doubling up transformers?

Question

I've been pondering. If you have two 110V>>220V transformers and plug one into another, into a 120V outlet, theoretically there should be 120x2x2 = 480V. Will it work?

On the other hand, if you have two stepdown transformers and use them like the above, there should be a total output of 30V?

Answer 1

no, to work correctly the transformers have to work within there tolerances. ie 240 in 110 out etc.

Answer 2

A single 110v primary, when plugged into a 110v source, will provide 220v out of the secondary. The primary has two contacts in, and the secondary has two contacts out.

Now, with TWO transformers, you have four contacts into the primaries, and four contacts out of the secondaries. So it all depends how you wire those contacts so that ultimately you have only two in and two out.

Hooking up both primaries in series and both secondaries in series, you still have 110v going in and 220v coming out.

Hooking up both primaries in parallel and both secondaries in parallel, you still have 110v going in and 220v coming out.

Here comes a problem: Hook up both primaries in series, but both secondaries in parallel. Now you have 110v going in, but you also only have 110v coming out.

And lastly, hook up both primaries in parallel, but both secondaries in series. NOW you have 110v going in, but 440v coming out.

And, yes, going the other way and using them as step-down transformers, you'll have the same division rather than multiplication (since division is really just inverse multiplication).

Also... if you're talking about inputting 110v into one transformer, taking 220v out of it and THEN running that 220v into the next transformer, yes, you'll get 440v out of the second one. BUT... there is a problem. Transformers are designed for a voltage range by the amount of insulation, spacing of the windings, etc. Exceed that voltage range (like putting 220v into a 110v primary) and you'll probably get sparking and eventual burnout of the transformer.

Answer 3

Theoretically, you are correct.
But if you apply the 220VAC to the second 110VAC primary,
you run the chance of burning it out.