Testing a Multi Tap Transformer...

Sirius

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So in my attempt to fix my SI cocktail, I needed to determine if the multi tap transformer was working correctly. Still learning to use a multi meter I was getting all kinds of strange readings and couldn't trust the readings I was getting, but I think I finally figured it out. I included a pic showing some of the different taps coming out of the transformer. From left to right the voltages on the bottom are as follows, 0, 20, 0, 14, 16, 8, 0, 8, 16. With my meter set to "AC" I did as follows, starting at 16v to the far right, I placed a probe on 0 and 16 and read 17v. Leaving the probe on 0, I moved to 8 and read 9v. Still leaving the probe on 0, I moved the other to 8 and read 9v. Leaving the same probe still on 0, I moved to 16 and read 17v. That left me with the 20 and 14 v readings. I did the same thing only I moved to the probe to the zero between 20 and 14. Placed the other probe on 14, I got just over 14v. Moving the probe that I had on zero all the way to the first 0 left of 20 and placing the other probe on 20, I got just over 20v. Must be working correctly, I see nearly perfect voltages on all the taps, so I must have read them all properly, any advice?
 

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So in my attempt to fix my SI cocktail, I needed to determine if the multi tap transformer was working correctly. Still learning to use a multi meter I was getting all kinds of strange readings and couldn't trust the readings I was getting, but I think I finally figured it out. I included a pic showing some of the different taps coming out of the transformer. From left to right the voltages on the bottom are as follows, 0, 20, 0, 14, 16, 8, 0, 8, 16. With my meter set to "AC" I did as follows, starting at 16v to the far right, I placed a probe on 0 and 16 and read 17v. Leaving the probe on 0, I moved to 8 and read 9v. Still leaving the probe on 0, I moved the other to 8 and read 9v. Leaving the same probe still on 0, I moved to 16 and read 17v. That left me with the 20 and 14 v readings. I did the same thing only I moved to the probe to the zero between 20 and 14. Placed the other probe on 14, I got just over 14v. Moving the probe that I had on zero all the way to the first 0 left of 20 and placing the other probe on 20, I got just over 20v. Must be working correctly, I see nearly perfect voltages on all the taps, so I must have read them all properly, any advice?

Yes, you did this correctly and the outputs are correct.

Transformer with multiple outputs. You can think of the outputs as if there are three separate transformers:
Transformer #1 has 20V outputs (0, 20) (Zero assumes this lug is used as a common connection)

Transformer #2 has 14V outputs (0, 14) (again, zero assumes this lug is tied to a common)

Transformer #3 is multi tap with 16,8,0,8,16. Zero lug is often used as reference or common connection but doesn't have to be. Using various combinations of these taps, you can get 8, 16, 24 and/or 32 volt outputs. Depends on how the destination circuit is using these.
 
Yes, you did this correctly and the outputs are correct.

Transformer with multiple outputs. You can think of the outputs as if there are three separate transformers:
Transformer #1 has 20V outputs (0, 20) (Zero assumes this lug is used as a common connection)

Transformer #2 has 14V outputs (0, 14) (again, zero assumes this lug is tied to a common)

Transformer #3 is multi tap with 16,8,0,8,16. Zero lug is often used as reference or common connection but doesn't have to be. Using various combinations of these taps, you can get 8, 16, 24 and/or 32 volt outputs. Depends on how the destination circuit is using these.

Exactly..it's like 3 separate circuits, each with it own common. Thanks for confirming that for me.
 
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