From: "JACK L. URETSKY (C) 1996; HEP DIV., ARGONNE NATIONAL LAB, ARGONNE, IL 60439" <JLU@hep.anl.gov>
Date: Sun, 19 May 1996 14:21:24 -0500 (CDT)
Hi Raymond-
You have explained the harmonics, but you have not answered the
question.
Regards,
Jack
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A household dimmer basically controls voltage by clipping the ac rather than
reduced the amplitude of the sine wave. An autotransformer maintain the
sinusodial wave form while reducing amplitude. The household dimmer creates
terrific spikes of voltage due to the change in waveshape. You are creating a
type of square wave rich in odd order harmonics. These spikes and harmonics are
what is causing your problem. So, to sum it up you cannot run a transformer
operated device off of a household dimmer. That is why when you but converters
for use outside the US the maximum wattage for electronic devices is a 50 watts
while a converter for heating devices can handle 1500 watts. The one for
electronic devices is a transformer while the one for heating devices using the
same type circuitry as a household dimmer.
Raymond A. Rogoway * The woods are lovely, dark and deep *
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