Maker Pro
Maker Pro

Running 120v small power tool on UK 230v power (with pics)

  • Thread starter Carl Farrington
  • Start date
C

Carl Farrington

Jan 1, 1970
0
Pictures here: 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
 
J

James Sweet

Jan 1, 1970
0
Carl said:
Pictures here: 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.
 
D

Dave Plowman (News)

Jan 1, 1970
0
Carl Farrington said:
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_Index/Transformer_Index/Site_Transformers/index.html

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In.../USA_110volt_Convertor_Transformer/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.
 
S

Sam Goldwasser

Jan 1, 1970
0
James Sweet said:
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.
 
H

Homer J Simpson

Jan 1, 1970
0
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.
 
C

Carl Farrington

Jan 1, 1970
0
Dave Plowman (News) said:
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_Index/Transformer_Index/Site_Transformers/index.html

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In.../USA_110volt_Convertor_Transformer/index.html

They're even cheaper at tooled-up.com :)
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.as...-Meynell-7501-Single-Outlet-Transformer-750va

Price isn't a concern, it was just the size of the thing really.

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
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.
 
C

Carl Farrington

Jan 1, 1970
0
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.
 
Top