Help: Transformer Specification

[[email protected]]

Hi all,

Please help with interpreting transformer specification. I am looking
for a step down transformer 120VAC to 12VAC with maximum power 36VA.

I bought one at RadioShack today. The front of the packaging said it
is a center-tapped secondary power transformer with 120VAC input and
the output is 12.6VAC at 3A. This sounded what I was looking for and I
bought it.

When I went home, I read the specification at the back of the
packaging. Below is what is printed on the back:

Input: 120VAC
Output(load): 12.6VAC @ 3A
Output(no load): 14.06VAC
Current(load): 600mA max.
Current(no load): 140mA max.

The things I don't understand are the current ratings. Why is the
maximum load current is 600mA instaed of 3A? What is the 600mA and
140mA current rating mean? I thought the current rating is 3A at
12.6VAC? Am I missing something here? Can I use this transformer for
my application?


Thanks in advance

 

[William P.N. Smith]

Input: 120VAC
Output(load): 12.6VAC @ 3A
Output(no load): 14.06VAC
Current(load): 600mA max.
Current(no load): 140mA max.

That is confusing, isn't it? I'd take the last two current specs to
mean the input current at 120VAC.

 

[Michael A. Covington]

That is confusing, isn't it? I'd take the last two current specs to
mean the input current at 120VAC.

So would I. Or just ignore them. Is this a fairly big transformer, maybe
2.5 inches across? If so, it's the right one. If it's tiny (1 inch or so),
then it isn't.

 

[[email protected]]

Thanks. I will take your suggestion.

Merry X'mas