Hammond Transformer

[mahasitavati]

Just wanted to throw this out there. I recently purchased a 374BX power transformer and on the secondary side the 50vac (violet) and one of the 375vac (red) were swapped. This not only could have roasted some equipment, it is a safety hazard. Their customer support was abhorrent and dismissive. I am sad to say I still have to buy one of their 1628SEA audio transformers, but after that I am done with Hammond.

 

[Doug G.]

So, are you, "up in arms"?

 

[mahasitavati]

Nope, just disappointed in a company that I thought was better. The post was also a reminder for people to always "check it before you wreck it".

 

[Doug G.]

Sorry, I was just in a bad mood this morning.

Doug

 

[gadget73]

People have reported wrong colors on Edcor output transformers. Mistakes happen, its how the company deals with it that is important.

 

[Lavane]

Testing transformers before using them is a good idea. So far I haven't run across any Hammond power transformers with the wire colors swapped.
I've used around 10 so far. I haven't run across this with any of the various brand OPT's either.
Mistakes do happen, but Hammond being dismissive isn't very good customer relations. I've started using toroidal power transformers lately with good results. I just received another one for an up coming project.
I've found these Antek donuts tend to be closer to the rated voltages compared to Hammond that can be 30v, 40v, or more over the rated specs Even with using a variac to set 117v for the 117v primary transformers.

 

[gadget73]

toroids generally have less drop than an EI core, so you may find the voltage on the Hammond is right only when fully loaded.

 

[Lavane]

toroids generally have less drop than an EI core, so you may find the voltage on the Hammond is right only when fully loaded.

so far the Hammond's ive used tended to be over when loaded.

 

[gadget73]

Hm, interesting.

 

[arts]

so far the Hammond's ive used tended to be over when loaded.

I used to have a similar problem, being over when loaded....

Kidding aside, Hammond power transformers are all over the road these days. Voltages far from spec even when loaded, overheating when far below maximum load, clearly audible buzzing, humming or physical vibration. Country of origin doesn't even seem to make a difference either, the Canadian-made ones are as crappy as their chinese ones.
Now mis-labelled windings too? Not surprised.

 

[Lavane]

I used to have a similar problem, being over when loaded....

Kidding aside, Hammond power transformers are all over the road these days. Voltages far from spec even when loaded, overheating when far below maximum load, clearly audible buzzing, humming or physical vibration. Country of origin doesn't even seem to make a difference either, the Canadian-made ones are as crappy as their chinese ones.
Now mis-labelled windings too? Not surprised.

I noticed they are noisier mechanically. The last two I bought I had to add two more screws to the bells where I didn't have to before. The one I bought for that single stage universal preamp runs pretty warm too. It shouldn't. The preamp isnt pulling that much current.