Variac Help/Insight needed - Page 2

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yakster
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#11: Post by yakster »

Repair or replace. A Variac is probably overkill for your exhaust fan, a rotary dimmer / rheostat should work if repair isn't an option. Sometimes rotating the dial back and forth can clean off some of the debris but it is often only a temporary fix.
-Chris

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baldheadracing
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#12: Post by baldheadracing »

I think that you need a multimeter. The Kill-a-watt may not read that low, say under 100v. I will check my Kill-a-watt shortly. ETA: my Kill A Watt doesn't read below 90 volts.

But assuming that the voltage display on the Variac is right, then your fan motor may be the thing that needs contact cleaner....
-"Good quality brings happiness as you use it" - Nobuho Miya, Kamasada

SJM (original poster)
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#13: Post by SJM (original poster) »

yakster wrote:Repair or replace. A Variac is probably overkill for your exhaust fan, a rotary dimmer / rheostat should work if repair isn't an option. Sometimes rotating the dial back and forth can clean off some of the debris but it is often only a temporary fix.
I do have this on order
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U3 ... UTF8&psc=1

I was hoping to also suss out the variac if it isn't too over my head.

opother
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#14: Post by opother »

I would guess that some of the windings in those ranges are not making proper contact with the wiper arm. Maybe the coils need to be cleaned with alcohol. If and only if you are familiar, comfortable around, and understand electronics disassemble and clean it. That is my standard disclaimer. Cleaning may not work but I think its worth a try.

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yakster
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#15: Post by yakster »

baldheadracing wrote:I think that you need a multimeter. The Kill-a-watt may not read that low, say under 100v. I will check my Kill-a-watt shortly.

But assuming that the voltage display on the Variac is right, then your fan motor may be the thing that needs contact cleaner....
I hadn't thought of this but yeah, a Kill-a-Watt may have limitations on the voltage range it'll read. If you don't have or want to use a voltmeter, you could plug in an incandescent lamp or dimmable CFL / LED lamp and see if the lamp goes out at any spots on the Variac indicating a dead zone.

It looks like the blower you ordered from Amazon should work.
-Chris

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baldheadracing
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#16: Post by baldheadracing »

FYI, my Kill A Watt P3 Model:P4400.01 stops reading at around 90 VAC. I confirmed with a multimeter that my also-not-a-Variac does go down to almost 0 VAC. Mine also has a removeable cover where you have the display, output, cord, etc., that says "To inspect brush - remove this cover"
-"Good quality brings happiness as you use it" - Nobuho Miya, Kamasada

SJM (original poster)
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#17: Post by SJM (original poster) »

baldheadracing wrote:FYI, my Kill A Watt P3 Model:P4400.01 stops reading at around 90 VAC. I confirmed with a multimeter that my also-not-a-Variac does go down to almost 0 VAC. Mine also has a removeable cover where you have the display, output, cord, etc., that says "To inspect brush - remove this cover"
Excellent information. So, the KAW was the wrong tool for the job. Back to trying to master the multimeter(s).
yakster wrote: It looks like the blower you ordered from Amazon should work.
:D It is used by a fair number of other HUKY owners, so I expect it will be just fine. The pseudo-variac which doesn't work is overkill when it does; I won't be unhappy to find it is toast.

SJM (original poster)
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#18: Post by SJM (original poster) »

Nope, we have to live with our mistakes :-))))
Including the variac :-)))

But, Moshe, look: I don't think it's the variac after all.
I figured out the multimeter and these readings make sense but don't explain my problem.
I guess it might be the fan itself....duh.... :oops:

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JavaBuzz
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#19: Post by JavaBuzz »

Strange, those voltage readings look too high for both the killawatt and multimeter.

If you're measuring voltage, it should be maxing out around 120V (give or take a few volts).

Some Variacs can increase the voltage by about 20V or so, but the multimeter readings shown are way above that.

There's been a few conversations here and on "the huky site" :wink: mentioning people having issues with the knock-off Variacs, and that you might be better off getting a used brand-name one (which, if you search carefully, can often be found for the same or less price than a similar knock-off one).


Also, as you mentioned, could be the fan.

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#20: Post by SJM (original poster) »

Ahah....I wondered about that. And when I plug it into a wall socket it reads 143.
It's set to ACV 200.
That's right, isn't it?

And I'm no closer at all to figuring out whether my problem is the pseudo-variac or the fan or ?....right operator error :(

Hmmmm......I wonder if my J tube is pushing the funnel and the screen onto the hub of the fan and braking it ? I did remove the grille; maybe now I know why that was there.