US small appliances in UK
#1
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Joined: Oct 2020
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US small appliances in UK
Hi,
I am returning to the UK from US and would love to keep my two specialist sewing machines which cost over $1000. Will I be able to use them in the UK with an adaptor? Or get them converted to UK voltage?
many thanks in advance!
I am returning to the UK from US and would love to keep my two specialist sewing machines which cost over $1000. Will I be able to use them in the UK with an adaptor? Or get them converted to UK voltage?
many thanks in advance!
#2
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Posts: 4,144
Re: US small appliances in UK
First thing to do is look at the power supply of your sewing machine, it may say 110 -220v. If it says 110v then you will need a 220->110v convertor, not just an adapter. They are easily found. Your power supply may also say 60Hz, and the UK is 50Hz but that is okay, no need to change frequency.
https://www.amazon.com/220v-110v-converter/s?k=220v+to+110v+converter
https://www.amazon.com/220v-110v-converter/s?k=220v+to+110v+converter
Last edited by durham_lad; Oct 21st 2020 at 9:54 am.
#3
Re: US small appliances in UK
Convertors are at best suitable for temporary and/or low power usage, such as if you're on holiday somewhere. A transformer is a more robust piece of equipment.
When shopping for a transformer, be sure to buy one rated for the power of the appliance you intend to use it for. Look on the specification plate, usually located near where the cable is attached, which will have information on the voltage, mains freqency, and wattage (power) .... I recommend that you buy a transformer rated for twice the power draw of the appliance you plan to use it for: e.g for a sewing maching rated at, say, 300W you would need a transformer rated at at least 600w.
It is possible that an appliance bought in the US has power given in Amps, not Watts, and if so, multiply the amperage by 120volts to get the power in watts.
If by any chance (though I consider it unlikely), that the sewing machine is rated for 110v-240v, I would recommend that you replace the plug or power cord, rather than relying on an adapter.
#6
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Posts: 11
Re: US small appliances in UK
Getting a voltage transformer is fairly simple, but some equipment needs the right frequency (Hz). I found a converter that will go from 240v/50Hz to 110v/60Hz on Amazon for $40, but it only handles 250 watts. It seems that getting a transformer than handles frequency for more then 250w is quite expensive.
#7
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Posts: 4,144
Re: US small appliances in UK
Getting a voltage transformer is fairly simple, but some equipment needs the right frequency (Hz). I found a converter that will go from 240v/50Hz to 110v/60Hz on Amazon for $40, but it only handles 250 watts. It seems that getting a transformer than handles frequency for more then 250w is quite expensive.
#9
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Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 11
Re: US small appliances in UK
If the device says "50-60Hz" or otherwise mentions both frequencies, then a voltage only transformer is fine. If it just says 60Hz then it may have problems, especially if there's a motor involved (like a sowing machine.)
From hXXps://www.kccscientific.com/traveling-or-relocating-overseas/ (replace the XX with TT to make it a link, or google "KCC Traveling or Relocating Overseas" (I can't post URLs as I'm a new user)
As a general rule, devices that have turning or vibrating motors may have frequency sensitivity. These types of appliances when used at the wrong frequency will pitch, make noise, buzz, run at the wrong speed, or have timekeeping problems. In some cases, devices with motors may malfunction as well as overheat if operated from the wrong frequency.
#12
Re: US small appliances in UK
Getting a voltage transformer is fairly simple, but some equipment needs the right frequency (Hz). I found a converter that will go from 240v/50Hz to 110v/60Hz on Amazon for $40, but it only handles 250 watts. It seems that getting a transformer than handles frequency for more then 250w is quite expensive.
Digital clocks are a "timing device" that depend on mains frequency - which is why the clock on a cooker or microwave is not very accurate as the mains frequency varies enough to cause the time to drift.
#14
#15
Re: US small appliances in UK
Hey confused, have we crossed wires somewhere? because now I'm confused. I was replying to the original thread, about where they could check out possible transformers for their machines. post #4. Then if you follow my other posts it's more or less about the possible effects between 60Hz/50Hz. So, no not moving back.