I have a 500VA toroidal transformer I am going to use with my UK mains outlet to step mains voltage down to 25V. I am using a 13A fuse with an RCD (30ma).
I only just realised that the inrush from my transformer will certainly blow the fuse in the plug if not trip a breaker.
I have searched and read some solutions on here where a thermistor is used in series to limit this inrush current, however I tend to frequently switch the power off when I am touching the circuit. So this method would require me to wait for the thermistor to cool every time I alter the circuit.
I have read a post where a user switches the thermistor out after a few seconds but he relies on a secondary 12V supply for this. Can anyone suggest an alternative?
Best Answer
One alternative is to add a series resistance, which you then bypass after a few cycles. This gives enough time for the field inside the transformer to build up, and to fill the input capacitors. You short this resistor after a certain amount of time and continue normal operation.
Like this:
Don't be alarmed by current spikes at the end, they are under 15A effective and should not trigger a fuse.
This circuit shows an application where you generate a rectified DC voltage. the current spikes are due to the capacitor being charged. The same voltage is then used to control a relay which triggers at 300V to bypass the input resistor.
Forget the thermistor. You will still have to wait for it to cool down if you cycle things fast.
Biduleohm suggested a nice link. There is also the circuit that uses the principle I suggested: Series resistors solution
You can find many good circuits there, the engineering is solid.
What is your application?