220 volts
 

Apart from the question whether it makes sence out of a financial perspective, is anybody using or having practical experiences regarding european electrical devices in Canada, - with the apropriate converter from 220 to 110 volts?

Re: 220 volts
 

Some people do, but most dont bother. Kind of depends what devices you have in mind to, some simply wont work right anyway because of the 50 / 60Hz difference, some heavy wattage items would be very inefficient to run via transformer or simply draw more current that a domestic circuit will take. Most stuff will work OK.

Presumably you meant a converter from 110 to 220/240V

The wiki article on compatibility is a good place to start if you havent already read it.

Re: 220 volts
 

what about a european washing machinge? - if converted, would that work?

Re: 220 volts
 

What does the wiki say:rolleyes:

(although the bit about CSA approval and insurance is questionable at best)

Id have thought a washer would draw a fair number of Watts, especially if it either heats the water or has an intergral dryer feature too. What does the plate say?

50/60Hz?

Re: 220 volts
 

Did you read the Wiki article as suggested by Iaink? I thought there was a section in there about washing machines.

Re: 220 volts
 

Doesn't it spin the other way?

Re: 220 volts
 

Thats australian ones I think:p

Re: 220 volts
 

I think you would find the cost and size of a step up transformer for a washing machine would make it an unreasonable option. You may also find it very difficult to anyone to repair it if it goes wrong.

We use a transformer for a 230v tv that we brought with us, the transformer is very quiet and we haven't had any problems with it.

Re: 220 volts
 

rule of thumb......if it's got a motor or heater, then don't bother

Re: 220 volts
 

I use a whole load of garage and garden tools using the 220 volt supply I have in there. I also have a 3kw transformer which we use for all sorts of things (hairdryer, blender, drills etc). I think if you were using it all the time it would be inefficient, but if you use a drill, let's say, for 30 seconds at a time, I think it's cheaper than replacing all your UK power tools.

Re: 220 volts
 

Our stereo works fine off a 500w transformer.

Re: 220 volts
 

All driers are 240 volt could get an electrician to put a wire and socket in and could do the same with the garage you will have to check how many amps your box is could get an extra suppy put in but maybe expencive

Re: 220 volts
 

Hi - we are moving over soon and I am in the process of selling off all of our electrical items howvere I have a set of really nice (and very expensive) bedside lamps I would like to keep if possible. I think the bulbs are compatible - I can't remember the names at the moment - I think they are halogens and ideally I would just change the plug over however I was wondering if the wiring was compatible? I'm not electrically minded at all and I know current / voltage is different so would the wires be effected of is it just a case of swapping the plugs? thanks

Re: 220 volts
 

Can that actually be done to any existing canadian "code", or does a sparky risk loosing their license for doing that?


You have to consider that 240 in the UK is one line "neutral" (common to ground), one line 240ac compared to ground & neutral, with a second neutral "ground" line to ground for safety. Here 240 is made up of two lines that are 120ac to ground but 240V to each other, (AKA "floating ground"), so you lose one level of protection should something go wrong because you dont have a common neutral and ground.

Re: 220 volts
 

If they have a separate power supply, then you should be OK. My brother sent over a fish tank with expensive LED lights, the cord to the lights had a |. sort of connector on the end. I just swapped his UK three pin power transformer for an old one I had from an IKEA reading light and they were fine.

For regular lights you can usually swap the plug and the light bulb receptacle over without too much hassle.