Using US appliances in UK

Soldato
Joined
6 May 2009
Posts
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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)
 
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)
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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My dad has one of these, would this work?




It does say '13A overload manual reset trip' the wax melter is 15A
 
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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
No motors or pumps, just heating element. Search '10lb Electric Wax Melter for Candle Making by Bare Botanics | Heat Resistant Handle & Brass Spout | Made in USA' it's the top result on the OcUK competitor site.

She's returning it now anyway and buying a UK one thats similar (with a UK plug)
 
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