how do i know if something electrical from the usa will work in the uk?

Question

I want to buy a clarisonic facial brush and use it in the uk it will on ocassion require charing and i wanted to do this by using a transrormer. All i know is the product is 110volts so will it work ok? or is there other info i need on the devise to determin this and if so what? and what do i do with the information?

Answer 1

Maybe.
The transformer will step down the 220 VAC to 120VAC, but does nothing about the frequency. The US is 60Hz and EU is 50Hz. Check the name plate and see if it is 50/60Hz. If it is it will work.

With that being said, expect the product life to be shortened.

Answer 2

You must use a thing called an 230v to 110v auto-transformer which should be available from good electrical retailers. I don't count Currys as good in this respect. If you haven't got a good independant retailer locally you may have to google for it.

Also note that European electric mains has a frequency of 50Hz whereas Noth American mains is 60Hz. If your appliance has a motor driven directly from the incoming power this difference will probably make it run less efficiently even if you sort out the supply voltage.

There is also the matter of your insurance. Everyting sold in the European Union must have a CE mark to verify that it's been tested to all the appropriate European safety standards. North American stuff may not conform; if this thing goes bang and sets fire to your face or house then you may not be covered. Check before commiting yourself.

Answer 3

On the device somewhere will be a rating (where it says 110V). If 230 (or 240V) is not mentioned - then it will not work here. YOu also need to bear in mind that you need a converter (as our plugs are 3 pin and entirely different in shape) and a transformer.
If you buy an adapter for US to US - it will have a transformer and then you'll be able to use any device.

Answer 4

Its the output of the transformer you need to worry about. Mains in the UK is 230v 50Hz in the US its 110v 60Hz. So if for example your transformer puts out 12v DC (it will be rectified) to charge your brush you need an equivalent 230V 50Hz - 12V DC adaptor/transformer (make sure the, brush to adaptor, connector is identical as well).
If on the other hand 110V goes straight into the brush you need a 230v - 110v transformer. The frequency discrepancy shouldn't be a problem.

Answer 5

Most small chargers for this type of item are suitable for a variety of voltages and only need an international adaptor to fit the plug to, check with the manufacturer to find if the charger supplied is a universal voltage type, or the supplier if you trust them.

Answer 6

Should work OK as you are only charging it up,

I bought the transformer at the top of the page (in the link) that transforms both ways. I used it to charge a portable DVD player and Moble phone when went to the States.

Answer 7

You don't. If your equipment works of a battery then all you need is a universal charger. The voltage rating will be 100 / 240 volts. The current output of the charger will have to match the rating of your existing charger. This is normally given in ma. i.e. 200ma .

Your existing charger will do if it has a 100 /240 V on the plate.

Answer 8

If you shop for a battery powered brush that can take rechargable batteries, then you sould be in good shape. You can buy seperate chargers for the UK and US and should be good to go if you spend extended periods of time in either country.

Answer 9

Once you have the transformer plugged into the mains(wall socket), you can plug your item into the transformer and it will work fine. You might have to change the plug as US fittings are different.

Answer 10

If I remember right everything is Europe works on 220V you will need an adaptor..