Converting VA into amps?

I have a 110 VAC torodial transformer, 12 volt output, 30 VA. I need at least 4 amps out of it, this will be at 16.8 VDC after rectifying, how do I calculate VA from these specs to find out if this transformer is large enough?

Answer:
While it is true that the peak voltage will be about 1.4 time the RMS AC voltage, once you start drawing current the voltage will drop. But if you can get by with range from 12 to 16.8 you should be OK on voltage, also, if this is an audio application, you might be OK with this transformer even though it can't give you 4 amps continuously, an audio application will draw maximum current for very brief periods, the average should be far less. However if the specifications already accounted for that fact, then this transformer will not be big enough.
VA = volts x amperes --- therefore 30 VA at 16.8 volts yields 30/16.8 = 1.8 amperes max which is below your 4 amps requirement. Therefor that transformer is not suitable for your application.
Have you noticed yet that you have a transformer producing 12 volts output, and you need 16.8 volts?

It's not going to work.
As long as it's single phase, just divide VA by secondary volts to get secondary current.
30VA / 12V = 2.5 A on secondary
So it sounds like that transformer won't quite do it.
You will need a 48 VA transformer (or larger) to make sure that you have the 4 A that you need!
(Paul above has a good point too, you might have a tricky time getting 16.8 VDC from 12 VAC)
In addition to all the good advice already given, don't forget that an underspecified mains transformer can have a deleterious affect on the actual audio quality. This is because an undersized transformer core can saturate at peak load, so that current it supplies hits a ceiling instead of rising to meet demand. This can seriously distort the output waveform, an effect particularly noticeable on loud bass notes.

So it's not just that the transformer might overheat; even if the intermittent nature of the load allows an inadequate mains transformer to survive, you could still suffer inferior sound. There's no substitute for a big, beefy mains transformer in an audio amp that makes any claim to quality.

The answers post by the user, for information only, FunQA.com does not guarantee the right.



More Questions and Answers:
  • My AIEEErank is 62547. can u tell me the names of some good coleges wich cud offer me E andTC or Electronics
  • What are the functions and misconceptions of functions of an isolated patient "ground" used in DIGITAL EEG?
  • Do all soldiers go to heaven . only good soldiers go to heaven ... or just OUR soldiers go to heaven ??
  • Where can I buy air tools for demolition?
  • Are there any good American made cnc lasers for cutting acrylics?
  • Mechanical advantage.?
  • Wt do strctural engeneers do ?
  • What type of scale should I buy that will count resistors and other small parts?
  • What do you mean for Radiation Pyrometry ?
  • Surveying lot area question?