220 volt cordless charger with 120 volt source?

[sonett43]

I have a European WORX brand cordless drill, requiring 220v but live in the US, are there any readily available adapters that would work?

I contacted the factory, they told me they do not have a US version of the charger, and the charger should not be run on 120v.

any thoughts?

thanks,
Lewis

 

[usa#1]

Check to see what frequency the charger will operate on. If it will work at 60hz, you should be able to just use a 220v outlet such as for a dryer etc. For ease of use and safety just change the plug on the charger to match the 220V outlet you're going to use. Also check to see what allowable voltage deviation is allowed to make sure you will be within that range.

 

[charlie_nj]

I think all you would need is one of these travel converters, a step up transformer. A 200 watt one will run you around $20 plus shipping.


http://www.220-electronics.com/Transformers/trans/prod.html

 

[Charles (in GA)]

The rest of the world (with a very few exceptions) uses 50 Hz current. If the adapter cannot handle 60 Hz that North America uses, it will probably get hot and burn up. If it is only designed for 220V it probably cannot easily be made to work. What about a universal charger, splice wires, whatever, to make it plug compatable to the batteries you are charging.

Charles

 

[GrantMLS]

yup - those setup converters work..

 

[charlie_nj]

I've done the reverse in my overseas travels, using a step down transformer and converting 220 50 hz to 110 50 hz, with no issues, even when charging laptop batteries, etc. But maybe it's different when going from 50 hz up to 60 hz. Charles in GA makes a good point, I guess it all depends on whether the charger can handle the difference in line frequency. Is there any info on the label on the charger?

 

[sonett43]

I looked, 50 hz, thanks for all the suggestions.....so, if I adapt some other brand of 14.4v battery charger, I should be ok, right?