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Isolation transformer?

I have a 450VA isolation transformer. The transformer is supplied from a three prong outlet. I've taken some measurements with my DVM they show a voltage between lines to ground on both outputs. The combined voltages between both lines to ground don't even add up to the line to line voltage.

Heres a schematic of the measurements.

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I just got this transformer but I've already used it to test a few line powered circuits. These measurements must be wrong or I would have blown fuses when hooking up my scope to the circuits.

I use the isolation transformer on the test circuits not on my scope. For example if I were to hook up a flyback to the isolation transformer and use my scope (un-isolated) to take primary side measurements according to those measurements I should be getting a short through my scope ground lead. This hasn't happened both the isolation transformer and the flyback are fused; neither blew. Can anyone explain this?

Reply to
Hammy
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If you want to do a simulation, add a small capacitor from the primary to the secondary of the transformer, and remember that your meters have about

10 MegOhm resistance. The transformer has some capacitance from primary to secondary due to the overlapped windings and the insulation.

A really good isolation transformer (such as medical grade) will have separate bobbins for primary and secondary, as well as electrostatic shielding connected to ground, which will greatly reduce this capacitive coupling.

You can get an idea of this leakage current by putting a 1 k resistor across your voltmeters. You might read a couple of volts, which indicate a couple milliamps of leakage, which is nothing to be concerned about. The threshold of sensation is about 2-5 mA, and dangerous levels are generally

20 mA or more. But you really should not be touching any part of the 120 VAC secondary circuit.

Paul

Reply to
Paul E. Schoen

Thanks. I was concerned about my scope when I seen those measurments. When you start paying for your own instruments you stop takeing things for granted.

I'm using an inexpensive TEMA model. Safe to say not in the medical grade catagory.

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Reply to
Hammy

Your seeing the effects of the over laid windings which creates a capacitance coupling. Try placing a load on the output and then test it.

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Reply to
Jamie

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