2006-10-05 20:37:24 · 12 answers · asked by Kristina 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Hi,
British appliances use 240 volts so you will need to buy a "step up" transformer to convert your 120 volts to 240 volts, as well as replace the power cord plug.
http://www.airlinktransformers.com/stepupstepdown-transformers.asp
2006-10-05 20:51:32 · answer #1 · answered by DY Beach 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a difference between American Domestic Voltage which is about 110 Volts to the UK's 230 Volts.
You will need a step-up transformer to bring the US voltage upto the level required by your devices.
You would need to make sure that the transformer is man enough to supply the current needed by heavy consumers such as a sewing machine. A radio will require very low current.
2006-10-06 03:48:46 · answer #2 · answered by Phish 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possibly yes BUT, the range supply is in the two legs of 110 giving 230 as is the washer, and dryer.
I used to be an Eng with a dept of USAF and suggested that a 230 US plug, blade go sideways as opposed to vertical is fitted to a UK multi way adapter, this then gives several UK sockets. Unpluck the washing MC, mash in the replugged UK multi socket hey presto UK outlets.
Only caution US current uses 60 cycle british 50 this MAY cause sensitive appliances to run fast.
I gave this mod to many americans recycling in the 1970's and all said "works good" There is no over heating problem, That only occurs going from US to UK due to reduced ion losses.
2006-10-06 03:59:02 · answer #3 · answered by rinfrance 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The simplest way would be to buy an external 110 to 240v transformer.
A sewing machine generally runs on a DC motor so the 50 to 60 cycles change should not matter, the rectifier should cope with that.
2006-10-06 04:57:49 · answer #4 · answered by Michael H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You require a transformer to tackle the voltage but that is not the real problem. The real problem you will is the frequency. In the UK we generate our electricity at 50 cycles per second, that means that if you "look" at out electricity on an oscilloscope you will see 50 sine waves in a one second gap. In the USA they generate thier electricity at 60 cycles per second so it is not actually compatible for long term use, but anything with a timer on will not run on time, and even flourescent lighting can burn out over a period of time. Televisions, videos etc run on an entirly different system as well. It all ok if you are over there for a month or so, but if you are going over there to live, you are better off selling you stuff in Uk and buying new in the USA.
2006-10-06 03:54:49 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO!! you cant just rewire things. You have to increase the US 110/120volts to 220/230 uk . This requires a step up transformer which are quite heavy and can be expensive depending on the wattage/Kva required. It would be a lot simpler to sell your equipment here and buy new in the US, these items are MUCH cheaper there anyway.
2006-10-06 03:49:16 · answer #6 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Having lived in Europe it's easier to but a transformer.
2006-10-06 03:46:58 · answer #7 · answered by hydroco 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Isnt it easier to just buy a transformer? you can set one up to transform the US power to the level required by the machine
2006-10-06 03:44:46 · answer #8 · answered by miz Destiny 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
using a simple step down transformer costing maybe 10 pounds would be easier,
2006-10-06 03:46:27 · answer #9 · answered by just-dave 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a voltage converter. www.maplin.co.uk have a 45 watt one on special offer right now for just under a fiver.
2006-10-06 03:46:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋