| I have just tracked down a source of GE transformers at very reasonable | prices. | | Here's the info: | "GE has the best pricing and features (50/60 HZ is a "beefier design than a | 60HZ).
This just means it won't saturate as easily. You can boost the voltage
20% higher when running at 60 Hz (if the insulation can also handle it).
| The 5 KVA version is aluminum windings with dimensions of : 10.75 W X 14.5 H | X 11.2 D and 115 Lbs. Technically the aluminum has better electrical | characteristics; The amount of aluminum is equal to 120% of copper.
Maybe better thermal characteristics. The windings will be larger and as a result can dissipate the heat better. Generally the sizing is selected to get about the same resistance whether aluminum or copper. Check the transformer impedance if this is really an issue.
| GE pricing is: 3 KVA general purpose single phase wall mounted- $ 244.19 | each net plus tax | 5 KVA - $ 339.93 | each net plus tax"I have not heard of 50 / 60 Hz trafos and I don't believe | that al has better electrical characteristics than cu but it sure is a lot | less dense. I have seen a 5 KVA for sale that weighed 160 lbs.
The lower the frequency, the more readily the core will saturate at a given voltage. A higher frequency can generally be used on a transformer up to a point given other factors in the design. But 60 Hz should run fine on 50 Hz transformers, and possibly at a higher voltage.
| Al cabling is used as a substitute for cu and I know it works quite well. | But in trafos?
It makes them lighter in weight, and spreads the heat out better. Using aluminum in a transformer winding is fine as long as the terminals are attached to it correctly.
Look at 3 kVA aluminum and 3 kVA copper and compare weights and sizes.