110 volts to 220 volts?

Question

I would like to purchase an appliance that is unfortunately available only in the U.S.( U-line Wine Captain® Drawer Model 2175DWRWC) which means its 110 volts. I need to use it in Hongkong which uses 220 volts. I don't want to use converter or transformer because I think it would not be very energy efficient because the appliance would be use 24/7, 365 days. Any suggestion on how I can change my appliance from 110 volts to 220 volts. I already contacted the company and they don't want to custom made. Thank you

Answer 1

Jeff M and Bobweb have the right idea.
The wine cooler has the following electrical requirements.

Running amps = 2.4 A @ 115 V ac
Max Start-up = 5.5 @ 115 V ac

2.4 x 115 = 276 VA.

A 300+ watt converter should work fine.

Using Bob's link: The ST-300 (300 watt) converter is only $40 and is large enough to run the wine cooler. The next size is 500 watts and runs $60.

The "world-import" link below shows smaller and less expensive converters with an internal fuse. The TC-300A (300 watts) unit is rated "for continuous use". You can even buy an upgraded model with built-in voltage regulation for $35.

The losses of this device are not that great, and this is far more efficient that any of the motor/generator or battery/inverter options suggested.

If you can afford to fill a 48 bottle wine cooler, then you can afford the electric bill. Let's assume the voltage converter is only 80% efficient (probably higher). The "losses" of the converter would be:

Input power: 276 ÷ .80 = 345 watts
Output power: 276 watts
Losses = Input - Ouput = 345 - 276 = 69 watts.

69 watts = .069 kW
.069 kW x 24 hours x 365 = 604 kWh

At 10¢ per kWh, that's $60 a year or $5 a month.
You probably spill more than $5 worth a wine a month.


Hongkong has a 50 Hz system, however this 60 Hz device will probably work just fine.


There does not appear to be a dual voltage switch, so you'd need to perform some serious work to replace components with 220 V ones. Make sure you know what you're doing or you could create a safety and/or fire hazzard.

Answer 2

Why don't you buy a 110/220 transformer, just check the Amps on the dryer and get an appropriate one. According to my knowledge, if on the dryer you have 5 Amps that means 5X220=1100 Watts, this should be balanced when you use the 110, so 1100/110=10 Amps As a conclusion, if the dryer consumes 5 Amps on 220 it will consume 10 Amps on the 110 so you will need to have a 15 Amp circuit breaker on the line of the dryer, at the 110 side. I hope this was clear.

Answer 3

It seems strange that they do not offer the appliance in 220V. I would try and contact the company again and see if you get another customer service representative that may be more knowledgeable about their products. Usually the only thing that needs to be done is move a jumper wire and add the appropriate cord and plug. I glanced at their website and it does mention 220V service as an option.

As for the power conversion, i would think that a 750VA transformer would work more efficiently than converting to DC and then inverting back to 220VAC.

Answer 4

U do not want to use transformer or converter, right? Then just use a 2 phases AC dyno for your stuff. check with your electrician. AC current is 3 phases.

Piece of cake! LOL!

Answer 5

Local 220vAC Battery charger, large 12v Lead acid Battery, and a cheap US made 120vAC inverter rated at twice the power rating of the motor...

UPS system too....

Answer 6

Use this step up/down transformer and be happy.

http://www.action-electronics.com/trnsupdn.htm