I’ve got the same problem with a 3KVA variac. Trips all my breakers (type B and C). I was thinking of making a zero-crossing SSR/triac but I just read in the link about using peak voltage instead… ...

My Variac is usually used to control quite heavy loads (2 to 3 kW), and is wired to provide 0 to 110% of mains voltage. ... To prevent it from overheating an inline fuse of 4A is used.

A Variac looks like a sci-fi laboratory prop. For some reason, I have three of them in my shop, and yes, one is just a book end. But they do have a useful purpose. Variac is a generic trade name ...

If you increase the voltage too quickly, you will blow a variac fuse. Do not run the heating coil for more than 5 minutes at a time. The power cord can get very hot. Script. Turn on the variac and, ...

Set the variac to 0V and turn it on. Turn the voltage up to 120V. Using the piece of scrap paper, align the mirrors so they focus the filament onto the match. Remove the paper. The match will ignite.