Building an AC power supply that can serve as a makeshift isolation transformer

To use a VARIAC (see previous video) safely, or for probing mains-powered PCBs with a (mains-powered) oscilloscope, you need an isolation tranformer. I had an old transformer handy and decided to give it a new home in its own enclosure. Then I show some tests, including using it as an isolation transformer to probe a switch-mode power supply with a scope.

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This project uses mains voltage. If you follow along, you do so at your own risk.

0:00 the transformer 1:13 windings and how they combine 4:12 wiring it up 4:29 wrong power switch 5:48 test with light bulb 6:17 test with power resistors 7:07 usefulness of isolation transformers 8:47 probing an SMPS ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgPjKMcJTaw