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if one want's to get all classy about it, here's a step by step for a three bulb setup:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Vintage-Dim-Bulb-Tester/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Vintage-Dim-Bulb-Tester/
Good work @EngineerNate. I used a double pole switch to disconnect both the lines. Also grounded the metal box.
Thanks! I purposefully used the plastic box to avoid having to worry about grounding the exterior. I had actually picked up a metal box in HD with the thought, "This would be more sturdy!" then put it back because I didn't want to have to deal with grounding it.
Is there any need to break the neutral line connection? Without the hot connected it's potential should be zero unless there's something wrong with the house wiring.
If I make my dim bulb tester using a 3 way switch lamp socket in the build will that work? Then I can use a 3 way light bulb and be able to use one of the appropriate bulb wattages for the test. The bulb could be 50/100/200 watts
I'm sorry. Please forgive my electronic ignorance. But couldn't your basic power strip be used as a dim bulb tester? Not a surge protector. Just your basic power strip. It has a cord to plug into a wall outlet, a on and off switch. Lets say there are 5 outlers on the strip. Couldn't I just fill the first 4 with bulb socket converters and 60 watt bulbs and use the last socket to plug in the receiver? So there are 4 bulbs between the cord plugged into the wall and the receiver. Like I said. I'm ignorant. Please explain how this wouldn't work. Are the outlets in the strip not wired in series? Is there something else I'm missing. Thank you kindly for the explanation. Mark
I'm building this DBT based on Mr. Carlson's design.
You can see the isolating transformer in the back.
It's good to 5 amps.
There's several hours in this build and I'm still not done.
All the parts and pieces are from salvaged projects of mine and others.
The plan is to mount it on the wall near the bench top.
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