Discuss Home user, very concerned over middle east wiring safety in the Australia area at ElectriciansForums.net
Putting the correct type of plug on the transformer, rather than using a travel adaptor is MUCH safer!
You'll only be changing the plug, not going inside the equipment!
A multimeter is not recommended for live testing, maybe if you can pick up a NON_CONTACT voltage detector, that will be the safest way to check polarity of your supply.
Prove first at the breaker panel, then again at each socket outlet.
UK outlet, the top pin is Earth, left is Neutral and right is Line.
I'd guess at the lead on the transformer having US colours, so Green to E, White to N and Black to L.
EU colours are Green/Yellow to E, Blue to N and Brown to L.
As it's an autotransformer, the common connection must be the Neutral for safety.
A-HA!!!! It all makes sense now!
I think what's been happening is there has been a crossed polarity on the input, so the common connection has been on the Line side.
Therefore, when you have plugged in your US surge protector extension lead, the (140V?) MOVs have started to conduct, as they have 240V from line to earth. (240V surge protectors use 275V MOVs)
This current to earth is what instantly tripped your RCD.
It's also what made your equipment dangerously LIVE when you used the non-grounded adaptor to supply the transformer.
Simon.
One reason why you should have purchased ''double wound'' transformers instead of ''auto transformers''!! There is no direct connection between primary and secondary windings on the former, while there is on the latter... The GFI's would not then have seen a problem with the suppression MOVs on the leads or on the power conditioner.
The former would of also added a good deal of protection in eliminating noise on the line... while the auto transformer offers none...
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