variac project

[corporalspiffy]

before i turn this thing on; is this wired correctly?

thanks

[Simon]

unless there is some standard connection layout on variacs you will need to post a proper diagram explaining what stuff is.

[BulletMagnet83]

This may be unnecessarily picky, but if this was mine I'd want some cable ties and ring crimps in with that lot...

[electr_peter]

Both input and output must be fused - otherwise  in case of short circuit on output with low voltage condition you will burn variac wiring.

As for wiring - could you get some 2 wire or 3 wire flex cord? It is not expensive. Wiring with a flex cable (with 2 or three wires inside one) will make much neater cabling. Some heatshrink would help to isolate connections.

Also, add some labelling on outside and/or inside. Current configuration will not be obvious next time you try to use it Labels also should note danger and setup to passers by who might try to use this thing - it is preferable to know that reasonable person will be both alive and variac will be undamaged if some proper labelling is here.

Very nice project, by the way

[steverino]

You could at least use north american standards for wire color (green/ground, white/neutral).  If your incoming mains is only secured with hot snot, you'll probably experience some sparks if you trip on the wire.

[Postal666]

Found this on Antique Radio's forum.  Looks like it's wired right, and by that I only mean the connections are in correct location. I agree with electr_peter, fuse both sides of the powerstat...you just never know, then it's too late.  Bullet hit the mark (pun intended) with the cable ties; neatness counts and will save you massive headaches when troubleshooting.  steverino also makes a good point about wire color standards (they were adopted for a reason) and securing the line cord. Only thing I would add is to make sure your wiring is the correct size. Some of those wires look small to me (16awg?), which might be ok if it were stranded cable, imo. At least on the output wiring. Tapping off for voltage reading with solid 16ga is fine.

::edit:: If it were me, I would enlarge the hole for the receptacle a bit, mount it on the outside face, and put a coverplate on it as well. Would look very clean.

[corporalspiffy]

thanks for all the replies, ill change the wiring, secure the power chord and put a nice cover plate on the outlet.