UK Electrics in Canada
 

Just arrived with the usual assortment of UK 240v gadgets.
Nearly everything works on 110v, except the Brothers sewing machine.
The TV picture is also a bit smaller than it should be but we will get the Rogers man back on Monday. Could be the 60Hz thing?

I have used a couple of travel plugs and a couple of UK multi-socket extension cords to plug things in. The items are TV, computer, monitor, printer, mouse, and keyboard. Also a Panasonic mini HiFi set.

Nothing with a large power requirement, but it all works.

Re: UK Electrics in Canada
 

What? No explosions and fires yet? You should probably alert the local fire station as to what you've done.:p:p:p

Re: UK Electrics in Canada
 

TV won't be the 60hz thing, just have a good look in the settings for both TV and Set top box on aspect ratio type stuff
The sewing machine is quite probably just not enough voltage at 110v to get the motor going, that'll need either e new 100v motor or a step up transformer

Re: UK Electrics in Canada
 

Yep electronics are nearly all fine these days, anything with a motor like the sewing machine won't work and you will burn the motor out if you're insanely persistent.

I'm kind of impressed that you carried a sewing machine over with you though...

Re: UK Electrics in Canada
 

I brought my sewing machine(s) over. The electric one is still working fine with a transformer :). The treadle one is a bit idle these days ...;). The hand-driven is mostly decorative, but still sews a fine seam.

Re: UK Electrics in Canada
 

Motors won't like the change from 50HZ to 60HZ and will probably self destruct eventually.

I had an expensive laser printer that wouldn't work on a step-up transformer at all - it displayed an error message about the frequency and halted its 'boot up'.

Re: UK Electrics in Canada
 

Used the Aspect ratio button on the Rogers remote and everything fine now, a good full sized picture Thanks Mike UK.

No explosions or fires so far.

Re: UK Electrics in Canada
 

FWIW A 50hz motor will run on 60hz... yes it'll spin faster, but so will its cooling fan and the end result is a motor that most of the time survives OKGoing the other way results in a slower motor with insufficient cooling and eventually or in some cases rapid burn out depending on load

Re: UK Electrics in Canada
 

If you have a next gen games console i.e. ps4/xbox one from the UK DO NOT USE the UK power brick. There have been countless reports of the additional current required to achieve the same power (P=VI etc.) blowing the internal fuses. You need to order a new power brick but the console will be fine.

Re: UK Electrics in Canada
 

Thanks to everyone.

One question ! What size transformer is required with a sewing machine which quotes 42W output ?

Also, anyone able to recommend a source---eg; shop or internet

Re: UK Electrics in Canada
 

I get that sort of gubbins from House of 220 in Little India. That's not handy, of course, if you're in Winnipeg.

Re: UK Electrics in Canada
 

For motors I'd Double the rating to ensure its not pushing the transformer too hard#
so for 42W I'd look for a 100w transformer

Re: UK Electrics in Canada
 

Just ordered a 200w one from Amazon for $25.99.
Will see if it works next week.

Re: UK Electrics in Canada
 

It will. "Almost" anything seems to work with the appropriate sized transformer (not sure about white goods - big ones). I bought a range of sizes right up to a 3000w on to run the Dyson and power tools until they were eventually replaced. Step up transformer about $100, Dyson alone, close to $500.

Re: UK Electrics in Canada
 

Yep. Works perfectly and easy to set up.