spunky
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 posted on 3/8/04 at 08:30 AM |
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I've been a prat....Help
Just changed the g/f car for a MX5. (She is mobile hairdresser) Due to limited luggage space I have been searching for a compact hood dryer.
Good news is I found a real neat unit and ordered it from the States. Bad news is I totolly overlooked the fact that they use 120v. Whats the easiest
way to convert to run on 240v.
Anyone know where I can get a transformer...
Help please, I'm feeling foolish and the girfriend is taking the p!ss....
John
The reckless man may not live as long......
But the cautious man does not live at all.....
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theconrodkid
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 08:33 AM |
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a lot of contractors tools are 110 volt,try b&q etc
who cares who wins
pass the pork pies
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 08:41 AM |
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May be OK to use an auto-transformer from somewhere like Maplins. However, the motor may run at an odd speed (their speed is set from the mains
frequency - 60Hz in USA, 50Hz in Europe).
What you will find is that an auto-transformer (or contractors transformer) powerful enough to run a heater and blower may be fairly large and heavy,
cancelling out any benefit of the compact hood.
Also, if the unit is USA-standard 2-pin, you may have earthing/safety issues - not good if you're going to run it over a customer's wet
hair!
I think you're entering a world of pain...
David
(a.k.a Profit of Doom)
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spunky
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 09:24 AM |
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Cheers John, David.
Safety considerations are a major concern, Maybe a new line of buisiness-'Mobile execution by electric chair' 
John
The reckless man may not live as long......
But the cautious man does not live at all.....
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 09:35 AM |
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Ask someone like AlanB about the issues - he's seen mains supplies both sides of the pond!
BTW: The USA approach to mains supply is quite different to ours - AFAIK, each house is supplied with 2 phases that add up to 220 volts. Most
domestic kit uses one phase of 110 volts, but anything that requires more power uses both in series, giving 220 volts.
You will find 2-pin plugs, 2-pin plus earth, etc.
The UK contractor's transformer is 110v, made up of 2 windings of 55v, with the centre earthed (the theory is that if something goes wrong
you're never more than 55v away from earth potential!). Trouble is, you probably won't get an earth connection...
SteveG - any comment? You've dealt with mains power issues, haven't you?
David
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 09:35 AM |
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buy two and put em in series!
to be really pessimistic........
if something DID happen, I recon you might have probs with insurance, using 120v 60hz kit in the UK.
Also, I recon the average girlie would be a bit scared when your (big muscled - she will be) GF walks in with a contractor's transformer.
In answer to David.... you are right about the 2 phases - cookers and stuff in usa use both phases.
Im sure the americans on here could correct me if im wrong.....
Also, ive been told that every socket in an american home has its own 10a fuse and line to the fuse box. Therefore any cable from a socket - even if
its a 60w bulb - has to be 10a as a consequence.
USA supplies also dont have a neutral as such. In the UK neutral is referenced to earth at the power station. So, only 'live' is hot.
In the USA there isnt any reference to earth so both are hot (55v each???).
I know this cos many years ago we nearly zapped our staff in the usa when we used single pole swithcing for the mains supply
atb
steve
[Edited on 3/8/04 by stephen_gusterson]
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Rob Lane
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 09:35 AM |
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220volt is also an option in US. Could you contact suppliers and ask?
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splitrivet
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 09:40 AM |
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If its not dual voltage and it may be the only real thing to worry about is what current it draws.
If its heavy on juice a contractors 110 volt transformer may have to be used and they are quite heavy.
Why should the earthing be a problem do yank women get zapped on a regular basis when they have thier hair done, if its a concern just change the
lead to a 3 core and earth out the appliance.
I cant see a problem John
Cheers,
I used to be a Werewolf but I'm alright nowwoooooooooooooo
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 09:50 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by splitrivet
If its not dual voltage and it may be the only real thing to worry about is what current it draws.
If its heavy on juice a contractors 110 volt transformer may have to be used and they are quite heavy.
Why should the earthing be a problem do yank women get zapped on a regular basis when they have thier hair done, if its a concern just change the
lead to a 3 core and earth out the appliance.
I cant see a problem John
Cheers,
I can!
are you saying just run it on 240 and see what happens?
if its 1000w, then it will draw 9a in the states
and
approx 26a here. (if my quick maths inst screwed)
KAPOWWWWW
atb
steve
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splitrivet
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 09:59 AM |
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No read the post Steve, the current draw would affect how youd bring it down to 110 volt re transformer size.
I would have thought the supplier would realise we use 240 volt in the UK anyroad a quick email would sort that out.
Cheers,
Bob
I used to be a Werewolf but I'm alright nowwoooooooooooooo
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 10:36 AM |
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Its ambiguous! (at least to me  )
at the end of the day, the item is unlikely to have been approved to british stnadards, and would give big insurance problems if used commercially
I recon an average american shipping clerk would have no idea of the mains supply requirements in then uk.....
atb
steve
splitrivet
No read the post Steve, the current draw would affect how youd bring it down to 110 volt re transformer size.
I would have thought the supplier would realise we use 240 volt in the UK anyroad a quick email would sort that out.
Cheers,
Bob
[Edited on 3/8/04 by stephen_gusterson]
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white130d
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 11:31 AM |
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Over here
In the states we have as mentioned 220 run to the panel where it splits to 110. Circuits are run through a circuit breaker with a HOT wire, one
nuetral (aactually a second ground)and a ground. The only time there will be an extra circuit breaker is in a "wet" environment ie.
Bathroom (loo) Kitchen or outdoors whe they have to be GFI (ground fault inturrupted). Large appliances stoves (cookers) Clothes dryers, water
heaters etc run 220 VAC with 2 hot leads, and a ground.
When I travel over your way I have a converter to run a handheld hair dryer, shaver, cell phone, laptop etc...but that probably is too small for you
application.
David
"There's only 2 things that money can't buy, and that's true love and home grown tomatos" Guy Clark
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spunky
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 11:36 AM |
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Wow, what a good response, I was only expecting ridicule for not realising my mistake.
the appliance is 120v 60Hz and a mere 400W.
So am I correct in thinking that a transformer only has to be rated around 3.33A?
400/120=3.33
If thats the case then RS Comps do a smallish step down tranny with yanky socket on the o/p side.
The dryer is fully enclosed in plastic and would be classed as double insulated over here, also the hood is remote from the heater/fan and connected
by long concertina hose. Worth the risk?
Thanks guys.
John
The reckless man may not live as long......
But the cautious man does not live at all.....
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Stuart Ainslie
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 12:15 PM |
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AFAIK, if it's not CE marked you shouldn't be using it in the UK.
Hate to think of the consequences if an accident should occur - I think the insurers would take a dump on you big time....
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 12:23 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Stuart Ainslie
I think the insurers would take a dump on you big time....
...and the Health and Safety Executive.
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splitrivet
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 02:39 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by stephen_gusterson
Its ambiguous! (at least to me )
Dont call me that again till I look it up 
With that wattage you shouldnt have a problem John, no matter what these harbingers of doom say,why worry.
Cheers,
Bob
I used to be a Werewolf but I'm alright nowwoooooooooooooo
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spunky
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 02:54 PM |
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Ok then chaps, before I shell out £50 on a transformer, what other European countries use 240V (if any) These bloody soft hood dryers are not
available in the UK any more
John
The reckless man may not live as long......
But the cautious man does not live at all.....
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 02:57 PM |
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Any country in the EU... all nominally 230v +/- 10% (in other words 220 - 240).
You'll have to replace the plug, but no problem apart from that as it'll be CE-marked.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend a transformer for personal use, but not for use on customers, in their own premises - legally too risky.
David
[Edited on 3/8/04 by David Jenkins]
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 03:13 PM |
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as david says, in europe, they quote 230v.
In fact, it is still 220v I think- this allows the UK and Europe to be supposedly 230v, as they split the difference, and its still between the
tolerance levels.
I think that the usa adaptors travellers use simply have a power diode in them - just lets half the AC waveform through. Dunno what the rating is, or
how a motor would like it.
machine mart list the following trasnformers
CTR750/1 750VA 1 9 210x166x220 010710000 £42.95 £50.47
CTR1000/1 1000VA 1 10 210x166x220 010710010 £44.95 £52.82
CTR1500/2 1500VA 2 12 255x166x220 010710020 £57.95 £68.09
CTR2250/2 2250VA 2 17 275x189x250 010710030 £62.95 £73.97
CTR3300/2 3300VA 2 19 275x189x250 010710040 £59.95 £70.44
VA = watts
atb
steve
[Edited on 3/8/04 by stephen_gusterson]
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theconrodkid
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 03:35 PM |
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poland is cheap for most stuff,i have a freind there
who cares who wins
pass the pork pies
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 06:09 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by stephen_gusterson
machine mart list the following trasnformers
Steve,
You should quote the weights as well - that'll be the killer!
David
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spunky
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 06:49 PM |
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The lightest I've found was 4.5Kg for a 500VA. Acceptable but I think I'll do some more googling for a CE marked unit.
Damn stupid car with no bloody luggage space
Thanks for the info/warnings guys
John
The reckless man may not live as long......
But the cautious man does not live at all.....
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stephen_gusterson
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 07:42 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by David Jenkins
quote:
Originally posted by stephen_gusterson
machine mart list the following trasnformers
Steve,
You should quote the weights as well - that'll be the killer!
David
I know. His gf will be able to kick his ass after a few home visits lugging that about!
atb
steve
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sgraber
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 08:03 PM |
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It's quite common for us 'foreigners' traveling to the UK to bring our appliances. My wife takes her hair dryer and we take a
nebulizer for my son too.
The unit you want is only $25 for a 500W continuous rated unit.
http://www.dvdoverseas.com/store/index.html?catalog1_0.html
Graber
Steve Graber
http://www.grabercars.com/
"Quickness through lightness"
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spunky
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| posted on 3/8/04 at 08:29 PM |
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Mr Graber Sir. Thank you for the link.
Thats exactly what I want.
Incredible that you guys in the states pay $25 but over here its over $80 (equivalent) just becuse its considered industrial use!
Doesn't sort out the earthing issue but its the g/f that would get zapped handling it with wet hands, and 110V 400W, well that aint gonna hurt
much is it....
Thanks for that Steve
John
The reckless man may not live as long......
But the cautious man does not live at all.....
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