TransnationalElite

Hi Folks,

So, been trying to sell off our big electrical goods like washing machine and air con. But I'm thinking about the kitchen appliances like blender, waffle iron, chopper, coffee machine and things like hair dryer (could work in shaver socket?), power drill, subwoofer, PS3, Amplifier, electric toothbrush (could work in shaver socket?), small home IPL device (could work in shaver socket?), perhaps even vacuum cleaner?

I was on this website: Voltage Converters - Power Inverter / Voltage Transformer Usage Chart and it seems like if you buy the appropriate coverter for the wattage (I think I read either on here or somewhere to go for 2x the consumption expected) I could run the devices without a problem.

My idea:

Get a converter for the kitchen - won't be using all the appliances at the same time so no overloading issue.
Get a converter for media setup
Possibly get an extra converter for misc usage eg drill/vacuum/other??


Couldn't find the thread discussing this topic (I know it exists as found it before)

Thoughts?

AlphaTangoMike

I suggest that you keep the dual voltage appliances (those with the little switch at the back to flip from 110v to 220) and sell / give away the others.

It's not worth the hassle and risk of running a converter. (Your insurance would probably not cover the usage of electrical appliances through a converter and it increases the risk of fire).

Budget for the replacement of the small electrical goods.

TransnationalElite

Guindalf

There are many threads on this.

Basically, if you want to create a real fire risk, introduce a converter! Sell everything and buy new where. Using a converter is dangerous and absolutely not recommended, especially for items that have a high power drain like a vacuum cleaner or drill. Small appliances can be bought very cheaply here, depending on the quality. I've seen a lot of items like toasters, coffee machines, etc., for as low as $5 each on Black Friday at Walmart. As for your sub and amp, they are usually constantly powered, which is definitely a no-no as it's a major fire risk.

Proceed at your peril.

hungryhorace

As the other poster said, ditch the non dual voltage items. It's not worth the hassle of attempting to run them here. Plus, electrical items are _significantly_ cheaper in the US. It's often a case that their GBP RRP is simply changed to USD.

When I moved over I brought over a hairdryer (why, ihni) and my Miele vacuum (after I realised how expensive they are here). The vacuum was a pain really, as I had to lug a huge converter around with me. In the end, I gave in and paid 3x the cost that I would have done for a vacuum in John Lewis in a local Miele dealer here.

Everything else, just buy again.

ChocolateBabz

I don't think it's worth the hassle, we got rid of just about everything with a plug. We took our PS3 but needed a PAL to NTSC converter to use it which was never that great and hubby still has his beloved 'hi-fi' in a cupboard upstairs which will never work here, but he just can't let goooooo...

Look out for Bed, Bath & Beyond 20% off vouchers for your small kitchen appliances. I saved quite a bit on my kitchen aid stand mixer and liquidizer. We get one through the mail at least once a month.

Look at it as an excuse to go buy shiny things

TransnationalElite

Would dual voltage items state so on the power information labels?

hungryhorace

Yes. You would see 110/240v labelled.

AlphaTangoMike

Yes, generally laptops, tablets, cell phones, game systems (PS3/4 or XBOX) are compatible. The power adapter usually shows the input voltage range.

hungryhorace

I think their 20% vouchers are a con.

1. They can't be used for anything of actual quality; check the list of vendors exempted from redemption.
2. Their prices are 20% higher from the start compared to Amazon, so you need the voucher just to ensure you're not getting ripped off.

re the PS3, not sure I understand your comment re the NTSC converter as any TV in the last 10 years has supported both PAL and NTSC signals.

hungryhorace

Check your PS3 here:
http://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/Power_Supply

re the Xbox, you will need to purchase a replacement PSU for it in the States. If you attempt to plug in your UK PSU it will die (read: blow up).

TransnationalElite

Yes, those items have been checked. Our tele will also work on the US power supply. Hubs said the PS3 won't though.

@ChocolateBabz - I do not mind doing some shopping for shiny new things thats for sure Just don't want to be bothered with it I think as will have a lot going on. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!

hungryhorace

What makes him say that, given all bar a very few specific models have dual voltage PSU's?

TransnationalElite

Don't know. Model No> CECH-2503A PS3 Slim

Works 220-240V 50/60HZ

Guindalf

From Wikipedia...