Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Kirk-o on December 02, 2006, 11:51:31 AM

Title: What size
Post by: Kirk-o on December 02, 2006, 11:51:31 AM
What size transformer do I need to heat the wire when I instal foundation? 9 VOLT
OR WHAT? AND WHERE DO YOU GET THEM?
KIRKO
Title: Re: What size
Post by: Jerrymac on December 02, 2006, 01:16:57 PM
A small car battery charger. An electric train transformer. Just a car battery would work. Or a small motorcycle battery.
Title: Re: What size
Post by: Michael Bush on December 02, 2006, 05:33:23 PM
Voltage isn't so critical.  Amperage is.  You'll burn out a small transformer rather quickly.

I bought mine from Walter T. Kelly, sold just for that purpose.
Title: Re: What size
Post by: mick on December 02, 2006, 07:17:34 PM
I just want to remind people electricity is dangerous and Amps, not voltage kills you.

The lil tranny I used has only 500mA current which is only .5 of an amp, it is very very low but works fine.

Be extremely careful if you grab a 10amp truck battery or similar! :shock:
Title: Re: What size
Post by: Michael Bush on December 02, 2006, 09:05:43 PM
But too low of amps in the transformer will also burn out the transformer when embedding wires.
Title: Re: What size
Post by: Brian D. Bray on December 02, 2006, 09:14:43 PM
A good place for getting a transformer for building your own embedder is Radio Shack.  A small 6 or 12 volt transformer at 1-2 amps is all it takes and if you want to protect the transformer use a slow blow fuse in line on the hot side. 
Title: Re: What size
Post by: Doorman on December 03, 2006, 10:30:33 AM
Doorbell transformer from Home depot or Lowes. car battery will melt your wire