http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/putting-an-unknown-transformer-to-good-use.111943/

this thread commences with a moderator's blessing.

Yet it involves deliberate modification of a mains power supply.

 

http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/putting-an-unknown-transformer-to-good-use.111943/

this thread commences with a moderator's blessing.

Yet it involves deliberate modification of a mains power supply.

Is he simply not trying to ascertain the VA rating of a transformer?

 

I don't see any restriction in the TOS about working on a mains power supply, as long as it has a transformer.

 

Isolation of a transformer is all about protecting 3rd parties. It is right up there with not connecting the doorbell to 220VAC for a yuck.

If you want to build a transformer, feel free, but please use a fuse.

We will even support Tesla Coils, given the person has some experience with them.

This was originally an offshoot of a thread about safety and restrictions about 6 years ago. I was not a moderator at the time, but I did participate. What started the automotive ban was people kept wanting to disable their emissions control units, a very unwise ideal. It kind of grew from there.