PeakTech 2240 isolation transformer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: Peter_O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2022, 05:58:13 pm
content: Maybe some more of you guys are looking for inside pics of this one.I would have liked to see a few before buying, so here they are.I needed an isolation transformer and I was not comfortable with buying a preloved one, because it might have been gone through some kind of core meltdown, undermining the security.I like it to be stackable and with a detacheable power chord, not one of those curling stone style ones.So I went for the Peaktech for 191 Euros.https://www.peaktech.de/uk/PeakTech-P-2240-Isolating-transformer-230-V-500-W./P-2240It's a simple toroidal one without temperature control, a simple melting fuse on the secondary side, and a sturdy power switch with LED control light, and that's it.It's 500W, fuse is a fast 3.15A at 230V.Point to criticise are all over the usual buying platforms.Mine came without any damage or torn screws.It's a simple but solid budget design. I'm happy so far.

author: Peter_O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2022, 05:58:54 pm
content: and one more

author: Gyro
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 06, 2022, 07:13:56 pm
content: That looks nicely put together, with the secondary wiring nicely tethered away from the primary and plenty of cabinet grounding.It would have been good to see a rear panel primary side protection anti surge fuse in addition to the fast blow secondary one. It would be a worthwhile retro-fit.

author: Peter_O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 07:24:44 am
content: True. Maybe I will fit primary and secondary automatic circuit breakers.

author: HKJ
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 07:40:21 am
content: I wonder why the input of the transformer is rated 230V and output 240V.It would have been more correct if the front was marked 500VA instead of 500W

author: Peter_O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 03:19:38 pm
content: Idling it's 233V input and 244V output.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 07, 2022, 05:00:00 pm
content: The thing that would concern me slightly is that there's really no way to tell how good the separation is between the primary and secondary. It's probably fine, but then so is a used one from some reputable make, there is no reason not to trust a used isolation transformer.

author: Peter_O
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 08, 2022, 07:39:22 am
content: I have some trust, becausePeakTech is a german project near Hamburg, where I live. Totally irrational, I know.In case I change my mind, it would be easy to throw in a branded one. Even then it would be not overly expensive overall.Edit:Maybe not that irrational: In the manual they stated: "This product complies with the requirements of the following directives of the European Union for CE conformity: 2014/30/EU (electromagnetic compatibility), 2014/35/EU (low voltage), 2011/65/EU (RoHS)."As we're inside Germany both, they would be liable within the German legal framework. So we can trust that citation to some more extend than a same sentence e.g. from a chinese manual. I think, they have thought about and do control the spec of the transformer.

author: nightfire
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2022, 12:02:09 pm
content: Only way to really know is to perform some isolation check with 500VDC from primary to secondary , to determine the real state of insulation within the transformer.Besides: If in germany there is the "GS" sign on it, during this certification it is supposed that other people in a lab really checked for the design of the isolation between primary and secondary.(i know, this model does not have it, but other devices including small power supplies also have some safety transformer equipped, that is subject to the same rules)