I'm in the midst of a new project and I'd like to reverse engineer a transformer without destroying it. Anyone know how to do this? I know that the primary and secondary winding count is a critical factor (or the ratio, at least), but are there any other characteristics I should pay attention to?

Thanks!

 

Also, this is for a resistance heating project where I'm essentially shorting out a piece of metal to heat it. If there's anything I should know about special transformer properties in regards to the application, please let me know.

 

Iron core size
Transformer will get destroyed if continuously overloaded.

 

Iron core size and transformer will get destroyed if continuously overloaded.

The transformer will only be on for 1-2 seconds each cycle (cycle about every ten seconds). I take it that heat buildup in the transformer will be the issue... how do I overcome this? Larger gauge windings?

 

Read Chapter 9, should have all the answers for you.
http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/tex...chpt-9/mutual-inductance-and-basic-operation/

 

Do you intend to rewind this transformer??