If you want to be absolutely sure what kind of transformer you're getting, though, you should purchase one from an electronics supply store. Line cord switches may be obtained from a hardware store. The radio would also provide the power cord and plug necessary for this project. Power transformers may be obtained from old radios, which can usually be obtained from a thrift store for a few dollars (or less!). Household wall-socket power plug and cord.Terminal strip with at least three terminals.Power transformer, 120VAC step-down to 12VAC, with center-tapped secondary winding (Radio Shack catalog # 273-1365, 273-1352, or 273-1511).This device does not really act as a source or supply of power, but rather as a power converter, to reduce the hazardous voltage of wall-socket power to a much safer level.

The title of 'power supply' is somewhat misleading. In order to minimize this hazard while taking advantage of the convenience of this source of AC, a small power supply will be the first project, consisting of a transformer that steps the hazardous voltage (110 to 120 volts AC, RMS) down to 12 volts or less. These experiments are designed to introduce you to several important concepts specific to AC.Ī convenient source of AC voltage is household wall-socket power, which presents significant shock hazard. 'AC' stands for Alternating Current, which can refer to either voltage or current that alternates in polarity or direction, respectively. Lessons In Electric Circuits - Volume VI Chapter 4 AC CIRCUITS

Lessons In Electric Circuits - Volume VI (Experiments) - Chapter 4

Power converter 220 to 110 radio shack