Fredrick Paget on thu 17 apr 03
Ruth,
The advice is good.
They use 220 volts 50 Hertz power and we use 120volts 60 Hertz.
Transformers will change the voltage from 220 to 120 but they don't do
anything about the frequency (the Hertz is the unit of frequency).
You have to look at each tool as an individual case to see if it will be
affected by the frequency. AC induction motors will run a little slower and
may heat up more. Depends on how close to saturation the iron is designed
to run. (As the voltage goes through its cyclic swings it causes the iron
cores to get more magnetized and if that goes on too long a limit is
reached called saturation and more current is drawn. Each cycle of 50 hertz
frequency is 6/5th as long as one at 60 hertz. Hence the longer time for
saturation to occur.)
If your wheel has a dc motor as most have nowdays, it should be ok on the
transformer. The blenders probably have so called universal motors and
probably will do ok on the transformer, likewise the rechargable drill.
You may want to get the transformer in Europe so it is rated 50 hertz -
sometimes called 50 cycle. or possiblly one made here and rated 50 - 60
hertz. It will have to be big and heavy to run the load some of that stuff
will draw.
That is why it may be better to just sell most of that stuff and replace it
in Europe. No shipping hassel either.
Good luck and a safe journey,
Fred Paget
......... I'll be moving to Brussels in August. I'm
>planning on buying a new electric kiln, but I'm concerned about my
>electric wheel, compressor, bench grinder, scroll saw, hand blender,
>regular blender, etc. Are transformers practical for all these tools?
>I've been told that anything with a motor or that creates heat is
>better replaced. And I have a rechargeable cordless drill for mixing
>glazes. Will this also need a transformer or just an adapter.
>Ruth Ballou
From Fred Paget, Marin County, California, USA
Ruth Ballou on thu 17 apr 03
Do any of the electricity gurus have advice for me about taking powered
tools to Europe, since I'll be moving to Brussels in August. I'm
planning on buying a new electric kiln, but I'm concerned about my
electric wheel, compressor, bench grinder, scroll saw, hand blender,
regular blender, etc. Are transformers practical for all these tools?
I've been told that anything with a motor or that creates heat is
better replaced. And I have a rechargeable cordless drill for mixing
glazes. Will this also need a transformer or just an adapter.
Many thanks.
Ruth Ballou
Silver Spring, MD (for a while longer)
F.Chapman Baudelot on fri 18 apr 03
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Ruth, here in Spain my imported Pacifica wheel runs perfectly on ancient=20
1Kw transformer and so does my Dremel tool, Epson printer, etc. No problem.
The Laguna technician informed me before leaving Canada that using a=20
transformer would be okay, although they do provide a small circuit card=20
which can be inserted into the foot pedal housing to change the voltage to=
=20
220w. This costs about $50, but I left Canada in a rush and did not have=
=20
time to get the card installed. I imagine other wheel manufacturers can=20
make the same changes.
Fran=E7oise (no longer a potter) in Spain.
http://indalopottery.tripod.com/icons.html
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Janet Kaiser on fri 18 apr 03
Ruth, there is a lot in the archives about this subject and I do not want
to misinform or advise you to do something that will be seen as a bad
choice at some future date. But as all Europe has a 220-240 V it is
strongly advisable to leave your 110V equipment back in the USA. Ask any US
military who were posted in Europe... It just is not worth the hassle of
transformers and adapters. EXCEPT those items which "adapt" easily such as
cameras, shavers and other smaller items which were in some way designed to
"travel".
Some equipment in use over here is 110V and we have to have adapters (those
big plugs) but anything that needs a transformer is a pain in the whatnot.
Do not bring videos or TVs either. They will not work over here because it
is a totally different system. Even taking a TV from country to country
within Europe is impossible... For example a German TV will not work in the
UK. DVDs are also in a different zone.
Hope this answers your question
Sincerely
Janet Kaiser
*** IN REPLY TO THE FOLLOWING MAIL:
*** From: Ruth Ballou
*** E-address: rwballou@COMCAST.NET
*** Sent: 17/04/03 Time: 20:52
>Do any of the electricity gurus have advice for me about taking powered
>tools to Europe, since I'll be moving to Brussels in August. I'm
>planning on buying a new electric kiln, but I'm concerned about my
>electric wheel, compressor, bench grinder, scroll saw, hand blender,
>regular blender, etc. Are transformers practical for all these tools?
>I've been told that anything with a motor or that creates heat is
>better replaced. And I have a rechargeable cordless drill for mixing
>glazes. Will this also need a transformer or just an adapter.
>
>Many thanks.
>
>Ruth Ballou
>Silver Spring, MD (for a while longer)
*** THE MAIL FROM Ruth Ballou ENDS HERE ***
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TRUTH is too precious to tell every fool who asks for it...
****** This post was sent to you today by Janet Kaiser *******
The Chapel of Art / Capel Celfyddyd
8 Marine Crescent, Criccieth LL52 0EA, Wales, UK
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F.Chapman Baudelot on sat 19 apr 03
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Janet Kaiser wrote to Ruth (hi, Janet):
>Do not bring videos or TVs either. They will not work over here because it
>is a totally different system.
Very true for TVs and VCRS, but DO bring over your favourite video
cassettes since most European VCRs, even those priced below 100 euros, will
play back cassettes recorded in both PAL and NTSC modes.
I was a little surprised to find that my Epson Stylus 880 worked with a
transformer, but it was brand new when I brought it over so I took the
chance. It has been working correctly for well over a year and does not
heat up or behave itself badly in any way. Mind you, I do not use it every
day, and when I do, it is not usually in use for more than an hour. I have
no problem buying replacement inkjet cartridges either.
As for my Pacifica wheel, until I stopped potting last November, it was
working for at least four hours a day every day on a 1Kw transformer which
I keep on a shelf high above the wheel so that it doesn't get splashed or
jolted.
One of these days when I have a little time, I shall go and throw something
for ME.
Francoise, painting in Almeria, Spain.
http://indalopottery.tripod.com/icons.html
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Kenneth Guill on tue 22 apr 03
How are you shipping things-your cost or gov. or business cost? If you don't
pay the shipping bring the wheel Video etc.No TV but vcrs will work here. I
have a shimpo wheel which is fine I just had to get used to it running
slower. Kilns are a problem-the fire inspectors will not approve them and an
electrician can not rewire them. I had to buy a german kiln for the school
because they would not approve of an American kiln. Other stuff just runs
slow. The UK is different than continental europe- I got a video from a
British friend and it will not run on any of my recorders. Wheels are
expensive here but you may find some used stuff once you get settled.
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