Re: Variac ratings

["Tesla list" <tesla-at-pupman-dot-com>]

Original poster: "David Speck by way of Terry Fritz <twftesla-at-qwest-dot-net>" <dave-at-davidspeckmd-dot-org>

Dan,
You can indeed use standoffs and an extension shaft to push your variac 
deeper into the chassis, and free up some of the front panel acreage for 
mounting other components.
However, I would use the space only for switches or pilots.  Many ammeters 
have warnings about running their leads according to a specific path behind 
the case, so that the field in the lead wires does not affect the readings.

You might want to build a soft iron magnetic shield for the back of the 
ammeters if they will be in close proximity to your variacs.  Sheet steel 
from microwave oven cases works pretty well for me, and it's free.

Dave

>I'm having some problems with a control system design right now.  I have a
>very nice rack mount enclosure which I am using for the NST controller but
>unfortunately, the two variacs which I was planning on using take up the
>entire rear space of the front panel so there is no room to put my voltage
>and current meters, other switches etc...