Bronson++ VC 3000 Variable Transformer Variac Toroidal Core - In: 230V - Out: 0-300V - 3000 Watt

Having spent a long time looking, I decided to buy this variable voltage transformer (a.k.a a Variac) as it had all the features I wanted, was reasonably priced and was marketed by a German company.I went for the 1000W version which came well packed in a stout cardboard box and undamaged with two thick sheets of polyethylene foam top & bottom for protection. The 1000W unit has the ubiquitous IEC C14 mains socket which is the type used on many mains adapter units and desktop PCs. The higher rated versions have the mains lead hard-wired in.Although I haven't used the unit much so far, it seems to perform well and does what it claims. As for accuracy, the printed scale on the top around the voltage output adjuster knob is not very accurate - particularly above 150 volts where the actual voltage can be up to 30 volts higher than the scale indicates. HOWEVER, the amber LED voltage output display on the front is very accurate right across the entire voltage output range (please see attached photos) so as long as you use this, you won't cause any damage. My mains supply is far less accurate and stable throughout the day!There was no user guide in the box, just a single sheet of A5 paper with two QR codes and two URLs for the user guide and how to register the unit for warranty.One useful function I found was that if you use cooling fans in the summer and they make too much noise, by connecting them to this unit and lowering the output voltage to around 180 volts, you can quieten the fan considerably as it turns slower.THE GOOD:Well packagedLooks well made and sturdy.LED voltage output meter is very accurate.Has a 13A UK mains socket on the back.Also has two binding posts (Live and Neutral) and an earth screw for connecting devices with bare wiresIEC C13 mains input socket and mains lead includedVoltage output knob is firm but easy to turnThe output voltage does not appear to drift over time.The NOT-SO-GOOD:The printed display around the adjuster knob is not at all accurateThe UK mains plug to IEC C13 plug is only 1 metre long ( not a deal-breaker)(I'm being a pedant here) No user guide in the box.OVERALL:A stable, accurate and well-performing variable voltage transformer with a very accurate digital voltage output dsplay.Note: as others have said: most if not all Variacs are 'auto' transformers with just one winding which is not isolated from the mains supply rather than the usual primary and secondary windings which are electrically isolated from each other, but as long as there are no electrical faults with your mains supply or with the equipment being powered, there should not be any danger as long as this is borne in mind.Recommended.

The built-in DVM is very useful and much more accurate than the rotary dial. Output variable 0 to 300V which is useful for testing. The unit bears a CE mark but in spite of that there are binding post terminals that can be unscrewed and removed to expose live conductors, so be very careful if using those. OK for use in a laboratory by engineers and technicians who understand the hazard and know what they are are doing.

Does the job, which is great. However, it has imprinted on it: "Made in P.R.C." I did not ecpect this to be made in China. If I had known I would have sent it back, but I had already been using the variac before I saw the fine print. I was just excited to recieve it so fast. I reckon it was 3 days from order to delivery. Perhaps Bronson can clear up my misconception that it was actually made in China?

Not used in anger yet but the Variac looks well built, compact and solid. Being a qualified electrician I checked the output voltage with a calibrated tester and found that the digital display is pretty much spot on regarding displayed output voltage. However, the output voltage dial markings are way out of calibration. The measured voltage output was higher than the labelled voltage. Of course you can double check with the accurate digital display but then you have to make sure you can see it while working with and operating the variac. Therefore with my calibrated volt meter I have used dymo stickers to more accurately represent the output voltage from the point of view of the top dial as seen in the picture. Hope this helps you make a decision, the item is a good price for a 1000w variac and probably no worse than any other variac similarly priced. If you want super precision then you'll have to spend an awful lot more but for my purposes it is perfectly good, especially now that I have calibrated the printed voltage indications.

A very heavy device. Needs to be plugged into a suitable ring main because it causes the mains to trip out when on a spur.Well made solid design. Accurate enough for general workbench testing.

Great little variac. Accurate digital voltage reading. I upgraded it by fitting a Small CT type Digital ammeter - easy mod to do.

My electricity supply is badly regulated. Going lower then 200V to over 235V. As an Engineer repairing electronic equipment this IS a problem.This substantial unit will hopefully help me overcome the 'wild' variations in electricity supply voltage. Well built, heavy and nearly accurate voltage display will hopefully help me to continue to make measurements that have some meaning.Get one if you dare and reinforce your desk!Super.

A very nice product, a necessity for any vintage electronics restorer.