220 Transformer

Don Dando skrev:

And fried as well! Electricity is best delt with by certified electricians, not "home fix-it" types.

Erin (who lives with an electrical engineer)

Except Euro 220 is 50 hz and US is 60hz

You're both right. Getting 220 is a matter of putting in a double breaker, uniting two 110 lines, as is done for an electric range or electric dryer. It's a simple thing to do, provided there is room in the existing breaker box to add the circuit. But adding circuits is not a job for a neophyte, although done correctly it is perfectly safe.

I once had to explain how to do this to a contractor who had dug a well for me, and was installing the pump. He didn't believe me, of course, since I was a "feemale" - but he went and talked to another contractor, then came back and quietly put in the double breaker and hooked up my pump.

Don't some countries use DC instead of AC, as well?

I suppose some do, probably third world. However Hertz is relative only to AC (alternating current) it is the numbers of times the current switches directions in a second. Should not be to much of a problem unless it is an electronic machine.

The only use of DC would likely be for very small scale local electric use (like wind or solar PV charging batteries). This is done in some African and other countries. No fridges and air conditioners there - just very basic light, radio or cell phone. Large scale DC is very inefficient.

Electric motors might have a problem with the difference between 50 and 60 Hz if they sync their speed to the main power frequency. That means that the speed of a European machine could run 20% higher on North American power. You might need a light touch on the foot pedal. I also understand that this could result in heating problems in some devices, but I can't say for sure.

Electronic machines shouldn't be much of a problem, since the electronics will be run off low voltage DC generated from the mains just like your computer.

I just looked at my serger - it requires 120 watts. If the 110-220VAC converter you use is able to handle at least that kind of power you should be fine. Check the label on the back/bottom of the machine and see what the wattage requirements are.

Mike

Haven't found any yet, but did find this link which also lists what type of plug(s) are used in each country. Btw, take a look at the notes for Japan, seems they use 50hz in some cities, and 60Hz in others.

Wherein lies the problem. European homes receive 220v power (and in some cases up to 400v) by a single line, whereas in the United States one has two. This is why you can run European appliances from a converter, but not say an American 220v dryer.

If all one needs is straight 220v power to run a small Euro appliance, then what you want is a "step-up/step-down" converter. These come in ranges from about 500v to 3000v, and will convert 220v/240v power to

110v/120v and vice versa. However these converters will not change frequency, that is convert 60hz to 50hz or vice versa. This can be done but is a very expensive (and large) converter.

For most items running on 60hz is not a problem, the unit will just run slightly faster. My Pfaff ironer is 220v/50hz, and runs just fine on American 220v/60hz power. The only problem areas are things such as computers, things with internal clocks, and most large appliances like washing machines. What will happen in those cases is the motor will run fast and over time cause stress/burn itself out.

When purchasing a step-up/down converter, size your unit about 10% or so larger than the power top power draw from the appliance you will be using. This allows for a buffer zone to prevent burning out the converter.

Those small "cheap" plug in transformers from Radio Shack and such are NOT meant to handle more than 10amps of power. They are fine for blow dryers, clocks, and such but not for appliances that draw large power loads. You will not only risk burning them out, but your appliance and possibly your home as well.

As for adding a 220v line, it is because it is so "simple" for a good electrician, you won't find many who will do it at a reasonable price. The job easily takes a morning tops, with no complications, but most electricians we found would rather book an entire days work rather than do "small beer" jobs. What often happens is the licensed electrician comes out to give an estimate, but sends an appetence or "helper" to do the work. Whatever you do make sure you have it in writing that a licensed electrician will be doing the work, and not contracted out to just anyone.

Hi Ron, now I'm worried. Irt is a Husqvarna Huskylock 460ED and does indeed run on 50 hz. I have ordered the converter, more than large enough to run it but will it ruin my machine? I plan on taking it back to Norway in one year and don't want to have it permanently changed. We are leasing a house here so I also can't make permanent changes to the electrical system.

Kirsten Sollie

I found this to be true of all the contractors. They don't want to do small jobs, they want big jobs - construction, preferably. It's difficult to even get a bid on a remodal or renovation. Fortunately, here in Reno, there is a small company with electricians who do nothing but small jobs, less than a day's worth. They do have a minimum charge, but are all very pleasant people and cheerfully do little jobs. I liked their old business name - "The Electric Company" but they gave it up and I think they are now a franchise - Mr. Electric. NAYY, I've just used their service and have always been pleased. BTW, one of their best electricians I've had do work for me is a woman.

I see no reason it should do damage. it will run a bit faster but that should not hurt it in the short term

Faster sounds better to me!

Kirsten Sollie

Not always good. If you are pushing the limits of the machines rating, wears faster.

When dd was moving to England with her husband who was posted there for four years, she was advised to either pack up and store most of her appliances, or to sell them and buy more over there. Of course, that is easy on an Air Force base - there are always people coming and going so lots of people buying and selling stuff as they move from country to country.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans.

Well, I did that with most of our stuff but I did bring the bread machine (and Norwegian flour) and the overlock. We bought new tv's and such. Almost all the computer equipment runs on both currents!

Kirsten