110v to 240v booster
#16
Re: 110v to 240v booster
fully agree on the power rating, as well as the type of device.
Power rating & safety is primary, also what about when these UK appliance breakdown or require service
From my post #2 earlier in the linked above types available
OP, if you are going the step up voltage adaptor/transformer route, then at least the 1000w unit at $68.99 cdn each, maybe two of those
Or one 2000w at $99.99 cdn each
Depends if the portable transformer type, moving it around the house for those UK small applicance devices is even worth it.
If it was me, I wouldn't bother buying the bulky one or two transformers - I'd go out & buy 110v replacement applicances, figuring the replacement cost of replacing them all or one by one. Check Walmart, they have some good pricing
A hairdryer
A portable electric drill set
A Blender/mixer, coffee maker, coffee grinder, kettle...
OP, did you bring over the vacuum cleaner also?
.
Power rating & safety is primary, also what about when these UK appliance breakdown or require service
From my post #2 earlier in the linked above types available
OP, if you are going the step up voltage adaptor/transformer route, then at least the 1000w unit at $68.99 cdn each, maybe two of those
Or one 2000w at $99.99 cdn each
Depends if the portable transformer type, moving it around the house for those UK small applicance devices is even worth it.
If it was me, I wouldn't bother buying the bulky one or two transformers - I'd go out & buy 110v replacement applicances, figuring the replacement cost of replacing them all or one by one. Check Walmart, they have some good pricing
A hairdryer
A portable electric drill set
A Blender/mixer, coffee maker, coffee grinder, kettle...
OP, did you bring over the vacuum cleaner also?
.
#18
Re: 110v to 240v booster
Get a licensed electrician to do any electrical work.
Basic electricity 101 - for information purposes only
Most all kitchen AC outlets in Canada are split receptacles. Basically means, that one half of the dual sockets (lets say the top) is wired from one side of the fuse panel with 110v, the bottom one is wired with 110v from the other side of the fuse panel. Each side of the live wires has separate fuses
With a multimeter/measuring device the socket actually has 110v-0-110v, or 220v across the two live points, with a neutral wire and of course the (earth) ground wire also
Basic 10 minute job, out comes the dual 110v socket, replacing it with a legal 220/250v 15 amp socket available from Home depot *notice the prongs in the socket are in a different configuration to a conventional 110v socket*
socket
https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.1...000137033.html
I have seen this done, even down to folks getting a single UK 13 amp socket to retro fit. Of course anything not conforming to UL/CSA shouldn't be done - or should it?
Right then, on the basis a home owner replaces on of the kitchen dual 110v sockets with a single one of those things from home depot, they would then need to change all the plugs on the UK appliance/devices.
Does it serve the purpose, well of course.
Should it be done - its the decision of whoever is doing it. Going this route, speak to an electrician first, just make sure the electrician does it right & proper
Basic electricity 101 - for information purposes only
Most all kitchen AC outlets in Canada are split receptacles. Basically means, that one half of the dual sockets (lets say the top) is wired from one side of the fuse panel with 110v, the bottom one is wired with 110v from the other side of the fuse panel. Each side of the live wires has separate fuses
With a multimeter/measuring device the socket actually has 110v-0-110v, or 220v across the two live points, with a neutral wire and of course the (earth) ground wire also
Basic 10 minute job, out comes the dual 110v socket, replacing it with a legal 220/250v 15 amp socket available from Home depot *notice the prongs in the socket are in a different configuration to a conventional 110v socket*
socket
https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.1...000137033.html
I have seen this done, even down to folks getting a single UK 13 amp socket to retro fit. Of course anything not conforming to UL/CSA shouldn't be done - or should it?
Right then, on the basis a home owner replaces on of the kitchen dual 110v sockets with a single one of those things from home depot, they would then need to change all the plugs on the UK appliance/devices.
Does it serve the purpose, well of course.
Should it be done - its the decision of whoever is doing it. Going this route, speak to an electrician first, just make sure the electrician does it right & proper
Last edited by not2old; Jul 28th 2016 at 4:13 pm. Reason: edited with corrected links
#20
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,274
Re: 110v to 240v booster
The only kitchen outlets I've had in homes in Canada and the US that are 220VAC are for a stove, water heater, clothes dryer....and a central Air-Con in Arizona.
North America's 220VAC is a 4 wire system.... 2 hot (110V) wires, 1 neutral, 1 safety.
United Kingdom's 220VAC is a 3 wire system....1 hot (220V) wire, 1 neutral, 1 safety.
I realize it's possible to wire a 2nd hot wire in a UK socket to neutral but that will never be accepted by csa.....nor insurance co's if the house went on fire. That could put the potential of all neutral wires in the house at 110VAC....not zero....if not careful. Then the RCCB's may trip.
It could be done by installing a large transformer near the electrical distribution box and re-wiring its output of 240VAC inside the distribution panel to optional sockets throughout the house, then substituting those sockets for UK style fittings to accept the appliance plug.
The wiring in Canadian homes are for a larger amperage capacity than those in UK....so no problem there.
The reverse of taking N.American 110VAC appliances to UK, and doing the same, can cause overheating wires.
North America's 220VAC is a 4 wire system.... 2 hot (110V) wires, 1 neutral, 1 safety.
United Kingdom's 220VAC is a 3 wire system....1 hot (220V) wire, 1 neutral, 1 safety.
I realize it's possible to wire a 2nd hot wire in a UK socket to neutral but that will never be accepted by csa.....nor insurance co's if the house went on fire. That could put the potential of all neutral wires in the house at 110VAC....not zero....if not careful. Then the RCCB's may trip.
It could be done by installing a large transformer near the electrical distribution box and re-wiring its output of 240VAC inside the distribution panel to optional sockets throughout the house, then substituting those sockets for UK style fittings to accept the appliance plug.
The wiring in Canadian homes are for a larger amperage capacity than those in UK....so no problem there.
The reverse of taking N.American 110VAC appliances to UK, and doing the same, can cause overheating wires.
#21
Re: 110v to 240v booster
@post20
Fairly standard in properties built in the last 40 - 50 years in Canada, even those that have been rewired from 'nob&tube' wired, that Kitchen outlet sockets as I mentioned are split 110-0-110, for the reason if they werent and someone plugged in a kettle & toaster into a dual tandum socket that only had 15 amp maximum capacity, the fuse would be tripping every 30 seconds - one minute
You will find conformity to install a single 15amp/250v socket for the reason the provision made in the wall panel/fuse box & the fact that some workshops, even home garages have these sockets.
And that is why CSA/UL (ULC) sockets are available & sold as being conforming
Suggest the OP contacts a local Electrician
As for fitting a UK/OZ/SA type 240/250v socket, these are non-conforming in Canada... at your own risk
.
Fairly standard in properties built in the last 40 - 50 years in Canada, even those that have been rewired from 'nob&tube' wired, that Kitchen outlet sockets as I mentioned are split 110-0-110, for the reason if they werent and someone plugged in a kettle & toaster into a dual tandum socket that only had 15 amp maximum capacity, the fuse would be tripping every 30 seconds - one minute
You will find conformity to install a single 15amp/250v socket for the reason the provision made in the wall panel/fuse box & the fact that some workshops, even home garages have these sockets.
And that is why CSA/UL (ULC) sockets are available & sold as being conforming
Suggest the OP contacts a local Electrician
As for fitting a UK/OZ/SA type 240/250v socket, these are non-conforming in Canada... at your own risk
.
Last edited by not2old; Jul 28th 2016 at 6:24 pm. Reason: edited
#22
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: 110v to 240v booster
The above item will NOT work in Canada.
It is only a step-down transformer/converter from 240VAC to 120VAC.
The OP needs a step-up transformer/converter from 120VAC to 240VAC to operate the equipment he brought from UK.
Check London Drugs...I believe I saw small transformers there...also any small electronic or dollar stores.
I recently bought a similar cube step-down from a dollar store in Vancouver to charge a waterpik (120VAC) which we bought 'on sale' in London Drugs to take to Bali (240VAC) ....cost C$8.
It is only a step-down transformer/converter from 240VAC to 120VAC.
The OP needs a step-up transformer/converter from 120VAC to 240VAC to operate the equipment he brought from UK.
Check London Drugs...I believe I saw small transformers there...also any small electronic or dollar stores.
I recently bought a similar cube step-down from a dollar store in Vancouver to charge a waterpik (120VAC) which we bought 'on sale' in London Drugs to take to Bali (240VAC) ....cost C$8.
I agree with the Pulaski...these small travel cube-style transformers are only for small non-continuous loads and can be dangerous if used on high wattage. They heat-up and can cause fires....especially if the connector is also weak.
Proper step-up-down transformers are ventilated and often fitted with a fan to dissipate the heat they generate. They are also made of heavy grade material...not flimsy plastic.
Proper step-up-down transformers are ventilated and often fitted with a fan to dissipate the heat they generate. They are also made of heavy grade material...not flimsy plastic.
Last edited by Siouxie; Jul 28th 2016 at 7:43 pm.
#23
Re: 110v to 240v booster
from a google search, for information purposes only
How to install a 220 volt outlet - AskmeDIY
How to Convert a 110V Outlet to 220V | eBay
220Volt socket in a kitchen
How to install a 220 volt outlet - AskmeDIY
How to Convert a 110V Outlet to 220V | eBay
220Volt socket in a kitchen
#24
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 116
Re: 110v to 240v booster
We bought some bits with us also and worked this out as we went along
Where the plug says 110-220 on it, it is ok to use a standard plug converter.
Where it just says 220, it needs a step up/down transformer that is rated above the wattage it requires (I think it's generally advised for 25% above)
We bought 3 transformers (the same as those linked to in the first reply) of various wattages - we use them as and when required (one tv/blurays player in the bedroom - this also is used for the electric razor charging too, the hornby train set has one and the dyson has a 2000w one)
For us, this serves as enough for what we needed them to do. Any smaller electrical stuff we replaced here.
Where the plug says 110-220 on it, it is ok to use a standard plug converter.
Where it just says 220, it needs a step up/down transformer that is rated above the wattage it requires (I think it's generally advised for 25% above)
We bought 3 transformers (the same as those linked to in the first reply) of various wattages - we use them as and when required (one tv/blurays player in the bedroom - this also is used for the electric razor charging too, the hornby train set has one and the dyson has a 2000w one)
For us, this serves as enough for what we needed them to do. Any smaller electrical stuff we replaced here.
#25
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,274
Re: 110v to 240v booster
The OP needs a step-up transformer from Canada's 120 volts to his appliances needing 240 volts.
#26
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2013
Location: Edmonton, AB
Posts: 46
Re: 110v to 240v booster
We bought a Simran 1000w Step up/Step down converter on amazon. I shipped over a treadmill, a kenwood and a food processor. It works well for all three (not at once!). It was cheaper for us than replacing over here.
#27
Re: 110v to 240v booster
Thanks all, checked with the landlord, no alterations, no surprise.
I will buy a box to 2000w and move it around the house when I need to, in theory, I should also be able to charge the toothbrushes and the girls shavers through it, so it makes sense to do this. Much cheaper than a 110v Dyson. Again, thanks.
By the way, anyone had BC Cherries from Safeway? They are huge and fabulous. $8/kg but worth it as a treat.
I will buy a box to 2000w and move it around the house when I need to, in theory, I should also be able to charge the toothbrushes and the girls shavers through it, so it makes sense to do this. Much cheaper than a 110v Dyson. Again, thanks.
By the way, anyone had BC Cherries from Safeway? They are huge and fabulous. $8/kg but worth it as a treat.
#29
Re: 110v to 240v booster
Please see below. Duplicate post.
Last edited by Yorkiechef; Jul 30th 2016 at 12:25 am.
#30
Re: 110v to 240v booster
ebay, amazon.ca & google are worth searching
Just remember the maximum current from a Canadian AC outlet is 15 amps or approx 1650 watts
in the meantime
https://www.amazon.ca/Goldsource%C2%...34ZXEMQKKD6SN1
https://www.amazon.ca/Goldsource%C2%...YTPP5G332JWZFG
https://www.amazon.ca/Simran-AC-500-.../dp/B004MPR3XQ
.
Just remember the maximum current from a Canadian AC outlet is 15 amps or approx 1650 watts
in the meantime
https://www.amazon.ca/Goldsource%C2%...34ZXEMQKKD6SN1
https://www.amazon.ca/Goldsource%C2%...YTPP5G332JWZFG
https://www.amazon.ca/Simran-AC-500-.../dp/B004MPR3XQ
.