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Step-down Transformer For Whole House?

  • Thread starter Dean S. Lautermilch©²ºº³
  • Start date
D

Dean S. Lautermilch©²ºº³

Jan 1, 1970
0
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I've been asked to find a 10KV step down transformer that will change
240v 50HZ to 110v 50hz. I was assured that such a device exists.

It is to be installed at the junction box so the whole house will be
on 110. It is for a building in Saint Lucia and the reason for
wanting to do this is the much greater cost of 110v appliances versus
240v.

All that I am finding is for travel converters. Any leads would be
appreciated.


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D

Dbowey

Jan 1, 1970
0
Dean posted:
<<
I've been asked to find a 10KV step down transformer that will change
240v 50HZ to 110v 50hz. I was assured that such a device exists.

It is to be installed at the junction box so the whole house will be
on 110. It is for a building in Saint Lucia and the reason for
wanting to do this is the much greater cost of 110v appliances versus
240v.

All that I am finding is for travel converters. Any leads would be
appreciated. >>

In the US (60 Hz) all it takes is a call to the local power company, who will
either sell you one or will tell you where to buy one.

It sounds like you want one with a nominal 10KV primary and a 240V
center-tapped secondary.

Don
 
D

Dean S. Lautermilch©²ºº³

Jan 1, 1970
0
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Dbowey said:
Dean posted:
<<
I've been asked to find a 10KV step down transformer that will
change 240v 50HZ to 110v 50hz. I was assured that such a device
exists.

It is to be installed at the junction box so the whole house will
be on 110. It is for a building in Saint Lucia and the reason for
wanting to do this is the much greater cost of 110v appliances
versus 240v.

All that I am finding is for travel converters. Any leads would be
appreciated. >>

In the US (60 Hz) all it takes is a call to the local power
company, who will either sell you one or will tell you where to buy
one.

It sounds like you want one with a nominal 10KV primary and a 240V
center-tapped secondary.

Yes, that is correct. Unfortunately the local power company in Saint
Lucia cannot help. I need ten units immediately for homes being
constructed in Saint Lucia. The desired transformer will allow us to
convert the 240 primary lead to 110 at the circuit breaker allowing
the whole house to be 110. Achieving this would allow appliance to be
purchased as 110 units in the US at a substantial cost savings.
Anybody know of any place that I could obtain these transformers?






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P

Peter Bennett

Jan 1, 1970
0
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I've been asked to find a 10KV step down transformer that will change
240v 50HZ to 110v 50hz. I was assured that such a device exists.

I assume that should say "10KW" or "10KVA", not 10KV...
It is to be installed at the junction box so the whole house will be
on 110. It is for a building in Saint Lucia and the reason for
wanting to do this is the much greater cost of 110v appliances versus
240v.

All that I am finding is for travel converters. Any leads would be
appreciated.

For a transformer that size, you need to go to an industrial
electrical supplier.

Expect to pay several hundred dollars for it. (and you'll probably
need a small crane to move it.)
 
J

Joe McElvenney

Jan 1, 1970
0
Hi,

One assumes that you have also considered the consequences of
running 60Hz plant on a 50Hz supply - very often this doesn't
matter but it might (e.g. motor speeds, timers, transformer
losses/overheating). It also means that anyone inhabiting this
110V/50Hz world of yours might not be able to buy and use the odd
item of equipment (video, DVD, etc.) bought in down-town St.
Lucia.


Cheers - Joe
 
D

Don Kelly

Jan 1, 1970
0
Dean S. Lautermilch©²ºº³ said:
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Hash: SHA1

I've been asked to find a 10KV step down transformer that will change
240v 50HZ to 110v 50hz. I was assured that such a device exists.

It is to be installed at the junction box so the whole house will be
on 110. It is for a building in Saint Lucia and the reason for
wanting to do this is the much greater cost of 110v appliances versus
240v.

All that I am finding is for travel converters. Any leads would be
appreciated.
----------
You indicate 10KV- surely you mean 10KVA?
Is your intention to drop from 240V to 120V or to drop from 10KV to 120V (or
240/120V as in the normal US service? .
Also you would be better to use 240V 50Hz for any motors. You can use
devices such as washing machines designed for 60Hz, 120V on 50 Hz but would
have to drop the voltage to about 100V to prevent overexcitation and this
would lead to other problems such as lower peak torque as well as a lower
speed (this may not matter too much).
It is questionable whether any netoperating or economical gain will result.
Also there may well be legal and electrical code problems.
 
D

Dan Fraser

Jan 1, 1970
0
The cost of this transformer X 10 for 10 houses will likely exceed the
cost savings on appliances, etc.. Otherwise, get the pole transformer
replaced with one from the USA where the output is 240V center tapped,
giving two phases of 120V each and run all 10 houses off the one big
utility transformer. Again, you will be paying big money to save about
the same amount.

Besides. it is considered quite silly to run things like washing
machines, and other big loads off of transformers like this when 220V
devices can be bought. Maybe you'd be better off importing the big
appliances for 220V from Europe than buying those locally?

--
Dan Fraser

From Costa Mesa in sunny California
949-631-7535 Cell 714-420-7535

Check out my electronic schematics site at: http://www.schematicsforfree.com
If you are into cars check out www.roadsters.com
 
T

The Captain

Jan 1, 1970
0
Dan Fraser said:
The cost of this transformer X 10 for 10 houses will likely exceed the
cost savings on appliances, etc.. Otherwise, get the pole transformer
replaced with one from the USA where the output is 240V center tapped,
giving two phases of 120V each and run all 10 houses off the one big
utility transformer. Again, you will be paying big money to save about
the same amount.

Besides. it is considered quite silly to run things like washing
machines, and other big loads off of transformers like this when 220V
devices can be bought. Maybe you'd be better off importing the big
appliances for 220V from Europe than buying those locally?

I've been through this and I can assure you that the cost and problems
associated with using a transformer far outweigh the savings. The
only thing I use a transformer for now is my rather ancient but valued
hi-fi system, and that is 110v to 230. (present Euro standard voltage
is 230)

Another problem you will find with importing 110 volt appliances into
a 240 volt area is that of maintenance. Parts are often hard to find
and you may find that operating your appliances off a "strange"
current source voids your guarantees.

White goods are actually generally cheaper in Europe than in the
States, so buying from the UK, where you can deduct 17.5% from the
showroom price because sales tax (VAT) is included in the price rather
than added later as is US practice, will also mean that the associated
paperwork will be in a familiar language. The same will hold true for
buying from Ireland, which uses Euros which are about at parity to the
dollar (108 cents this morning), so getting a feel for prices will be
a lot simpler. Shopping around across Europe may also save you a
packet.

Also, as a EU citizen, dare I say that quality seems to be higher for
European white goods!

John
 

neon

Oct 21, 2006
1,325
Joined
Oct 21, 2006
Messages
1,325
the power company knows about this the transformer on the pole is indeed 240v ac dual phase just like here in the states [60hz] only one phase is taken to the house. All you have to do ask for only one phase to be brought out to the houses. 240 v ac will run most appliances more efficient & cheaper but not safer. Mention that a diesel generator can be used to replace the source you may get some help thatway. 10 houses is significant income loss to them.
 
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