Help with electrics needed
 

I have brought over 3 electrical items from the UK which I would now like to use and wonder if anyone can give me some advice on how I can use them safely in Canada and what transformers I need to buy and the best place to buy them.

The 1st item is a heated throw 220-240V, 50HZ, 120W
The 2nd item is an upright Orek vacuum 230V, 50HZ, 350W
The 3rd item is a hand held Orek vacuum 230-240V,50HZ 500W

Any help with this would be much appreciated.
Granma Nessie

Re: Help with electrics needed
 

No idea except i wouldn't use a heated throw on a transformer. I'm scared of electric blankets anyway and adding another step in the potential for burns and painful death doesn't appeal.

Re: Help with electrics needed
 

Surely that can't be right?

Leaving aside the throw (is that something like an electric blanket?) You ask about a 350W upright vacuum and a hand held 500W vacuum?

I'd certainly toss the former.

Re: Help with electrics needed
 

Hi Novo. Yes the throw is like a heated over blanket for your knees etc when sitting on the couch.
The Upright Orek definitely has a plate on it stating 350 Watts. It is a vey good cleaner and was vey costly in UK. I paid about £375 for it so didn't want to leave it behind.

Re: Help with electrics needed
 

Go for at least double wattage for anything with a motor, as they use a higher current initially to start the motor spinning.

Oreck vacs really are 350 or 500W, however I suspect your Oreck warranty will be worthless over here. The warranty is what you are paying for in reality.

The throw will PROBABLY be fine. There is no reason why adding an extra step in the power supply will make any difference (and those transformers add an extra fuse in the circuit). The throw will probably be double insulated anyway (double square symbol on the rating label), so it will only have to wires in the plug and no earth.

If it is a single-insulated throw, that means it is old and they were banned in UK BECAUSE they are more dangerous. If there is no double square symbol, throw it away.

An 240V electric blanket or throw is just a big resistor, so would work at 110V, BUT it would take ages to heat up. Not double the time, but even longer....because P=V*V/R for those who remember physics!