SaulProvider

Hello,

Would European appliances (220V 60Hz) such as vacuum cleaner, etc. work in the US?

Thanks!

avanutria

Only if they are marked as handling between 110v and 220v (roughly) and you also get an adaptor plug for them since the socket shape is different. Not sure if the bags etc are the same.

Things like laptops and hairdryers are often dual voltage. Vacuum cleaners, not so much.

MadRad

It depends. Some appliances will work with a transformer. We also brought our Dyson over as you can change some parts to make it work. I also have a trusty 30 year old Kenwood Chef which works beautifully.

Some small appliances are relatively cheap over here, but the big things, such as ovens, fridge etc are not.

SaulProvider

Great, many thanks! i will check the labels to see if they say 110-220V.

SultanOfSwing

They'll work, but you will have to buy a step-up transformer with a UK plug socket on it in order to make them work. I do that with my guitar amp so I wouldn't have to buy a new one out here and have to get used to a whole new sound again. The transformer only cost me $30.00.

However a new amp is $800.00, things like hoovers and hairdryers, TVs, DVD players and the like are so cheap here you're better off buying here and saving on the shipping. Most houses will have fridges and cookers in them anyway.

jemima55

My UK Roberts radio works with just an adaptor!

SultanOfSwing

Some low-drain devices will work with a travel adaptor and obviously computers with dual voltage power supplies will work with the correct kettle lead and the flick of a switch.

It's not recommended to run bigger appliances or high-drain devices without a transformer though.

Bob

And even then, might not be worth it, as high wattage ones tend to be pricey and huge as well as putting out heat. For the occasional use things they aren't so bad, but not so worth it for things like teles. Also something that could potentially void home insurance as a fire risk, so worth checking.

Cost of shipping v replacement though, it'll hardly ever be worth it unless it's brand spanking new or really high end gear.

SultanOfSwing

Not with TVs and that being so cheap out here.

I use mine for an amp - so I didn't have to spend $800.00 - $1,000.00 on a new one ! They're expensive wherever you go and since I only ever use the big amp at gigs and headphones from a US bought mixer at home, I only use it maybe three or four times a month.

All my consumer electronics got donated to me ma, or sold. No point bringing them out really.

Uncle Ebenezer

Don't take any notice of any of these wussies - what's life, without a little risk? Just get an adaptor and plug them all in. What's the worst that could happen?

Mummy in the foothills

You'd let the smoke out and then it won't work at all.

SultanOfSwing

Bring out a 4-gang, bung a travel adaptor on the end and plug all your favourite appliances in.

Post results on YouTube ...

Leslie

rpjs

This may not be the worst, but it made me realise you can't p*ss about with American electrics:



That's just from plugging a space heater into an extension cord that wasn't rated for it...

sir_eccles

didn't someone in another thread take the US 2 phase supply and wire up a set of UK plugs?