Dimmer instead of variac?

[zx81]

Is it possible to use a triac based dimmer box in place of a proper variac to use for trouble shooting electronics. Can a dimmer be used to supply variable AC power to devices ?

The dimmers I have are rated up to 2kw and I use them to dim tungsten lights for video work.

[stj]

Re: Dimmer instead of variac?

no.
a variac is a high current variable resistor that reduces the voltage.
triac based dimmers mess with the ac waveform to create a pwm based output - they can damage electronic equipment by stressing the primary capacitor(s)

[zx81]

Re: Dimmer instead of variac?

Thanks for that stj.

I will search evilbay for a variac

[stj]

Re: Dimmer instead of variac?

good luck on the postage - heavy bastards those things!
you should check carboot sales & that type of thing.

[zx81]

Re: Dimmer instead of variac?

What kind of power rating should I be looking at for a variac. Would 8amps be enough ?

[zx81]

Re: Dimmer instead of variac?

Would this do the trick ?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Carroll-Me...item3cf521f833

[stj]

Re: Dimmer instead of variac?

how should i know, you never said what it was for!

[zx81]

Re: Dimmer instead of variac?

Fault finding mainly TV's LCD, Plasmas, SMPS etc.

[zx81]

Re: Dimmer instead of variac?

Oh forgot to add most importantly blowing things up

[goontron]

Re: Dimmer instead of variac?

Oh forgot to add most importantly blowing things up

15 amp if you're going to do that...