Teardown with pictures of Voltcraft IT-1500 isolation transformer

[jero32]

Hello,

I tore down the Voltcraft IT-1500 isolation transformer I just received and took some pictures. I figured people here might appreciate them.

https://imgur.com/a/W0isYG9 (Files too large to upload directly to forum)

What I find curious is that they used an unearthed plug for the input to the transformer. Now here in the Netherlands (and I assume Germany) it's not uncommon to find older houses with ungrounded sockets that you can plug earthed schuko connectors into. So perhaps this is up to code. Anyone know if there's a reason they would omit an earth? If not I might add one myself.

The output not having an earth connection seems to be a topic of hot debate when it comes to isolation transformers so at least that makes sense.

edit: It's hard to see in the pics I took and I forgot to explicitly mention. The output does not have earth prongs.

[jero32]

Update: tried using it. It keeps consistently tripping my breaker with inrush current. I've seen this before with my studio monitors if I start them up both at the same time.

Pondering whether to return it or if I should add some inrush current limiting.

[cte]

What I find curious is that they used an unearthed plug for the input to the transformer. Now here in the Netherlands (and I assume Germany) it's not uncommon to find older houses with ungrounded sockets that you can plug earthed schuko connectors into. So perhaps this is up to code. Anyone know if there's a reason they would omit an earth? If not I might add one myself.

It is rated "Class II" or "double insulated". ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appliance_classes#Class_II

Update: tried using it. It keeps consistently tripping my breaker with inrush current.

At 1500 VA I would expect a startup circuit to be included, but from the photos it doesn't seem so. 

[jero32]

What I find curious is that they used an unearthed plug for the input to the transformer. Now here in the Netherlands (and I assume Germany) it's not uncommon to find older houses with ungrounded sockets that you can plug earthed schuko connectors into. So perhaps this is up to code. Anyone know if there's a reason they would omit an earth? If not I might add one myself.

It is rated "Class II" or "double insulated". ⇒ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appliance_classes#Class_II

Update: tried using it. It keeps consistently tripping my breaker with inrush current.

At 1500 VA I would expect a startup circuit to be included, but from the photos it doesn't seem so. 

Double insulation rating makes sense. Would this actually meet such specification though? In the photos you can see there is a piece of exposed Live and Neutral wire near where the wires enter the case. Of course due their position them touching the case is unlikely but still.
The transformer is also sitting on top of the metal chassis.

Lack of inrush current is disappointing indeed, but perhaps for the price I can't complain too much. I might have to add my own.