could i use thick steel cable as a transformer core (1 inch stranded cable) if i saturated it in a nonconductive (epoxy? rubber cement? ect..? material to eliminate eddy currents and molded it into a double C core?
No, because steel is permanently magnetic. Two things will happen - it will constantly blow the fuses, because the input impedance at switch on will be very low, and the core will get hot as it magnetises and demagnetises.
There's a very good reason why transformers are ALWAYS made with "soft iron", not steel. It'll do SOME kind of transformation, but its always going to have a tendency to blow fuses.
i don't use fuses, they blow too often, and i have some high power circuit breakers, but do u have any clue if they make soft iron cables? it's the easiest thing i can think of
good point, ill try and check the local junkyard for soft cables and such, i may also get soft iron sheets and laminate it traditionally, but ill decide later, i like the idea of a transformer made of cable, but it must work so, i'll look for somthing pretty soft, and corroded xD
Unless you have a way to pressure inject the insulating material, short of untwisting the wire rope, you'll never get each strand completely insulated.
Discussions
Best Answer 7 years ago
No, because steel is permanently magnetic. Two things will happen - it will constantly blow the fuses, because the input impedance at switch on will be very low, and the core will get hot as it magnetises and demagnetises.
Steve
Answer 7 years ago
would low carbon steel work, and it will be oil cooled, so heat is not that much of a problem
Answer 7 years ago
There's a very good reason why transformers are ALWAYS made with "soft iron", not steel. It'll do SOME kind of transformation, but its always going to have a tendency to blow fuses.
Answer 7 years ago
i don't use fuses, they blow too often, and i have some high power circuit breakers, but do u have any clue if they make soft iron cables? it's the easiest thing i can think of
Answer 7 years ago
The metal sheathing wire AROUND electrical cables is usually pretty soft.
Answer 7 years ago
good point, ill try and check the local junkyard for soft cables and such, i may also get soft iron sheets and laminate it traditionally, but ill decide later, i like the idea of a transformer made of cable, but it must work so, i'll look for somthing pretty soft, and corroded xD
7 years ago
Unless you have a way to pressure inject the insulating material, short of untwisting the wire rope, you'll never get each strand completely insulated.
Answer 3 years ago
You could draw it into the cable using a vacuum. Pull the air out, resin goes in.
7 years ago
+1 all replies.
I can't imagine winding a 1 inch cable round anything It's big enough to moor ships.- How BIG do you intend this core to be?
Answer 7 years ago
I Really Really must read the question thoroughly - write out 100 times Harris.
You do indeed say as a core.
Answer 7 years ago
the cable will be the core, im planning on a 9-12 square inch core, planning on a 1:1000 transformer submerged in oil
7 years ago
Should work, so long as you laminate it to avoid the eddy's you should be okay. If it forms a complete loop anywhere it will have problems.
Answer 7 years ago
thanks for backing my theory, i researched this for hours, and found NOTHING about using steel cables for transformers
Answer 7 years ago
and as Burf says; it will be VERY difficult to get the resin into the cable unless you unwind the strands and insulate them.