To see delivery prices please check delivery tab or cart
The Autotransformer: for step up, step down and split phase balancing
An autotransformer can be used for step up, step down and split phase output balancing purposes. While the step up and step down functions are fairly straightforward, split phase output balancing may require some more attention.
Consider for example a 30A 120/240V split phase supply.
The supply could be the grid, a generator or two stacked inverters.
Some of the loads connected are 240V, others are 120V. On each 120V leg the load should not exceed 30A. The problem is that as soon as 120V loads are connected, the two legs will show a different current. This is because the 120V loads on the two legs will never be balanced. A 120V 1200W hairdryer, for example, will draw 10A from one leg. A 120V washing machine could even draw in excess of 20A from one leg. Between the two legs the difference in current, or current unbalance, will therefore often be 20A or more. This means that the 30A supply will not be used up to its full potential. By the time one leg draws 30A, the other leg may be drawing no more than 10A, and increasing the 240V load, for example, will result in an overload of one leg while the other leg still has spare capacity.
Theoretically, the total power that can be drawn from a 30A 120/240V supply is 30 x 240 = 7,2 kVA. In case of 20A unbalance, the practical maximum will be 30 x 120 + 10 x120 = 4,8kVA, or 67% of the theoretical maximum.
The solution is an Autotransformer.
By leaving the neutral of the split phase supply unused, and connecting an Autotransformer to create a new neutral, as shown in figure 1, any load unbalance is ‘absorbed’ by the Autotransformer. In case of a 30A supply, the load can be increased to 7,2kVA, and a 20A load unbalance will result in one leg supplying 40A, and the other leg 20A. The 20A difference will flow through the neutral and the windings of the Autotransformer. The current through both 120V wires of the split phase supply will be 30A.
Specification
Input/Output Voltage | 120/240V |
Input Circuit Breaker | 100A, two pole |
Frequency (Hz) | 50/60 |
Maximum 240V feed through current | 100A |
Ingress Protection | IP21 |
Dimensions (Including Terminals) | |
Weight (kg) | 13.5 |
Warranty | 5 Years |
Country of Manufacture | India |
Reasons to buy your Victron equipment or off-grid setup from us
We are excited by the technological improvements in this sector and know how modern lifestyles mean ever-increasing power demands, whether at home or away for your hobby. Having used and worked with this technology as it has emerged, we are not just ‘jumping on the bandwagon’, but sell this as an integral part of helping our customers make the most of their time on their boat or van. This makes us the perfect choice to advise on and supply your power system regardless of where the installation is going.
Here is what one of our customers has said, if you want to check out some more of our 5-star reviews you can see them here.
Brand | Victron |
---|---|
Availability | Orders after 1pm may arrive the following working day |
Shipping Type | Standard |
We make sure to list our stock so you know upfront when your order will be with you, most items we send are sent on next-day service as standard however some orders to harder-to-reach locations such as Scottish Islands or Channel Islands may go on a 48-hour delivery to keep delivery costs to a minimum.
Due to the wide range of items we sell shipping costs can vary such as heavy batteries and inflatable boats require a pallet. To see the shipping cost of items use our shipping calculator below.
This is not indicative of the final shipping price, to see that add all your items to your basket or see the delivery costs below.
Delivery costs are as follows - Check the Shipping Type of your product on the 'More Information' tab.
Standard
Mainland UK - £0-150 - £6.5 / £150 - £250 - £3.25 / £250+ - Free
Isle of Mann, Jersey, Gurnsey - £0-150: £15 / £150 - £250: £7.5 / £250+: Free
Hazardous
Mainland UK - £0-150 - £6.5 / £150 - £250 - £3.25 / £250+ Free
Isle of Mann, Jersey, Gurnsey - Unable to ship due to courier restrictions
Long
Mainland UK - £0-500 - £23 / £500+ - Free
Isle of Mann, Jersey, Gurnsey - Please Call for Quote
Inflatable Boat
Mainland UK - £0-500 - £30 / £500+ - Free
Isle of Mann, Jersey, Gurnsey - Please Call for Quote
Heavy Battery
Mainland UK - £0-850 - £26 / £850+ - Free
Isle of Mann, Jersey, Gurnsey - Please Call for Quote
We have a 30-day returns policy so If for whatever reason you are not happy with your order we can exchange it for another or offer a full refund if you log it with us within 30 days of receipt of the goods.
Find out more about our returns policy here.