Re:110v machine from USA question yesterday. Are Maplin's Right? They told me I dont need a converter?

Question

The machine is an industrial wire stripper. The plate on the motor has the following info: HP 1, RPM 1275, PH 1 HZ 60, Volt 115/230, AMB 40%, FR 56C, ENC'L, FL AMPS 13.6/6.8.
The sales assistant at Maplin's told me I wont need a transformer or a converter and it would be ok to plug into uk mains using a travel plug adapter. Is this correct?

It has a three pin plug attached

Answer 1

The plate suggests it has a switched mode power supply that can work at 110v and 230v. Before you plug it in, make sure that there isn't a switch for changing the voltage.

If you're only going to use this in the UK, I suggest you cut off the US plug and put on a rewireable UK plug.

Answer 2

Your motor depends heavily on the AC frequency for starting and mechanical power. It is a 1 horsepower motor, requiring over 1500 W of power (more than a toaster). The startup mechanism on an AC motor usually involves a capacitor that is switched off once the motor is up to speed; it is sized for a specific AC frequency, in this case, 60 Hz, so you'd probably have to switch it out to a new one. Also, the motor will have some physical connections that need to be changed to allow it to use the 230VAC. It is not like a consumer electronics power supply that can automatically switch to the new voltage.

You need a frequency converter -- 50 Hz to 60 Hz. Also, most travel plug adapters can't be used for 1500W continuous inductive motor loads (usually the 1500W versions are for heated hair styling appliances).

It would probably be cheaper to buy a new 50 Hz motor that has the same RPM and horsepower and hook it up rather than try to find a 50 Hz to 60 Hz converter that can handle an inductive 6.8 A (or 13.6 A if you also convert to 115V) load.

Answer 3

Please ignore all the YES answers. Although it says 115/230 the 230 refers to two phases (industrial supply) in the US. Is there a voltage selector switch on the machine?? A plug converter will not connect to the correct terminals. The plate also states 1 PH. (Single phase) which is a bit confusing, as the current rating is quoted for US single and two phase! The 1 HP motor will go a bit faster on 60HZ, which will also have an effect on any electronic timing which it may rely on? I would take it to an electrician or better still a motor repairer (winder) and let them check it, it may have to be reconnected internally in a different way.

I REPEAT! If you plug it into an adaptor or simply change the plug to a UK one you will destroy it. UNLESS you first find a 115/230 volt selector switch. Is it fitted with a 2 or 3 pin US plug??

duckso-- A horsepower is 746 watts not 1.5 kw!!

Answer 4

In some cases equipment is made to be used for both frequencies and in that case specifically mentioned on the type plate: 50/60 Hertz. I can only see 60 Hz on your name plate. You should not use it on the other frequency because the internal current goes up and this might cause faster deterioration of the insulation on the wiring, which causes short circuit and this may lead to fire, which can burn down your house!
What happens:
In transformers (like input transformer of the equipment) the current goes up.
In motors (like cooling ventilator or compressor) also the current goes up, the turns of the motor depends on the frequency, which means the turns are 17% higher if you go from 50 Hertz to 60 Hertz and 17% lower if you go from 60 Hertz to 50 Hertz, plus in this case the internal cooling is lower!
Can you do anything in order to still use the equipment on an other frequency?
Yes you can but at your own risk, you still cannot change the effect of higher or lower turns, but you can lower the current:
Lower the voltage to the equipment with about 20% as mentioned on the type plate, buy means of a transformer.

Answer 5

If the info plate on the actual motor reads 110/240V he might be right if there is some voltage regulating circuitry. What does the info plate on the actual machine read, that's what the supply voltage should be. Is there a switch to change over from 110V to 240V? if so change it to 240V. Failing the above, get a 240 > 110V transformer, (be safe!).

Answer 6

I bought a camera battery charger from the states that could be used on either 240 or 110 volts.

I found this unusual and I did a lot of research into this very subject.

Yes, quite a lot of modern appliances are dual voltage WITHOUT a selector switch . So the Maplins guy is probably correct.

Answer 7

You should have no trouble with the voltage look at your electric shaver. the problem could be with the hz. 60 some devices are speed senstive (clock motors for instance would go faster on 60 hz. if they where designed for 50 hz) in your case a few rpm should not make much difference.

Answer 8

To nosluo the mains frequency in the UK is 50 hz not 60 hz, therefore, incorrect.

It may be all right but perhaps it should be checked out.

Answer 9

Sound fine because it has the right number of cycles and voltage. Is there a switch on it to change from 110 to 230? If so, make sure it's set to the 230. If you're still worried, check with a good electrician (not the big stores).

Answer 10

In Spain there is a special celebration on the 19th of March. Three days before the event they put up really big statues all around the towns. And on the night of the 19th of March they have a lot of fireworks and then they burn the statues wich are made of wood and paper mache and then painted. The statues are usually about twenty to twenty five feet long.