Using american electrical equip in the UK
Jan 7th 2011, 2:29 pm
#1
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Joined: Dec 2010
Location: San Francisco, California
Posts: 5
Using american electrical equip in the UK
I was wondering if anyone has taken electronic equipment back to the UK. Is it possible to use a converter rather than change the plug?
Jan 7th 2011, 3:03 pm
#2
221b Baker Street
Joined: Jun 2010
Location: Miles from anywhere, Victoria, Australia.
Posts: 14,125
Re: Using american electrical equip in the UK
Forgive me if I have the wrong end of the stick...but if you plug an american 110V appliance into a UK 240v supply, the results could be interesting.
If that is what you had in mind DON'T do it.
If you meant a step down transformer or such then hopefully someone will be along to assist you.
If that is what you had in mind DON'T do it.
If you meant a step down transformer or such then hopefully someone will be along to assist you.
Jan 7th 2011, 9:23 pm
#3
Retired
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,649
Re: Using american electrical equip in the UK
Rather than trying to use a transformer, it is usually better to sell or donate electrical equipment in the US before you leave.
The exception is small-scale electronics like laptop PCs, LCD monitors, digital camera chargers etc, - usually, these are designed to be dual voltage. Check the power supply.
A desktop PC power supply usually has a switch to change the voltage, and even if it doesn't, you can simply change the power supply.
The exception is small-scale electronics like laptop PCs, LCD monitors, digital camera chargers etc, - usually, these are designed to be dual voltage. Check the power supply.
A desktop PC power supply usually has a switch to change the voltage, and even if it doesn't, you can simply change the power supply.
Jan 8th 2011, 1:45 am
#4
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Re: Using american electrical equip in the UK
We used step up-step down transformers for a few things (sewing machine, big food mixer to name a couple) but just changed the plugs on our lamps. Anything big, we left behind.
Jan 8th 2011, 2:44 am
#5
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Joined: Aug 2007
Location: Cornwall >>> Marin, CA >>> Cornwall!
Posts: 740
Re: Using american electrical equip in the UK
If you do take some items make sure the convertor is of suitable wattage!
Jan 8th 2011, 7:35 am
#6
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Joined: Feb 2009
Location: UK
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Re: Using american electrical equip in the UK
We brought back some lamps (from Bermuda which is same as US) and just used an adaptor. Worked fine. Most things we sold before we moved back.
Jan 8th 2011, 9:05 am
#7
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Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Dreich Alba
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Re: Using american electrical equip in the UK
