Using US appliances in UK

Guest2

Guest2

Guest2

Soldato
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Is it possible to use US appliances in UK?

Example, device which states 15 amps, 120V. Can this appliance be safely plugged into a UK 240V standard wall outlet and used with a US > UK adapter without a transformer?

The device is a '10lb Electric Wax Melter for Candle Making by Bare Botanics | Heat Resistant Handle & Brass Spout | Made in USA'

I connected this without a transformer and with a wattage measuring plug also connected and it said 'overload' instantly which means over 3500 Watts. My guess is the wattage was fine, but the voltage was double
 
Could a voltage converter be used instead of a transformer, or is it the same thing?

The appliance is 1800W (120V x 15A)
 
Guest2 said:
Could a voltage converter be used instead of a transformer, or is it the same thing?

The appliance is 1800W (120V x 15A)
Click to expand...

Theoretically, yes, but that's a lot of current for s semiconductor step down device to handle. A construction site transformer, quite a big one would probably work, albeit the voltage is a bit low (110V). A big Variac would definitely work, I have a couple that will handle 32 Amps (I am not selling them BTW). There will be transformers available that will do the step down from 230V and give the full 120V, they are rated in an odd way, you need a MINIMUM of a 1.8kVA one (1800VA)

This should do it:

www.ebay.co.uk

UK 240v to USA 110volt Step Down Transformer 3000Va 50vUK 240v to USA 110volt St | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for UK 240v to USA 110volt Step Down Transformer 3000Va 50vUK 240v to USA 110volt St at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.
www.ebay.co.uk
 
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Chris Wilson said:
Theoretically, yes, but that's a lot of current for s semiconductor step down device to handle. A construction site transformer, quite a big one would probably work, albeit the voltage is a bit low (110V). A big Variac would definitely work, I have a couple that will handle 32 Amps (I am not selling them BTW). There will be transformers available that will do the step down from 230V and give the full 120V, they are rated in an odd way, you need a MINIMUM of a 1.8kVA one (1800VA)
Click to expand...
Would this work? Maybe pushing it at 2000W as the appliance will surge when turned on

jxgzyy 2000W Voltage Transformer UK To US 240V~220V to 110V~120V Step Down Voltage Convertor Transformer with Temperature Control Circuit Breaker Protection​

  • 【2000W STEP DOWN TRANSFORMER】2000W voltage converter offer you a safe, reliable, affordable & convenient solution to converting voltages from 220v~240v down to 110v~120v for both home use & industrial applications.
  • 【SLIM AND PORTABLE】Lightweight transformer 220v~240v down to 110v~120v with ultra-thin ring-type transformer. Size:23.8x18.3x6.8cm/9.4"x7.2"x2.7", weight: 5.4kg/12lbs.
  • 【DOUBLE OUTPUT 110V-120V】Input voltage 220V-240V, double output 110V-120V. You can use 2 equipment with 240V rated simultaneously.
 
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Guest2 said:
Would this work? Maybe pushing it at 2000W as the appliance will surge when turned on

jxgzyy 2000W Voltage Transformer UK To US 240V~220V to 110V~120V Step Down Voltage Convertor Transformer with Temperature Control Circuit Breaker Protection​

  • 【2000W STEP DOWN TRANSFORMER】2000W voltage converter offer you a safe, reliable, affordable & convenient solution to converting voltages from 220v~240v down to 110v~120v for both home use & industrial applications.
  • 【SLIM AND PORTABLE】Lightweight transformer 220v~240v down to 110v~120v with ultra-thin ring-type transformer. Size:23.8x18.3x6.8cm/9.4"x7.2"x2.7", weight: 5.4kg/12lbs.
  • 【DOUBLE OUTPUT 110V-120V】Input voltage 220V-240V, double output 110V-120V. You can use 2 equipment with 240V rated simultaneously.
Click to expand...


Probably, the turn on surge will be very brief. Be cautious of Chinese ratings, I tend to halve what they cite and still cross fingers, not that I buy from China at all if I can help it. Physically the toroid sounds a bit small and light...
 
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My dad has one of these, would this work?

electro-wind.co.uk

Heavy Duty 110V Portable Site Transformers

• Designed for carrying full & continuous load • Suitable for Lighting and heavier loads such as heaters • Manufactured in accordance with BSEN61558 CE & RoHS Compliant Product Code 3kVA 230V to 110V Transformer Centre Tap Earthed Continuous Isolation Transformer Metal Enclosure IP21 c/w...
electro-wind.co.uk


electro-wind.co.uk

AP30/2 - 3.3kVA or 3300VA Intermittent Rated Portable Isolation Transformer 2 x 16a Sockets - Portable Power Tool Transformer

AP30/2 - 3.3kVA or 3300VA Intermittent Rated Portable Isolation Transformer 2 x 16a Sockets - Portable Power Tool Transformer - AP30/2 This 3.3kVA portable power tool transformer is made with a tough GRP case to withstand harsh conditions of site use. High quality internal windings and...
electro-wind.co.uk electro-wind.co.uk

It does say '13A overload manual reset trip' the wax melter is 15A
 
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Possibly, try it, the intermittent rating is a bit iffy though :) If it keeps tripping or starts to get hot it's not beefy enough. Electro-wind are reputable, they have wound me some custom stuff and they are helpful. But site transformers abound on Ebay, or ask at the local gypsy site...
 
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You could buy two of the candle makers, wire them in series and use a normal UK 13 amp socket... Fork handles sketch coming to mind.
 
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Guest2 said:
My dad has one of these, would this work?

electro-wind.co.uk

Heavy Duty 110V Portable Site Transformers

• Designed for carrying full & continuous load • Suitable for Lighting and heavier loads such as heaters • Manufactured in accordance with BSEN61558 CE & RoHS Compliant Product Code 3kVA 230V to 110V Transformer Centre Tap Earthed Continuous Isolation Transformer Metal Enclosure IP21 c/w...
electro-wind.co.uk
Click to expand...

One of those would work, but is what your dad has one of those. i.e. continious rated. The vast majority of site transformers are specified for intermitant operation at the headline rating , often 3kw continious, 1500 continuous. Though I should imagine the heater goes in an out on a stat.

Also remember that the 15A will relate to the secondary side loading, the current on the primary side will be approximatly 50% of this. Theres no motors or pumps on this thing is there? 50hz vs 60hz will make a difference to motors, transformers, chokes etc, but will have no effect on restsive heating elements
 
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