Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

We're not bringing most of our electrical items, but for the few that we are, what kind of converters are available and can they make electricals that require 240v to work properly, work on 110v?

For example US friends or ours want an electric kettle from the UK. Is it possible to get it to boil as quickly in the US on a lower voltage?

TIA

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

Hi

We have bought to great big converters (for Australian to US), at the moments one is running the computer and all that stuff, and the other is running the tv etc. They were about $100 each. I would definatly get one for those kind of items, but probably not for the kettle. their quite big (probably the size of a shoe box) although if you were bringing lots of kitchen equipment over it would be worth it.

Amanda

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/VID...ms/1448-IN-10?

I have 2 of these and run various UK electrical items on them. I've slowly replaced items as they broke or became outdated. Its a cheap option to get you up and running quickly without having to buy all new.

A kettle will boil just as quickly if you use this. However as previously stated it is rather large, they do also get warm. Try to find a decent kettle in the US instead.

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

Pony... like you said TRY to find a decent kettle... they are like hens teeth over here!

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/prod...=104045&RN=687
$49.99 - 20% off vouchers (Found everywhere)
Reg. Frank R.

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

yes you can get converters and they work fine - a bit warm etc

Kettles are shite here as they are on lower voltage - so no matter how good a one you get it will still be slow! In theory the UK one should be quicker as you are stepping up the voltage

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

these are best you can get here but still PAINFULLY slow compared to home!

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

Terminal, we can give you a great site where to buy your convertors from .. they are 'Step up, step down' and OH has found somewhere which does a good price on them. He's not here right now (out at the baseball with work!) but I'll ask him to post the link for you. Actually, I need to forward those emails I mentioned, so will do that at the same time.

Oh, and I found a great kettle :thumbsup:

Cordless, fast and makes GREAT tea! As you'll find out when you pop round for a cuppa! :D

Said kettle

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

It's not the voltage that makes the difference it's the wattage. As long as they have the same wattage they will heat up at the same rate.

http://www.krupsonlinestore.com/prod...e&MENU=kettles

Why mess with a converter when an electric kettle is so cheap.

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

Target usually has electric kettles and some of the mall stores.
Good luck

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

I had the 110v Russell Hobbs forever, it got sick, I bought the BRaun 3 years ago, not bad, pretty fast by USA standards.
Reg. Frank R.

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

We did exactly the same - bought a couple of convertors and Bobs your Uncle - everything works perfectly.

I was going to sell/give away/store or ditch all our kitchen equipment, but when I learnt about the convertors I decided it was cheaper and less time consuming to bring all our stuff and use the one convertor which is in the corner in the kitchen. So I brought the lot - including iron! Will replace with US as and when things die, but until then, I'm using what I've got and know.

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

I just checked the Krups UK web site and their kettles are 1750 watts, exactly the same as the US. So UK kettles boil quicker than US is a myth.

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

These are pretty nice too, although not cheap. http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/prod...1&SKU=13690707

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

In the UK I had a 'fast boil' model which was 3000 watts. 3kw kettles are common in the UK, I have not seen anything similar here though...

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

That may well be, but some people are under the impression that a 220v has more heat than a 110v when it's the watts that count not the volts.

US dryers and ovens have 220 volts at least mine do.

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

As previously stated a 1750 watt kettle will boil water equally fast, regardless of the voltage.
I think the whole problem is your not going to get a kettle any more powerful than that.

The conversion of Watts to Amps is governed by the equation Amps = Watts/Volts.

So a 3000w kettle on a 110v supply will draw a little over 27 amps! Your breaker would be tripping liking a hippy at Woodstock.
Their is a very valid reason they run 220v to power heavy duty electrical items like dryers, AC units etc.

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

Plus I'm sure the water in the UK heats up quicker than here.

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

Wicked! Someone found the Breville <-- this was the model we were going to buy for them! :D

I'm saving all those links! Thanks all :thumbup:

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

Easy to spend a small fortune in that store. And Linens & Things. And Target. And Dillards :o

(guess what I was doing yesterday!) :p

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

11 yrs ago it was very difficult to buy an electric kettle in NJ...now it is much easier. Try the large department stores but they only seem to carry one or two models.

As for convertors...try the search option at the top there's been several threads on this subject. Converters tend to be large, heavy and get very hot. We brought a UK TV and video recorder with us because my MIL sends Corrie tapes. We never leave the convertor plugged in when we are not using the TV.

US kettles do not boil as quickly as UK ones...also they switch off straight away. The kettles in the UK tend to boil for a minute or so.

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

Well I can honestly say our GE kettle from Walmart is not slow in boiling at all. No complaints this end.

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

Heavy current things like kettles, irons etc are not worth worrying about. Leave them in the UK and buy them here. Sears started selling electric kettles about 5 years ago. Most PC's can operate on 110 or 240V, there will be a swtich on the back. My advice would be to leave all but the most essential electrical items and buy them here. I did bring a pretty expensive set of stereo equipment with me from the UK, and run that off of a dedicated 220V feed from the distribution board. You might also find a 220V feed in the launcry room and kitchen, but wiring it up so you don't fry yourself is another thing altogether.
Do a search, I recall some very entertaining discussions on this topic a couple of years ago.

- Tim

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

I don't think you can modify electrical wiring unless you are a qualified electrician...you certainly can't in NJ. If you took a chance and had a fire the insurance company will not pay out.

To the OP some people on here have said they've had and electrician to do this very thing so they can use their UK items. Bear in mind if you probably won't be able to get electrical items repaired if they are from the UK.

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

Do people still have kitchen appliances repaired?

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

I don't think so...I was thinking of more expensive items.

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

Oh, I see, sorry!

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

My fault...I didn't make it very clear. :o

Re: Voltage convertors 240v>110v
 

Correct, I never said or implied I did it myself.... Cost was about $150.

- Tim