HowToFixComputers.com

worldwideweb · Guest

OK, as I'm living in a asia country, my default voltage provides 230v and
I'm interested in getting something such as speakers, Kilpsch from USA,
which accrodingly I believed uses 110v.

So, do u think its advisable to make use of those universal voltage
transformer for connecting the power of these speakers which has 110v?

Can anyone who has such speakers care to share whether it's feasible to use
such transformer as I'm afriad that due to the woofer power rating which is
much different posing possible over-loaded current on the universal
transformer if the 230v supply is not feasible.

Thank you.

philo · Guest

"worldwideweb" <noemail@goanddie.com> wrote in message
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Dorothy Bradbury · Guest

Step-Down Transformers (Convertors) are fine for 230-to-110V.

However...
o Do not overload them
o Do check the continuous vs peak load in wattage
---- ie, don't overload them or go for too small a size

Appliances with "Universal Voltage" (eg, 90-240vac)
written on them simply need a plug adapter.

Some safety aspects:
o With USA 110vac main issue is fire from short-circuits
o With EU/Asia 230vac main issue is electrocution
---- a short-circuit at 230vac has 4x the current of 110vac
---- electrocution at 230vac is "much above 30ma" (small)
o USA 110vac is usually via an isolating-transformer 110vac supply
---- transformer can on a pole outside, with centre-tap & outer taps
---- the twin outer taps each provide 110vac, as an isolating transformer
---- combine the twin outer taps to get 220vac (dryers, cookers)
---- Asia/EU are not isolating transformer based, L = Lethal

Other than that, no problem at all.
Not many appliances /require/ the 60Hz frequency of the USA.
Most a.c. motors outside the USA (60Hz) will run differently on
say EU circuits (50Hz), but very unlikely to be an issue for you.

Often the bigger step-down transformers (convertors) have twin
sockets, which can be handy if you need an extra device added.
However, don't overload them. Toroidal transformers are compact,
look like miniature drums and tend to be quite a lighter than some.

Finally, many transformers have a fuse to protect them. It is often
a 20mm fuse, and not that easily found. Worth getting some spare,
or at least testing your equipment on the transformer first. Some
types of equipment have high switch-on surge which even tho the
transformer VA/Wattage rating is above the equipment, it can still
trip the fuse. Eg, some medical equipment which is superb at it :-)
--
Dorothy Bradbury
www.stores.ebay.co.uk/panaflofan for fans, books & other items

Gary Tait · Guest

On Sun, 4 Jan 2004 00:19:42 -0000, "Dorothy Bradbury"
<dorothy.bradbury@ntlworld.com> wrote: