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variable transformer
variable transformer

variable transformer

Datecirca 1960
Inventory Number1997-1-1177
ClassificationTransformer
Subject
    Maker General Radio Company 1915-present
    Cultural Region
      Dimensionswithout cord: 15 × 15.5 × 20 cm (5 7/8 × 6 1/8 × 7 7/8 in.)
      Material
        DescriptionThis device resembles a rice cooker. Instead of a lid, the device features a notched black dial with a scale running from 0 to 130 Volts around its circumference. Where the rice cooking 'pot' is, this device has a black casing with two sets of three horizontal vents running all the way around. (One can even see copper coils through the vents and some insulated copper wire even pokes through.) The front console of the device bears four distinct things: the object's name, "VARIAC," an outlet for a two-pronged plug, an OFF/ON switch, and grommet, from which a wire emerges that terminates on a two pronged plug.
        Signedalong the scale for the top dial: GENERAL RADIO COMPANY, CAMBRIDGE, MASS., U.S.A. 115 V. INPUT, 10a, 50-60 ~
        Inscribedabove the main console: TYPE V10 / M / T / 10a
        FunctionThe Variac adjustable transformer was introduced by General Radio in 1933. ("Variac" is short for variable AC.) It is an inductor, featuring a copper winding wrapped around a steel core. It is a tool used to attain a desired voltage (anywhere from 0 to 140 Volts). Its major use is to test equipment in order to see what range of voltage that equipment is capable of handling.
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