Running US 120Vac on 240Vac?

[flanajb]

Joe woodworker has some good deals on vacuum pumps, but they are for the US market. I have a 110V transformer in my garage and wondered whether that could be used for the step down ?

Thanks

 

[Joe Saw]

Hi

Im think there is an article on importing power tools from the US on this very website, maybe this will have the info you need?

Joe

 

[9fingers]

Tools with induction motors (as almost certainly fitted to a vacuum pump) wound normally be designed for 50 or 60 Hz use
Of course the motor will run at 5/6 the speed when run on 50Hz so the cooling will be slightly less effective and the eddy losses in the iron will be slightly higher leading to hotter running. Usually these effects can be ignored unless the motor has been very marginally designed.
An enquiry to the vendor 'might' elicit some info as to what specification is on the motor.

Brush motors tend to be marginally designed all the time and whilst the speed will not be affected , the eddy losses could become significant and the motor get hot. However, most tools with brush motors are so noisy that they are not likely to be run for long periods.
So usually you can get away with it.

The final issue is the availability of spares when buying from across the pond. Also US pipe threads are different from those used in UK
so buy any threaded fittings at the same time.

hth

Bob

 

[flanajb]

Tools with induction motors (as almost certainly fitted to a vacuum pump) wound normally be designed for 50 or 60 Hz use
Of course the motor will run at 5/6 the speed when run on 50Hz so the cooling will be slightly less effective and the eddy losses in the iron will be slightly higher leading to hotter running. Usually these effects can be ignored unless the motor has been very marginally designed.
An enquiry to the vendor 'might' elicit some info as to what specification is on the motor.

Brush motors tend to be marginally designed all the time and whilst the speed will not be affected , the eddy losses could become significant and the motor get hot. However, most tools with brush motors are so noisy that they are not likely to be run for long periods.
So usually you can get away with it.

The final issue is the availability of spares when buying from across the pond. Also US pipe threads are different from those used in UK
so buy any threaded fittings at the same time.

hth

Bob

Thanks Bob. Just one final question. Do I need a transforer or would you just need to plug the US plug into a UK adaptor and away you go ?

 

[9fingers]

You MUST use a transformer and make absolutely sure that no one can plug them into 240v supply. The result would be spectacular and terminal for the tool!!
The best way is to fit yellow 110v plugs to all such tools.

Bob

 

[The Wood Butcher]

Be aware the cost of importing a pump might be high because of the weight and size. Might cost you almost as much in shipping as you'd save.

Particularly liked the look of this one:

http://www.veneersupplies.com/produ...Thomas-315-CFM-120-VAC-Condition-Rebuilt.html

 

[flanajb]

Be aware the cost of importing a pump might be high because of the weight and size. Might cost you almost as much in shipping as you'd save.

Particularly liked the look of this one:

http://www.veneersupplies.com/produ...Thomas-315-CFM-120-VAC-Condition-Rebuilt.html

That is the one I had in mind

 

[OldWood]

And also beware the import duty ... and further more the cost of onward transport from HM Customs and Excise. That is make sure that the delivery charge is to your door and not just to UK shores.

Rob

edit - I meant to say that I got a Tormek off Ebay that is 110V and it runs perfectly happily off a 110v transformer, but then that is not exactly a high power tool !

 

[flanajb]

And also beware the import duty ... and further more the cost of onward transport from HM Customs and Excise. That is make sure that the delivery charge is to your door and not just to UK shores.

Rob

edit - I meant to say that I got a Tormek off Ebay that is 110V and it runs perfectly happily off a 110v transformer, but then that is not exactly a high power tool !

Thanks. I have factored in the VAT and customs charges and it still seems quite reasonable. All in it is costing about £325 inc shipping / taxes and buying an airpress vacuum bag.