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Old 30th Jan 2007, 9:42 pm   #9
See_Mos
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Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Ossett, West Yorkshire, UK.
Posts: 482
Default Re: Testing a transformer for shorted turns

I use the same method as Darius, but it's not portable.

I also sometimes put a 250 or 500 watt halogen lamp in series when testing primaries or even repairing switch mode supplies.

They make a great dynamic current limiter. If the current is low the element stays cool and therefore the resistance is low so there is little voltage drop. If there is a problem the lamp lights and there is no damage to the unit under test.

It's also a great replacement for a fuse if you are having problems tracing the cause of persistant fuse blowing but but cannot find any obvious shorts.

S.M
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