Variacs, Variac Transformer, Variable Autotransformer | RS
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    Variacs

    Variacs, also known as autotransformers, are specialized electrical transformers with just one winding. The winding serves as the transformer's main and secondary sides. Instead, typical transformers feature two coils that are not electrically coupled.

    The one-winding resolution produces smaller, lighter, and less expensive transformers than conventional two-winding transformers. They also have a lower leakage reactance, a lower excitation current, and a higher VA rating for a given size and mass.

    What Is A Variac Transformer?

    A variac transformer is a variable autotransformer, also known as an autotransformer or auto var. It is an electromechanical device designed to vary the magnitude of its output voltage by varying the input and output currents ratio through its windings. The term "variac" comes from "variable alternating current."

    Variac transformers are used to control the voltage of a power supply. They can be used to adjust the voltage supplied to equipment, or they can be used to test the effects of different voltages on equipment. Variacs are also useful for controlling high voltages safely.

    There are several kinds from single-phase variac transformers up to 3-phase variac transformers. A 3-phase variac is a type of variable transformer that is designed to adjust the voltage of a 3-phase AC power supply. It can be used to control the speed of motors, the output of heaters, and the brightness of lighting systems, among other things.

    Variac transformers are typically found in electronics labs and industrial settings where precise control over AC power is required. They can be used in applications such as testing electrical circuits, adjusting heating elements, and adjusting audio amplifiers.

    How does A Variac Works and how to use

    A Variac is an AC power supply with an adjustable output voltage. It uses a step-down transformer to reduce high-voltage AC mains (115/230V) to a lower voltage suitable for electronic devices. The high-voltage secondary winding of the transformer feeds power to your device through an outlet or plug.

    You control the output voltage by rotating a knob on the unit's front panel. There are two different types of variacs: fixed and variable. Fixed variacs have one set output voltage, whereas variable variacs allow you to adjust their output voltage from 0V up to about 250V Like within limits set by its design specifications.

    Uses Of Variac Transformer

    Variacs and autotransformers are frequently used for:

    • Transmission and distribution of power - Variacs ensure that the voltage at the start of the power distribution line is the same as the voltage at the end.
    • Power conversions - Variacs can convert typical residential mains voltage bands used worldwide. For example, 200 volts to 250 or 100 volts to 130 volts.
    • Autotransformers are used in audio systems to adjust speakers to constant-voltage distribution and to meet impendence levels.

    How To Choose A Variac

    There are several ways to choose a variac. First, you need to determine your needs: do you want just one variac for all your equipment? Or one for each piece of equipment? How much power do you need? Do you want variable frequency or variable voltage?

    If you plan on using more than one piece of gear that requires a variac, it's best to get one with multiple outlets so that all your gear can be plugged in at once. If you only have one type of piece of equipment that uses a variac, then it's easy - just get one with enough outlets for whatever equipment you plan on connecting up!

    42 Products showing for Variacs

    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    1.2kVA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    6kg
    175 x 175 x 102mm
    5A
    102mm
    -
    175mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    2.4kVA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    9.4kg
    175 x 175 x 170mm
    10A
    170mm
    -
    175mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    1.92kVA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    7.8kg
    175 x 175 x 130mm
    8A
    130mm
    -
    175mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    170VA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    1.9kg
    160 x 130 x 160mm
    0.7A
    160mm
    -
    160mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    480VA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    2.9kg
    110 x 110 x 95mm
    2A
    95mm
    -
    110mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    720VA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    3.5kg
    110 x 110 x 115mm
    3A
    115mm
    -
    110mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    170VA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    1.4kg
    83 x 80mm
    0.7A
    96mm
    83mm
    80mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240V
    240VA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    1.6kg
    86 x 99 x 110mm
    1A
    110mm
    87mm
    113mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    480VA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    3.8kg
    160 x 130 x 160mm
    2A
    160mm
    -
    160mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240V
    1.92kVA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    7.8kg
    165 x 165 x 140mm
    8A
    140mm
    165mm
    165mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    720VA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    4.3kg
    160 x 130 x 160mm
    3A
    160mm
    -
    160mm
    RS PRO
    415V
    0 → 415 V, 0 → 470 V
    1.628kVA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    3
    3
    Wire Termination
    9.1kg
    110 x 110 x 330mm
    2A
    330mm
    -
    110mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    6.72kVA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    25kg
    300 x 300 x 225mm
    28A
    225mm
    -
    300mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240V
    960VA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    5.6kg
    165 x 165 x 120mm
    4A
    120mm
    165mm
    165mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    4.8kVA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    15.3kg
    225 x 225 x 190mm
    20A
    190mm
    -
    225mm
    RS PRO
    240V ac
    0 → 240V ac
    1.2kVA
    Stand Alone
    Clockwise
    1
    -
    Wire Termination
    10kg
    280 x 200 x 200mm
    5A
    200mm
    -
    280mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    2.4kVA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    8.5kg
    175 x 175 x 135mm
    10A
    135mm
    -
    175mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    1.2kVA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    8.8kg
    175 x 175 x 140mm
    5A
    140mm
    -
    175mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    3.6kVA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    14kg
    225 x 225 x 190mm
    15A
    190mm
    -
    225mm
    RS PRO
    240V
    0 → 240 V, 0 → 270 V
    4.8kVA
    Surface Mount
    Clockwise
    1
    1
    Wire Termination
    13.8kg
    225 x 225 x 135mm
    20A
    135mm
    -
    225mm
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