Manual
14 
MAXIMUM OUTPUT CURRENT 
NEVER EXCEED THE MAXIMUM OUTPUT CURRENT 
RATING OF THE UNIT (Table 1). Excessive output current 
can damage the variable auto-transformer.  
Keep output current as low as possible; power only one piece 
of equipment at a time. Use the ISOLATED OUTPUT only for 
the equipment under test – not for the test equipment. 
It is very important to observe the maximum current derating 
(Table 1) above 130 volts, and to allow sufficient cooling time 
when operating Model 1655A in the intermittent duty region. 
Even at low voltages, the maximum output current should 
never exceed 4 amps for Model 1655A or 2 amps for Model 
1653A. Higher current may damage the variable auto-
transformer where the brush contacts the winding. A 3.15A 
circuit breaker limits maximum input current to Model 1655A, 
while a 3A fuse is used for Model 1653A. Additionally, output 
fuses limit the output of the 1655A to 4 amps and the 1653A to 3 
amps at low voltages that would not open the input protective 
device. Never bypass the circuit breaker or fuses, or replace fuses 
with a higher value. 
Remove the overload to reset the circuit breaker or replace a 
fuse. Turn off the unit when connecting or disconnecting 
equipment from the ISOLATED OUTPUT receptacle(s). 
For Model 1655A, the red portion of the 0-4A scale of the 
meter indicates the caution zone (over 3A). This is a reminder 
that only intermittent duty operation is permitted.  
For Model 1635A, the output current should not exceed 2 amps 
for continuous duty or intermittent duty operation.  The full scale 
meter indication of 2A is a reminder that this is the maximum 
permissible output current. 
CAUTION
Precautions
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Table 1. Maximum Output Current Derating. 










