aimed at merely providing a filter for the power. This may suit numerous people when configured like that, but if you do any sort of repair work, that wouldn't provide the protection you're looking for.
I did some testing, just to confirm the information in the manual. This unit DOES isolate devices from the electrical earth, and as such, offers some (note that's SOME) protection for testing and repairing mains powered appliances, particularly when using an oscilloscope. However, for even better protection, adding a differential probe to your oscilloscope would further improve safety.
Now please note, that by isolating the device, you are NOT protected by your RCD/GFCI/Safety switch in your breaker panel/distribution board anymore. So from a test/repair technician standpoint, that's something to be aware of... especially hobbyists new to the field.
Also, if you are using a variable AC transformer (Variac or some other similar but differently-branded device THIS DOES NOT PROVIDE ANY ISOLATION AT ALL. You still need an isolation transformer AS WELL. A lot of people get this wrong, and it's incredibly dangerous.
As the other review has stated, the 2000W (2000VA) model only has a fuse. I would have loved to see a circuit breaker placed in the transformer instead for easier and cheaper use. Two replacement fuses have been included in the kit, and I'm hoping that I don't need to replace them very often.
Now this is a VERY heavy unit. At, somewhere around 15Kg, you don't want to be lugging this thing around. The handle is strong and doesn't hurt the hand to hold it.
I use this for improving my safety during testing/repairing appliances, however, the filtering makes it also useful for improving the performance of hi-fi amplifiers, or radio equipment, particularly in "electrically noisy" environments as this can pass through the mains power cables, and be heard through the device.
Typical repair uses for a unit with this much wattage include higher-power audio amplifiers, motorized workshop machinery repairs. Of course, you can test/repair anything that requires less than 8.3A of current with this model as well.
If your electrical load exceeds this (singly or collectively with numerous attached devices) then your fuse will blow, and of course, everything will shut down. 2KW is close to full household Australian mains, but it's NOT the standard 2400W you need to cover a typical household outlet. So if you plug a small fan heater rated at 2000W.. any spike in current may overload the fuse. That said.... I've run two 1700W amplifiers (one at a time, obviously) and even a 1800W sous vide machine with no problems whatsoever. That's just my preliminary testing.
If you don't need this level of current, and only run/repair smaller appliances, that have smaller motors (and perhaps no heating elements) then a cheaper, lighter, smaller unit will be more than adequate.
The overall build quality, and noise reduction found on this unit is very good. However, you need to understand what this can and can't do in order to use it appropriately.
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Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: radio-parts
Fantastic isolation and safety
Fantastic isolation and the safety that provides. Shame it has a fuse and not a circuit breaker as that would make it perfect. Has a very strong and secure handle that deals with the 15ish kilograms without digging into my hands. Has a strong durable case that seems up for a few knocks and scratches. A must for testing all items with an oscilloscope where a floating supply means simple connections.Read full review...
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: radio-parts
Yes!
The quality speaks for itself! A reliable well made product.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: new | Sold by: stepdowntransfo...