Variacs (small)

[TCLT]

I am building a panel consisting of 8 variacs. As it currently stands the panel is 2'x3'. The maximum current is to be approximately 5-7 amps through any single variac. Does anyone know where to find variacs that are smaller than 5"x5"x3" capable of handling this current?

 

[negotiator]

What happened to the carbon pile ? They'll run red but convey 100A, or purr like a kitten @ 5A.

T.S.G.

 

[mnessen]

You can find variacs that fit your footprint needs, but the thickness requirement is the kicker. Any specific reason it needs to be that thin?

 

[TCLT]

I really don't know too much about Carbon Piles, but thanks...I will check into them.

The reason that the variacs need to be that thin is simply a space constraint that I am working with.

 

[electricuwe]

Even if you find variacs fitting in that space you may have thermal problems when operating all the variacs at the current stated.

 

[jabonet]

I have seen variacs, with a long rod, so that the actual coil is a couple of feet away from the panel, and you only have to fit the dial in the panel, with a couple of small universal joints you could mount any Variac in any space, of course that means that you have plenty of space behind the panel.

For quite more money you can find, remote-operated variacs, that you can set anywhere.

 

[hacksaw]

As step-down transformers, the current limit on a variac is in the output circuit.

Your current requirement does not reference an input circuit or an output circuit basis.

If you input 7 amps, but adjust the variac for 5:1 voltage step down, you output current could be as high as 35 amps. The step down current determines the wire size.

There are a lot of alternatives to variacs, depending on you application.

What sort of a load are you driving?