I will be moving to England soon. Moving all my tools and furniture is payed for me. I plan on taking my Hobart 140 that runs on 110v. I'm being told there are little-to-no 110 outlets in England. Has anyone ran a 110 welder on a voltage step down? Is it possible? If it's not ill keep the welder and buy a 220 unit but I thought I'd ask
Welding with a step-down
- Thread starter Aaroncl
- Start date
Had an English teacher that lived in England for a while. I'd guess 70s-80s time-frame.
I remember her saying it sucked to do laundry or cook as the dryer and oven was 110v so it took forever.
Looking it up, seems like England has been 220v well before that, so wonder what situation she had. It wasn't
honcho
Well-known member
No experience running a 110V welder, but have run a bunch of 110V 60hz things on 220V 50hz. First, is it compatible with 50hz power? It's my experience that most modern electronics sold for 60hz use will tolerate 50hz electricity. Looking at specs for the 140, it draws 20amps / 2.9KVA. It didn't say about 50hz compatibility. It's gonna take a big step down transformer. With a low duty cycle, you might get away with something rated less than 2.9KVA by putting in a higher rated fuse, but it would be trial and error and there's a high likelihood of frying an expensive step down transformer.
I'd probably look for a small welding machine in the UK.
I'd probably look for a small welding machine in the UK.
My first MIG was a miller mm211 transformer machine - specs called for 60hz ONLY, either 120 or 240 volt.
Second one was also a miller MM252 - ALSO transformer, ALSO 60 hZ ONLY.
Third one was the newer MM211, inverter model - 50 OR 60 hZ 120 or 240, doesn't care.
I only spent a few months in England teaching soldiers top secret military equipment - this was back in the '60's, and I don't recall how things were wired in houses, other than all the light switches being upside down - it may be possible to get a step-down transformer, but would probably be a LOT less hassle to sell the Hobart and get one of the more popular euro welders there.
Even if you could find the right voltage transformer, you'd still have the frequency problem, and I doubt that a small older (likely transformer) welder would like the different frequency anyway... Steve
Second one was also a miller MM252 - ALSO transformer, ALSO 60 hZ ONLY.
Third one was the newer MM211, inverter model - 50 OR 60 hZ 120 or 240, doesn't care.
I only spent a few months in England teaching soldiers top secret military equipment - this was back in the '60's, and I don't recall how things were wired in houses, other than all the light switches being upside down - it may be possible to get a step-down transformer, but would probably be a LOT less hassle to sell the Hobart and get one of the more popular euro welders there.
Even if you could find the right voltage transformer, you'd still have the frequency problem, and I doubt that a small older (likely transformer) welder would like the different frequency anyway... Steve
American Locomotive
Well-known member
You can, but as mentioned you will need s 3KVA 240 > 120v transformer. That will cost you about what the welder is worth.
jeepinerdeep
Well-known member
I can't come up with a scenario where it would make sense to tote that machine with you if you plan on welding over there. It may be time to upgrade to something like a Miller 211 that accepts all the power inputs and frequencies you could come up with between UK/EU and the US.
ZRX61
Well-known member
UK runs 240v/13amp household circuits. They will light you up & throw you across the room. Never saw 110v in the UK
ZRX61
Well-known member
Where are ya in the US?
Lassen Forge
Well-known member
Not only is the voltage different, your cycles per second (Hz) is different... IF you have a logic board that is designed for US only, it will put up the square smoke ring of death. I left my awesome 211 Miller miracle box because of this, I also know housewives who have hobart mixers that they tried a regular transformer (didn't change the Hz) and blew them out PDQ...
I have a (pretty godawful expensive) device called a Voltage Exchanger (somewhere in the neighborhood of a few grand) that works just up to 15 amps. It converts 230V50Hz to 120V60Hz - I have 2 or 3 higher dollar things that require US current.
I have a (pretty godawful expensive) device called a Voltage Exchanger (somewhere in the neighborhood of a few grand) that works just up to 15 amps. It converts 230V50Hz to 120V60Hz - I have 2 or 3 higher dollar things that require US current.
MBfreak
MEMBER EMERITUS
In the UK on industrial companies ( ie builders) it is required to operate mains powered hand tools over a 220/110 V isolation transformer. Heavy, usually 3 kW and housed in a VERY sturdy box, yellow. I guess the are quite affordable second hand. Could that be of help?
Ola
Ola
larry4406
Well-known member
53 years ago we lived in Frankfurt Germany (dad was army and stationed there).
We had small step down transformers about the size of a small piece of carry on luggage. Metal box quite heavy. 230V50hz was stepped down to 110-120V 50 hz so we could run some American appliances.
We had small step down transformers about the size of a small piece of carry on luggage. Metal box quite heavy. 230V50hz was stepped down to 110-120V 50 hz so we could run some American appliances.
dutchgray
Well-known member
Just buy a machine that works on nominal 230v 50hz. Either in the US and ship it or when you get to the UK.
They make all kinds of step downs like what you are looking for.
Step Up Down Transformer Voltage Converter 800W 220V-110V 110V-220V US-UK
ST-1000VA Voltage Transformer Converter: This step up transformer offers a reliable and easy solution for changing voltage. It can step-up voltage from 110-120 Volts to 220-240 Volts or step down voltage from 220-240 Volts to 110-120 Volts. It has 4 AC outlets, including two US standard outlets...
usatoolsinc.com
Wichita ks
Walkers
Well-known member
I doubt the 50 hertz will be a problem for that welder. Get the transformer and have a go at it.
ZRX61
Well-known member
Bit too far from LA to drive over & buy it from ya...