Help using AC power Ultrasonic Transducer

jason0627

Hello I am hoping that someone could help me with a project I am working on. I am trying to make a homemade ultrasonic cleaning device. What I am going for is something like this link here.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Home-Made-Ultrasonic-Cleaning-Tank/



This is my first project ever working with AC power and I am nervous about it. Working with a stamp and 5v battery not a huge deal if you mess up. Different story if using 110v. So what I am concerned about is connecting my generator to the power supply. I have attached a picture of my generator with some very basic instructions.

So my question is do I just take a power cord, cut it, splice it, solder it to the connections and plug into wall once all connections have been made? It just says AC so I am assuming there is no positive or negative. Also once this thing is connected how dangerous is this generator? Meaning if I touch certain parts of it am I going to get a real shock?

Thanks for looking at and helping a newbie to 110v. I might be overly cautions but it frightens me.

Hal Albach

That 110VAC scares you is good. Working with it would be easier if we all had 60 Hertz hearts. Since we don't, be overly cautious.
From the picture it looks like the generator has a line fuse to protect itself (somewhat) . Attach the AC power cord per the instructions making sure all the strands in each conductor are lightly twisted together and properly tinned to prevent a stray strand from shorting things out. But before plugging it in observe all the precautions in the DIY article and enclose the generator in a non-metallic fireproof, well ventilated enclosure. You may want to enlist the help of a friend that might be a little more comfortable around line voltages.

Publison

I am moving this to the General Forums as the Project Forums are for completed projects, ( based on Parallax products).

jason0627

thanks Hal.

would you suggest any electrical tape or other item to place over the connection where i solder or is that not necessary.

Thanks for replying

kwinn

jason0627 wrote: »

thanks Hal.

would you suggest any electrical tape or other item to place over the connection where i solder or is that not necessary.

Thanks for replying

It's not really needed if the power supply is in an enclosure, but placing electrical tape or some other form of shielding over the AC and transducer connections is a good idea.

Hal Albach

It looks like the input and output terminals are spade lugs soldered to the board. Better way to connect would be with spade lug connectors that you just crimp onto the power cord leads and then slide over the lugs. Home Depot & Lowes sell them in their electrical section. Take the board with you and they will help get the right size. The connectors come with a heavy plastic sleeve which is much better than tape. Get the ones that cover the entire connector. I never rely on electrical tape alone to protect me from high voltage. It is too easily perforated unless used with friction tape or multiple layers. Besides, I have a feeling that generator board is going to get quite warm which will turn the adhesive on the tape into a gooey mess. Also, the power cord connections are not the only place on that board that are dangerous. That group of four diodes to the right are probably also carrying the high voltage. Just enclose the board to keep curious fingers away.