Wiring an Isolation Transformer


I found a pristine, never been used, Topaz (Square D Company) 91018-31 1.8 KVA Ultra Isolator Line Noise Suppressor for $40. Other markings include .0005pF, 50/60 Hz, 120/240, Indoor Type 1, Enclosure Class 1-80 Insulation. However, it has no receptacle or chord.

My first question to the forum, is how to wire it? Could I just take a short extension cord, cut in half, wire the male end to the output side and the female end to the input side? Should I use bare wire under the screw terminals, or should I crimp/solder on spades? What wires go on what screw terminals? Some suggest balanced is the way to go. But some suggest this cuts the power in half, some suggest it doesn’t. Here is an example I found of balanced wiring:

Input:
Neutral (white) to H1
Hot (black) to H4
Ground to chassis

Output:
Hot 1 (white) to X1
Hot 2 (black) to X4
X2/X3 center tap connected to chassis ground and outlet ground.

Is this all there is to it? I am a complete newb when it comes to electrical work. Is this something I can do myself, or should I hire an electrician? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
cpalcott
Also, is there a definitive asnwer out there about balanced halfing the VA rating?

Let me take a stab at it again....
First a power transformer is designed to operate at its rated nominal voltage and frequency. The size of wire used is directly proportional to the power the xfrmr is capable of delivering.

The xfrmr you are looking to buy has dual primary windings and dual secondary windings.

For the rated output voltage/power of the xfmr the primary can be wired for 120V in (paralleled) or 240V in (series)
The FLA (full load amps) rating for the primary would be 15 amps @ 120V (1800Va / 120V = 15 amps) or 7.5 amps @ 240V (1800Va / 240V = 7.5 amps). Output of xfmr fully loaded...

For the rated output FLA of the secondary of the xfmr the xfrm can be wired for 120/240V out (series the two windings, midpoint becomes the neutral) or straight single ended 120V out (parallel the two secondary windings)

The 120/240V configuration is capable of delivering 7.5 amps @ 240V. (1800Va / 240V = 7.5amps)

From each hot lead, leg, to the midpoint neutral of each winding is capable of delivering 7.5 amps @ 120V. (120V x 7.5 amps = 900Va. 900Va x 2 windings = 1800Va)
L1 to neut 7.5 amps @ 120V.... L2 to neut 7.5 amps @ 120V.

For your balanced 60/120V (60V 0 60V) wiring configuration you must use the above 240V calculation.

The most FLA the xfrm will be safely capable of delivering will be 7.5 amps. 7.5amps x 120V = 900Va
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

So if each secondary winding is capable of safely delivering 7.5 amps @ 120V (as designed by the manufacture/size of wire used for the winding) then it stands to reason if both windings are connected in parallel (single ended) The xfmr would be capable of delivering 15 amps. 15 amps x 120V = 1800Va.
Jim
Post removed 
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ele/2144150722.html ??

Yes, balanced output means derating by half. Whether the tranny will be agreeable (relatively cool and quiet) to 120V in/balanced out is always a mystery until it's tried. I've had one where that worked fine in one house but not when I moved. Switched to 240V in and it was happy again. If electricity and "newbies" is dangerous, xformers and "newbies" is a whole new level of fun.

Get a meter (with clamp or fork would be better) and test before hooking anything up. Klein Tools aren't expensive. Balanced is 60V leg to ground on both sides and 120V leg to leg.

I prefer GFCI outlets with balanced AC for added safety ( I like to open covers), but not required. In this situation, install an appropriate inline fuse/holder on the input side.

Wire nuts/"marrettes" are fine.
Ok, maybe GFCI is required. Up here, it's CSA instead of NEC and, technically, there is no CSA provision for balanced AC.
Was it..... Was his mind made up?... Set in concrete?

Having a bad day? No need to be snippy. I said "if." I didn't say set in concrete,, I didn't say his mind was made up.

BTW I'm still curious how it is less isolated wired as 120-120.

.