American nebuliser.

[Democritus]

Hi Guys,
I hope someone can help with this problem, even though it’s to do with electrics.
My wife is asthmatic, and often needs to use a nebuliser. Last year we went on holiday to the US, but forgot to pack her nebuliser. You can’t buy nebulisers ‘over the counter’ in the US like you can in the UK- you need it to be prescribed by a doctor. Panic stations for a while, but a friendly fellow professional enabled us to buy a nebuliser. Cost $120. We used it a couple of times.
We brought it back with us, but it is designed for American voltage. Is there any way we can use it with a voltage converter of some sort ?

 

[lurker]

Should not be a problem.
There may even be a 220-240 tap on an internal transformer.

 

[Richard_C]

There are all kinds of travel adapters available designed for visitors to the UK. Make sure its a step down type, the step up ones are aimed at UK visitors to the USA. Nebuliser isn't likely to draw much current, nothing like say a hair dryer, somewhere on it there should be markings either in watts or amps, e.g 110v 2 amp or 110v 220w, make sure the adapter you buy has enough capacity. Some say 120v, which should be fine. These things are nominal anyway.

 

[guineafowl21]

Hi Guys,
I hope someone can help with this problem, even though it’s to do with electrics.
My wife is asthmatic, and often needs to use a nebuliser. Last year we went on holiday to the US, but forgot to pack her nebuliser. You can’t buy nebulisers ‘over the counter’ in the US like you can in the UK- you need it to be prescribed by a doctor. Panic stations for a while, but a friendly fellow professional enabled us to buy a nebuliser. Cost $120. We used it a couple of times.
We brought it back with us, but it is designed for American voltage. Is there any way we can use it with a voltage converter of some sort ?

If it has a modern switching supply, it will likely accept 100-240V input. Post a picture of the rating plate, usually on the back near the power cord entry. Otherwise, a simple step-up transformer is all that’s needed.

 

[Spectric]

Hi all

Don't forget the UK is 50Hz and the states 60Hz.

 

[Democritus]

Hi guys
Thanks for the info.
Richard, where would I get a step-down adapter?
Spectric , what’s the significance of the 50Hz/60Hz difference?
Guineafowl, i’ll post a picture tomorrow.
D.

 

[Lons]

Plenty around here's an example
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Step-Dow...0-120V-45VA-US-To-UK-Plug-002414/381501845045Check the amperage/wattage of your nebuliser before buying one though.

 

[Richard_C]

Amazon, eBay, any travel shop in an airport or likely a big station, anywhere overseas tourists land or visit, the concierge at a fancy hotel, tourist 'tat' shops at the scruffy end of Oxford street..... Imagine you are a completely unprepared first time klutz of a visitor from the USA, jeez they have more volts in yoorp, where you would find them is where you would find the adapters.

Do check the rating plate though, my Shaver says 110- - - 250v, the dashes mean it's ac, the volts mean I can plug it in just about everywhere and it will know what to do.

 

[Richard_C]

You shouldn't need to worry too much about the frequency (hz) difference. It does matter for things like TV s and record decks, if you run an ac motor it will run at a different speed 20% out, but most small appliance use a transformer and supply the motor with lower voltage dc. A nebuliser which delivers a mist is likely to do that and be double insulated on the high voltage side to avoid electrocuting patients. Sending mains voltage into breathing masks is bad for brand image and sales.

I can't speak for your particular device, this is just general information.

 

[Democritus]

Hi Guys,
The plate says : 120V, 60Hz, 1.4A.
I have had another contact on this forum, who recommended a step down voltage converter like the one Lons indicated.
I’ve sent for it.
Cheers everyone for your help.
D.

 

[guineafowl21]

Hi Guys,
The plate says : 120V, 60Hz, 1.4A.
I have had another contact on this forum, who recommended a step down voltage converter like the one Lons indicated.
I’ve sent for it.
Cheers everyone for your help.
D.

That’s about 170W. I assume there’s a motor in there somewhere so get one rated above that.