UK>> How can i use an american electric device (that runs on their dodgy 110v) with the british 220v mains?

Answer 1

Before you invest in a transformer, you may want to note that American TV, videos etc run on a completely different system to the UK & regardless of you getting the voltage correct, it still wont work.

Answer 2

First of all you need a step down transformer to convert UK mains voltage to the 110V of the appliance. By the way UK mains is 240V, mainland european mains is 220V, that's why the EU has fudged the europe wide mains voltage standard to 230V +/- 10%.
You can buy a step down transformer from maplin, argos, ebay, and many other sources. However check the power rating of the appliance first in watts or VA and make sure the transformer can handle the load. Consumer step down transformers are normally only rated to handle small appliances like dvd players and audio systems, so forget trying to run a toaster, or vacuum cleaner on one of these! Also bear in mind that many USA appliances with metal cases are not earthed, so make sure you are comfortable with this. Anything with an AC motor in will run 15% slower on UK mains. Most modern electronic devices use switch mode power supplies and these are tolerant to 50 or 60 hertz frequency. If in doubt take advice from a qualified electrician.

Answer 3

the american supply is 110V at 60Hz, british supply is 230V at 50Hz (used to be 240V but was changed to 230 to unify voltage across europe as most of europe was using 220. they stepped up a little, we stepped down a little and now everyone is 230)

there are no problems in getting hold of a transformer, 110V transformers are widely available as that is the voltage we use on building sites.
Unfortunately the Frequency could be a big Problem with equipment, something designed to work at 60Hz will run at only 5/6ths of its speed on our 50Hz supply, for a hairdrier this would probably result in overheating, for electronics it may or may not be a problem (electronics would generaly run on a rectified DC voltage which may smooth away the frequency problems... or might not if the smoothing capacitors are underrated due to the lower frequency).

I'd recommend just getting a UK / Europe version of the device.

Answer 4

Yes it's 230v now!
You need a step up transformer from maplins or a good electrical supplier, but you also need to check the appliance you wish to connect. The u.s. uses 60hz, which can be a problem for some devices, like tv's.
Where the cable connects to the appliance, or on a sticker at the back there should be info regarding voltage and frequency. If still in doubt, ask at your local electrical supplier.

Answer 5

British!

Answer 6

You can get a step down transformer but it would be cheaper to buy a 220v version of the gadget.

Answer 7

An online store called "The Sharper Image" has adapters for that sort of thing. Google it, it's pretty easy to find.

Answer 8

OR, look for a switch to change from 110 to 220....

Answer 9

get a transformer, you can get them from argos i think. Its the same as what you get with a mobile phone.
Other than that try B&Q electrical section.

Answer 10

get a transformer from an electrical shop