hefty lefty
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Do they still use 110 volt power tools in the UK with a stepdown isolation transformer? I saw several people using these outdoors when I was there years ago.
110 volt power tools in the UK
- Thread starter hefty lefty
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billybudge
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Hi, Yes we do,110 volt, there normally used in the building trades,on building sites etc,
but Yes they are about and easily obtainable.
but Yes they are about and easily obtainable.
OP
hefty lefty
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I always thought the transformers would be great for running US electronics that are not dual voltage: given UK mains voltage today is the output voltage 110 or closer to 120? Older tube electronics really want 110-115 or so and so this would be perfect. It's 50 Hz of course but for small electronics without motors it does not matter.
I should have measured one when I was over there, but never did. I think the drill or whatever has an odd plug too, but those must be readily available over there.
billybudge
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RPH
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Frequency is 50hz.
demographic
Well-known member
Yeah, most builders who regularly work on decent sized sites have 110 volt tools.
The step down transformers weigh a bit but we don't need them all the time as any decent site has their own.
Its generally just when we are on the little sites and want to use the same tools that we have to pull the transformer out of the bottom of the toolsafe in the van and plug it into the higher household voltage.
Pretty sure even the fancy tools with electronic controls in 110 are the same as the US tools, just with a different plug.
The step down transformers weigh a bit but we don't need them all the time as any decent site has their own.
Its generally just when we are on the little sites and want to use the same tools that we have to pull the transformer out of the bottom of the toolsafe in the van and plug it into the higher household voltage.
Pretty sure even the fancy tools with electronic controls in 110 are the same as the US tools, just with a different plug.
OP
hefty lefty
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A transformer does not change frequency, only voltages and currents.
I know that UK mains voltages are "Nominally" 230V but in reality they are higher. My question to someone having access to these transformers, would be what is the actual voltage you see at the input and output at your location?
If it's more like 115-117 volts it would be perfect for most US vintage audio electronics. 110 would be perfect for prewar antique radios and appliances and usable for 50s audio gear. Assuming the power transformer is well designed it will work on 50 Hz fine, but if it is already marginal that might push it over the edge.
What do these transformers typically weigh and what is a typical price?
Also,,,any transformer can always be used "backwards", i.e. feeding it 110 volts in and getting 240 out. If the ratio is really 11/24 though, US mains at 120+ will give 261vac....too high for 240 volt stuff and WAY too high for 220 stuff. The US 60 Hz power will run cooler and better for a 50 Hz transformer unless it is a ferroresonant type, which these are not.
I know that UK mains voltages are "Nominally" 230V but in reality they are higher. My question to someone having access to these transformers, would be what is the actual voltage you see at the input and output at your location?
If it's more like 115-117 volts it would be perfect for most US vintage audio electronics. 110 would be perfect for prewar antique radios and appliances and usable for 50s audio gear. Assuming the power transformer is well designed it will work on 50 Hz fine, but if it is already marginal that might push it over the edge.
What do these transformers typically weigh and what is a typical price?
Also,,,any transformer can always be used "backwards", i.e. feeding it 110 volts in and getting 240 out. If the ratio is really 11/24 though, US mains at 120+ will give 261vac....too high for 240 volt stuff and WAY too high for 220 stuff. The US 60 Hz power will run cooler and better for a 50 Hz transformer unless it is a ferroresonant type, which these are not.