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Electronics Repair (sci.electronics.repair) Discussion of repairing electronic equipment. Topics include requests for assistance, where to obtain servicing information and parts, techniques for diagnosis and repair, and annecdotes about success, failures and problems. |
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#1
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Running 120v small power tool on UK 230v power (with pics)
Pictures he http://www2.css-networks.com/portercable/index.html
Could anybody please advice on the best course of action for using this power tool in the UK? It's a small Dual-Action orbital buffer, rated at 120V AC, 3.7 Amps. There are many users of this exact unit over here in the UK, and what they do is to cut off the US plug, fit an industrial plug and buy a big yellow 110v 750va site transformer. I was hoping there would be an easier way, but I suspect not, since the power goes straight to the stator (?) on the motor. I guess in order to convert the unit, one would have to re-wind the motor (which I will not be doing!) What about these small solid state voltage convertors? I seem to remember reading that they don't alter the frequency of the AC. I wonder the same about the 110v yellow-box site transformers - are all these other users running their units at 50Hz instead of the expected 60Hz? thanks, Carl |
#2
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Running 120v small power tool on UK 230v power (with pics)
Carl Farrington wrote:
Pictures he http://www2.css-networks.com/portercable/index.html Could anybody please advice on the best course of action for using this power tool in the UK? It's a small Dual-Action orbital buffer, rated at 120V AC, 3.7 Amps. There are many users of this exact unit over here in the UK, and what they do is to cut off the US plug, fit an industrial plug and buy a big yellow 110v 750va site transformer. I was hoping there would be an easier way, but I suspect not, since the power goes straight to the stator (?) on the motor. I guess in order to convert the unit, one would have to re-wind the motor (which I will not be doing!) What about these small solid state voltage convertors? I seem to remember reading that they don't alter the frequency of the AC. I wonder the same about the 110v yellow-box site transformers - are all these other users running their units at 50Hz instead of the expected 60Hz? thanks, Carl Pick up one of those yellow box transformers, from what I hear they're not terribly expensive. Another option would be to use a solid state travel converter, they consist essentially of a triac light dimmer set to a fixed output. Power tools in general use series wound universal motors, the frequency doesn't really matter, in fact they will even run on DC. |
#3
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Running 120v small power tool on UK 230v power (with pics)
On Fri, 1 Sep 2006 22:13:22 +0100, Carl Farrington wrote:
Pictures he http://www2.css-networks.com/portercable/index.html Could anybody please advice on the best course of action for using this power tool in the UK? It's a small Dual-Action orbital buffer, rated at 120V AC, 3.7 Amps. Buy a second one and wire them in series. Then, team up with another feller and work together. :-) Jonesy -- Marvin L Jones | jonz | W3DHJ | linux 38.24N 104.55W | @ config.com | Jonesy | OS/2 *** Killfiling google posts: http//jonz.net/ng.htm |
#4
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Running 120v small power tool on UK 230v power (with pics)
In article ,
Carl Farrington wrote: Could anybody please advice on the best course of action for using this power tool in the UK? It's a small Dual-Action orbital buffer, rated at 120V AC, 3.7 Amps. There are many users of this exact unit over here in the UK, and what they do is to cut off the US plug, fit an industrial plug and buy a big yellow 110v 750va site transformer. Yes - they're actually better value than domestic units if you compare these prices at the sort of current you require. http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Ind...ers/index.html http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Ind...mer/index.html I was hoping there would be an easier way, but I suspect not, since the power goes straight to the stator (?) on the motor. I guess in order to convert the unit, one would have to re-wind the motor (which I will not be doing!) I take it there isn't a 230 volt version? A new motor supplied as a spare would probably be cheaper than re-winding. It's possible the motor is used in other equipment too. What about these small solid state voltage convertors? I seem to remember reading that they don't alter the frequency of the AC. I wonder the same about the 110v yellow-box site transformers - are all these other users running their units at 50Hz instead of the expected 60Hz? They are just simple transformers so don't alter the frequency, which would be an expensive option. Site transformers in the UK are used for safety - not to save money by importing better value tools. ;-) But most hand power tools won't be too concerned about the frequency. -- *The sooner you fall behind, the more time you'll have to catch up * Dave Plowman London SW To e-mail, change noise into sound. |
#5
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Running 120v small power tool on UK 230v power (with pics)
James Sweet writes:
Carl Farrington wrote: Pictures he http://www2.css-networks.com/portercable/index.html Could anybody please advice on the best course of action for using this power tool in the UK? It's a small Dual-Action orbital buffer, rated at 120V AC, 3.7 Amps. There are many users of this exact unit over here in the UK, and what they do is to cut off the US plug, fit an industrial plug and buy a big yellow 110v 750va site transformer. I was hoping there would be an easier way, but I suspect not, since the power goes straight to the stator (?) on the motor. I guess in order to convert the unit, one would have to re-wind the motor (which I will not be doing!) What about these small solid state voltage convertors? I seem to remember reading that they don't alter the frequency of the AC. I wonder the same about the 110v yellow-box site transformers - are all these other users running their units at 50Hz instead of the expected 60Hz? thanks, Carl Pick up one of those yellow box transformers, from what I hear they're not terribly expensive. Another option would be to use a solid state travel converter, they consist essentially of a triac light dimmer set to a fixed output. Power tools in general use series wound universal motors, the frequency doesn't really matter, in fact they will even run on DC. A generic light dimmer may not work with a motor as a result of the change in phase between voltage and current due to its inductance. If the triac fails or ends up being on solid, you get 220 VAC across the 110 V motor and the motor won't last long. The transformer is safest. --- sam | Sci.Electronics.Repair FAQ: http://www.repairfaq.org/ Repair | Main Table of Contents: http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/ +Lasers | Sam's Laser FAQ: http://www.repairfaq.org/sam/lasersam.htm | Mirror Sites: http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_mirror.html Important: Anything sent to the email address in the message header above is ignored unless my full name AND either lasers or electronics is included in the subject line. Or, you can contact me via the Feedback Form in the FAQs. |
#6
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Running 120v small power tool on UK 230v power (with pics)
"Carl Farrington" wrote in message ... There are many users of this exact unit over here in the UK, and what they do is to cut off the US plug, fit an industrial plug and buy a big yellow 110v 750va site transformer. Use of the transformer is required by UK law. Buy a smaller transformer or rent one. |
#7
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Running 120v small power tool on UK 230v power (with pics)
"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message ... In article , Carl Farrington wrote: There are many users of this exact unit over here in the UK, and what they do is to cut off the US plug, fit an industrial plug and buy a big yellow 110v 750va site transformer. Yes - they're actually better value than domestic units if you compare these prices at the sort of current you require. http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Ind...ers/index.html http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Ind...mer/index.html They're even cheaper at tooled-up.com http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp...nsformer-750va Price isn't a concern, it was just the size of the thing really. I was hoping there would be an easier way, but I suspect not, since the power goes straight to the stator (?) on the motor. I guess in order to convert the unit, one would have to re-wind the motor (which I will not be doing!) I take it there isn't a 230 volt version? Unfortunately not. This particular unit is widely regarded as 'unique' and the best out there for getting your cars paintwork looking nice. (It's a Porter Cable 7424). My uncle, a bodyshop professional, tends to disagree, saying that a DA is a DA, and a professional would use a regular buffer and have the job done in under half the time. I bought it already though A new motor supplied as a spare would probably be cheaper than re-winding. It's possible the motor is used in other equipment too. That did cross my mind.. I wonder if the motor has any markings. Hmmm What about these small solid state voltage convertors? I seem to remember reading that they don't alter the frequency of the AC. I wonder the same about the 110v yellow-box site transformers - are all these other users running their units at 50Hz instead of the expected 60Hz? They are just simple transformers so don't alter the frequency, which would be an expensive option. Site transformers in the UK are used for safety - not to save money by importing better value tools. ;-) But most hand power tools won't be too concerned about the frequency. That's good to know! Thanks. |
#8
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Running 120v small power tool on UK 230v power (with pics)
"Carl Farrington" wrote in message ... snip my own post.. Thanks everybody for the feedback. A yellow box it is then! It's good to know for sure that the triac is a bad, and dangerous idea. Thanks for your time and valuable advice. |
#9
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Running 120v small power tool on UK 230v power (with pics)
Homer J Simpson wrote:
"Carl Farrington" wrote in message ... There are many users of this exact unit over here in the UK, and what they do is to cut off the US plug, fit an industrial plug and buy a big yellow 110v 750va site transformer. Use of the transformer is required by UK law. Buy a smaller transformer or rent one. which law would that be then? |
#10
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Running 120v small power tool on UK 230v power (with pics)
wrote in message oups.com... which law would that be then? UK |
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