What is a buck boost transformer?

Thread Starter

ulms

Joined Mar 19, 2024
179
We really need the TS to be a little clearer as 248.2 sounds like he measured with a meter and one wonders RMS or P-P, etc.
So let's start simple:
What country are you in?
If US, what state?
Who is your power company?

And how about info on the elevator? I see refererence to "The Cube"
Is this it?
https://www.transitionsmobility.com/node/774

This elevator is made in Florida and if you are installing in the US I doubt you need anything like a transformer.
PVE uses 220VAC incorrectly as terms like 110/220 and 115/230 are older out-of-date terms. US is standardized 120/240.

US Power companies follow ANSI C84.1 for our service voltage deliveries which specify +/-5%.
Standard Minimum Maximum 120/240 min 114/228 max 126/252
I used a digital meter, true rms it says. I'm on Long Island, PSEG supplies the electrical power. I didn't think the transformer was needed but they recommended it. I thought we are not in Guyana.
 

MisterBill2

Joined Jan 23, 2018
27,501
Adjusting the mains voltage for a permanent installation is not a reasonable application for a powerstat. AND 30 amp service is a big deal, by the way. And I would not consider owning a product that would be damaged by such a small over-voltage. And I am trying to imagine what sort of elevator plugs in.
 

Thread Starter

ulms

Joined Mar 19, 2024
179
Adjusting the mains voltage for a permanent installation is not a reasonable application for a powerstat. AND 30 amp service is a big deal, by the way. And I would not consider owning a product that would be damaged by such a small over-voltage. And I am trying to imagine what sort of elevator plugs in.
I thought the same thing. I was told it could blow the circuit board. I thought shouldn't the board have better protection? The power is for vacuum motors. I think the 10 gauge wire and 30 amp requirement is overkill but I will do it. I think 12 gauge would be fine. We'll see.
 

MisterBill2

Joined Jan 23, 2018
27,501
My question now is about the ACTUAL current requirements. AND, in addition, what sort of "elevator" is this that includes " power is for vacuum motors. "
I had visualized "the elevator" as the sort of box that moves humans between levels in a building. I am aware that there are also "Grain Elevators" that are quite totally different from that. So now I am asking just what sort of elevator is this?
Certainly the question about the "buck/boost transformer" is answered adequately. I suggest verifying the output voltage before connecting the elevator to the power.
AND, how did the installer verify correct operation without providing power to the system?????
OR, was verifying the operation not part of the deal???
 

MrSoftware

Joined Oct 29, 2013
2,273
The last tidbit I would add is, I would call the company and ask them about 248V, ask if that would be OK, before going to the expense and trouble of the transformer.
 

wraujr

Joined Jun 28, 2022
259
My question now is about the ACTUAL current requirements. AND, in addition, what sort of "elevator" is this that includes " power is for vacuum motors. "
I had visualized "the elevator" as the sort of box that moves humans between levels in a building. I am aware that there are also "Grain Elevators" that are quite totally different from that. So now I am asking just what sort of elevator is this?
Certainly the question about the "buck/boost transformer" is answered adequately. I suggest verifying the output voltage before connecting the elevator to the power.
AND, how did the installer verify correct operation without providing power to the system?????
OR, was verifying the operation not part of the deal???
https://www.vacuumelevators.com/affordable-home-elevators/

The Cube
https://cubelifts.com/
 

MisterBill2

Joined Jan 23, 2018
27,501
OK, I see the picture. My guess is it would make my ears pop quite intensely. Certainly that is a interesting method to drive a lift. And if the power fails it will slowly sink back to the lower level.
 

MrSoftware

Joined Oct 29, 2013
2,273
OK, I see the picture. My guess is it would make my ears pop quite intensely. Certainly that is a interesting method to drive a lift. And if the power fails it will slowly sink back to the lower level.
Presumably the only low pressure is above the capsule, inside where the people are remains at atmospheric pressure. It is a neat idea! This seems to potentially resolve several danger areas of lifts. As you said, in a failure in theory it would slowly sink, also there's no risk of over-pressure at the bottom as you might have if it was driven by raising the pressure under it. No hydraulics to deal with, no mechanical pullies or cables, etc.. neat product.

 

MisterBill2

Joined Jan 23, 2018
27,501
I still suggest contacting your electrical utility company and ask about having the voltage adjusted to within the standard specifications. Consider that a poor connection could result in excess voltage for some while others experience low voltages. My own experience was seeing 170 volts on what should have been a 120 volt circuit, caused by an inadequate connection to common on a nearby transformer installation.
 
Top