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Author Topic: Running Electric Fired Steam Engines using Variacs and Dimmers  (Read 146 times)

steamwhistle

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Running Electric Fired Steam Engines using Variacs and Dimmers
« on: June 03, 2022, 08:13:21 am »
Having just finished restoring my first electric fired steam engine, an Empire 90, I'm ready to safely steam it up.  I know from my EE days that water and electricity don't mix well and I'm not really fond of that tingling sensation from a mild shock  :o . 

So my hope is that this topic can be a collection of tips and techniques for safely firing electric steam engines.

Anyone have a favorite variac or dimmer?

I've made a new cord with a ground wire that has an alligator clip to attach to the engine base.

Do you plug your variac or dimmer into a GFCI outlet.

Jeff
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komet163b

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Re: Running Electric Fired Steam Engines using Variacs and Dimmers
« Reply #1 on: June 03, 2022, 10:56:28 am »
  Er, umm......nope.  Built in a jiffy, and I'm not an electrician,
but after a 220 shock while moving an old electric stove any mild
tingling is not a big deal.  But, to be safe, do things the way
that makes you (and your loved ones) comfortable.

  Have you heated it yet?  I tested each of my cartridge heater
setups outside the engine, usually on the stove.  I had one burn
out in front of me (failed experiment).  Sometimes, plans go awry.

Good Luck,
Wayne
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Steamloco

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Re: Running Electric Fired Steam Engines using Variacs and Dimmers
« Reply #2 on: June 03, 2022, 11:23:37 am »
I use a router speed controller from harbor freight as a dimmer. It's good for 15 amps and works well. Doesn't go all the way down to zero volts, about 25% of full voltage. Item # 43060, about $20.00. I use a regular outlet, but all my electrically heated engines are grounded.
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Nick

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Re: Running Electric Fired Steam Engines using Variacs and Dimmers
« Reply #3 on: June 04, 2022, 07:16:22 am »
I bought an old Powerstat, US made variac off eBay for about $40, very happy with it over the years
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Nick
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