What would this 115v auto transformer be used for?

[Turbo]

Acquired this last week.

It's working perfectly, but I'm not sure what to use it for or what type of use it was originally for.
The only thing I can think of is to run 110v site lights.
Could it be used in reverse to produce 440v to operate 3phase stuff? Somebody on here has done it with yellow 110v site transformers.

 

[Shox Dr]

Powering stuff bought from the States.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Originally for running electrical stuff from the usa etc.

I've run usa stuff from a site transformer before so I'd imagine that will run any low power site tools fine.

 

[hotponyshoes]

Used 110v site lights are dirt cheap but if you filled the workshop with them I'm not sure if it would actually work out any cheaper to run them?
Might be worth sticking a 110v socket on the outlet incase you pick up any cheap tools to use with it?
Although a heavy duty yellow site box is not exactly expensive either..

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Although a heavy duty yellow site box is not exactly expensive either..

But a damned sight heavier to lug around, though.

 

[hotponyshoes]

But a damned sight heavier to lug around, though.

True!
That's a nice small thing. The only 110v tools I have got are because I got given them or found them a lot cheaper than the 230v equivalent.

I've got a mutilcutter and a router, I expect both of those would run fine on that transformer.
Obviously most 110v tools pull more amps than the 230v versions so the 5a output might limit you a bit but still a handy thing to have if you can find a use for it!

 

[Misterg]

If you're thinking of running site tools off it, heed the warning on the bottom of the label - this won't provide the safety and isolation that a proper transformer would. Anything connected to it may as well be connected to 240V mains as far as shock risk is concerned.

 

[voipio]

Running it in reverse, with the 110V output connected to 240V, would almost certainly saturate the core, and cause problems.

 

[Guineafowl]

I assume it’s built as an autotransformer for compactness/cheapness.

It would get ‘a bit warm’ running with 240 at the 115V end.
600VA is a bit piddly, and you’d want to run it below that as there’s not much heat handling there. One to put away for a rainy day?

 

[bourbon]

I'd be a bit concerned with what looks to be a burnt area lower right hand side.

 

[Pete.]

If you're gonna run power tools use a proper CTE site transformer. As above, that transformer does not protect from mains voltage shocks and even the 110V output is double the site transformer's 55v to earth. Apart from that it's probably not going to be happy doing power tool duty.

 

[Barking Mat]

Mill power feeds seem to be 110 volts, Align etc.

 

[Turbo]

Thanks for the replies.

I've already got a yellow 110v site box but this might be handier for bench testing tools I repair, suitably fused of course. Or as @Guineafowl said, it could be one to store for a rainy day.

Originally for running electrical stuff from the usa etc.

I've run usa stuff from a site transformer before so I'd imagine that will run any low power site tools fine.

Sometimes you come across rechargeable kit sourced from the USA, it would be perfect for running a charger.

 

[Wedg1e]

I have a vague recollection of seeing one of those that was in use in a pub cellar - running beer pumps maybe?