Voltage converter/transformer question

[screns]

Apologies for being so electrically challenged, but I have questions about voltage transformers/converters. I have read the threads here but they have only left me further confused.

We will be moving from the USA and want to bring our stereo equipment (turntable, amplifier, CD player) and some other electronics (popcorn maker, hair clippers, etc.) with us but not sure if they will run OK on voltage transformers. Can anyone tell me definitively yes or no whether I should bring them and the transformers with me, and if so are there any specifications in the transformers that I need to look for? Or, will the transformers fry the electronics, or make them not work well or burn out quickly? Also read that they create inordinate amount of heat. We don't intend to use these items all the time, but maybe a couple of hours every day. Thanks.

[sundaymorningstaple]

The best you can do, frankly, is to see if the appliance (whatever it might be) has a dual voltage switch on it somewhere. If it is 110-240V 50/60hz then bring it. Just need a plug adapter here or a different plug.

If it only has 110-115V on the appliance then you will be taking a gamble. If it has a motor in it, it might burn up the motor or make it run slower/faster. If it's electronics, it will probably just over-heat and burn out.

A transformer will work but to get a good one will cost you considerable and even then you have to worry about the 50/60 cycle. If it's turntables then they will not run at the proper speeds. Same with tape drives, CD drives, etc., etc.

Unless it specifies dual voltage an noted in the first paragraph, leave it at home or in storage. Buy an inexpensive one here that you can garage sell when you leave.

[x9200]

I'm late (as majority around) for buying an air purifier and our little one is coughing more and more so I started to consider different options. How much would it be for a 110V->220V step up converter rated (true) 70-80W?

[zzm9980]

I'm late (as majority around) for buying an air purifier and our little one is coughing more and more so I started to consider different options. How much would it be for a 110V->220V step up converter rated (true) 70-80W?

And kind of convertor isn't too great for any high-draw appliance that runs full time. Even a cheap cordless phone I brought from the US ($17 at target) killed a $50 convertor after about 4 months. Most of them have disclaimers that they're only for occasional use.

[JR8]

Apologies for being so electrically challenged, but I have questions about voltage transformers/converters. I have read the threads here but they have only left me further confused.

We will be moving from the USA and want to bring our stereo equipment (turntable, amplifier, CD player) and some other electronics (popcorn maker, hair clippers, etc.) with us but not sure if they will run OK on voltage transformers. Can anyone tell me definitively yes or no whether I should bring them and the transformers with me, and if so are there any specifications in the transformers that I need to look for? Or, will the transformers fry the electronics, or make them not work well or burn out quickly? Also read that they create inordinate amount of heat. We don't intend to use these items all the time, but maybe a couple of hours every day. Thanks.

Apologies, late to the party.

My experience of voltage converters is that they're big ugly things. A 1Kw tranformer is like half a shoe-box of uglyness.

If you get one it will work ok (I ran a $30k hi-fi through one in the US for a few years. Purists might argue that vinyl ran at 34RPM but hey-ho, and the frequency/Hz bends... )


You're talking about a hi-fi stack.
Choices =
- Get the units re-speced for the input
- Run them from converters (and expect down-performance). You need to pitch for say 5-10* the draw. Hifi (input) = 200w.... you need a tranny for say 2kW (min!) output to run it all off.


p.s. Just don't turn it up too loud, or it won't be Black Sabbath sizzling.... it's going to be your domestic wiring...

[x9200]

I'm late (as majority around) for buying an air purifier and our little one is coughing more and more so I started to consider different options. How much would it be for a 110V->220V step up converter rated (true) 70-80W?

And kind of convertor isn't too great for any high-draw appliance that runs full time. Even a cheap cordless phone I brought from the US ($17 at target) killed a $50 convertor after about 4 months. Most of them have disclaimers that they're only for occasional use.

First I thought, ok, I would change the transformer but then I realized the fan's motor can be running directly on 110V so probably not an option. Fortunately amazon.co.uk sells also few same models and I ended up buying from them.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006 ... UTF8&psc=1

Actually it was even cheaper than getting one from the Sates and for efficiency comparable models probably at least 2x cheaper (including 2-4 business days delivery) than anything I could get at this moment locally.

PS. JR8, sorry, I should have mentioned I was bumping the old thread.

[Hidy Ho]

Since the thread has been bumped ..

Anyone know the name and location of stores where I can purchase the step down transformer? I googled and read something about a shop down at Sim Lim Tower.

My friend needs one to run a high-speed blender (Blendtec). I need one to run a small motor (cue lathe motor ... I think about same as sawing machine motor).

Anyone?

[zzm9980]

I guarantee Sim Lim will have it. Good luck finding it. I would suggest just going, starting at the top, and don't forget the shops in the outer rings.

[Hidy Ho]

I realize Sim Lim will have it (and I posted Tower not Square based on my research).

I was looking for more concrete information about a shop, model and price information from someone who actually might have looked or purchased one.

Did you look or buy one? If so, where?

[nakatago]

I guarantee Sim Lim will have it. Good luck finding it. I would suggest just going, starting at the top, and don't forget the shops in the outer rings.

Sim Lim Tower = electrical and electronic components and hobbyist haven
Sim Lim square = electronics and rip-off artist haven

[x9200]

Hobbyists heaven for SLT is a gross exaggeration It just that you can buy there in one place some components that in some other countries can be bought pretty much everywhere (lots of related shops).

Hidy Ho, as you probably realize I don't know the answer to you specific question neither, so please, please don't get angry with me but I know SLT pretty much and it is small. You go there, go B1 and ground levels only and after probably 15 min you will be done. I reckon there are less than 10 shops there they may have it. If you enter via the main entrance, you may go directly to B1 (old fashion stairs) and you will see in the vicinity of the escalator one shop to the left. They have a lot stuff one level up the components mark including power adapters, converters etc. I would start over there.

Edited to add: and if you turn right from the stairs (B1 level) and go almost to the end of the corridor there is also a small shop over there that specializes in power adapters only.

[zzm9980]

I guarantee Sim Lim will have it. Good luck finding it. I would suggest just going, starting at the top, and don't forget the shops in the outer rings.

Sim Lim Tower = electrical and electronic components and hobbyist haven
Sim Lim square = electronics and rip-off artist haven

Well that's the noob ang moh in me. I've only ever gone to SLS. I've been told "Oh SLT isn't the one you want." I assumed it was offices. That's probably why when I was looking for various things people looked at me like I was crazy. Now I know.

Edit: And look at that. The items I previously googled (2.4/5Ghz ext antenna with MMCX connectors) say the shop is in sim Lim Tower. I just saw Sim Lim last time and went to the wrong one. Oops.

[Hidy Ho]

Hobbyists heaven for SLT is a gross exaggeration It just that you can buy there in one place some components that in some other countries can be bought pretty much everywhere (lots of related shops).

Hidy Ho, as you probably realize I don't know the answer to you specific question neither, so please, please don't get angry with me but I know SLT pretty much and it is small. You go there, go B1 and ground levels only and after probably 15 min you will be done. I reckon there are less than 10 shops there they may have it. If you enter via the main entrance, you may go directly to B1 (old fashion stairs) and you will see in the vicinity of the escalator one shop to the left. They have a lot stuff one level up the components mark including power adapters, converters etc. I would start over there.

Edited to add: and if you turn right from the stairs (B1 level) and go almost to the end of the corridor there is also a small shop over there that specializes in power adapters only.

Thank you very much for your helpful information. I've done my research and your post validate what I've learned online. Actually, you gave me a better picture of what to expect once I get to B1 level.

I ain't going anywhere (except to Bangkok) until the dust clears outside ...

[Dert42]

Hopefully it's ok with admins I post this...
If not pls delete. (Like you wouldn't anyway)

FYI I just bought a 400W step down converter at Sim Lim Tower.
Like $60
2nd level:
Sin Li Electronic Trading
#02-57
Phone: 6339-6619

They had all kinds of stuff like that and were knowledgable about what I needed.

[e-products]

If you are looking for power transformers or ac adapters, a better place to visit would be Sim Lim Tower, which is just walking distance from SLS (Sim Lim Square).

For simple adapters, any heartland hardware store will sell them. Most electronic products these days support 100vac to 220/240 vac so there isn't a need for any sort of voltage converters etc anymore.