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Using transformer secondary windings

colporteur

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Can I use both secondary windings to power separate loads?

 

I have a need for two 4.5VAC power supplies.

I have a transformer that is 9VAC with a center tap. I would like to connect one load to one 4.5VAC O/P and the other load to the other 4.5VAC. I'm assuming I can do this, provided I don't exceed the max current rating. It has been a long time since I have dabbled this low in analogue. I was looking for some reassurance or refresher.

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  • Yes if they power two separate circuits that don't share any DC nodes.

  • in reply to Jan Cumps

    Thanks JC for the reply. The AC loads are two small model railroad buildings that require 4.5VAC. It looks like they have some internal electronics to generate power for the few LEDS scatter around.

     

    It is hard enough to find an AC output adaptor but to find one with that small a voltage was difficult. My electronics training from 40 years ago suggested, why not take apart a DC wall wart and just use the transformer. Some na-sayers on the floor said, "you can't do that!" so I began to have second doubts.

     

    It too me a few tries to find a suitable DC adaptor at the thrift store. After getting at the guts of the adapater and measuring the windings, I still had my doubts. I do more digital electronics than analogue with my legacy knowledge so it tends to be a bit rusty. I got lazy and didn't want to dig out my text books to find the answers. I figured one of the smart peoples that hang out here would respond.

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  • in reply to Jan Cumps

    Thanks JC for the reply. The AC loads are two small model railroad buildings that require 4.5VAC. It looks like they have some internal electronics to generate power for the few LEDS scatter around.

     

    It is hard enough to find an AC output adaptor but to find one with that small a voltage was difficult. My electronics training from 40 years ago suggested, why not take apart a DC wall wart and just use the transformer. Some na-sayers on the floor said, "you can't do that!" so I began to have second doubts.

     

    It too me a few tries to find a suitable DC adaptor at the thrift store. After getting at the guts of the adapater and measuring the windings, I still had my doubts. I do more digital electronics than analogue with my legacy knowledge so it tends to be a bit rusty. I got lazy and didn't want to dig out my text books to find the answers. I figured one of the smart peoples that hang out here would respond.

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