Hi
I am about to move to the UK. Currently all my power tools are on US voltage – 120. It has been suggested that some tools may be able to handle UK voltage which I think is 240 but I am not certain how to confirm this by reading the details on the tool itself. My plan was originally to sell everything (a great excuse to by new, improved tools on the other side!) however if all I need to do is change the outlet plug on the cord then this needs to be considered.
Any help on how I can confirm if this is the case would be great.
Thanks,
Greg
Replies
I lived in the US for ten years, and on moving back to live in the UK I took all my US configured hand held power tools with me. They work just fine with a transformer like the one in this link:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=23256&name=transformer&user_search=1&sfile=1&jump=0
The only other things you need to consider are plugs and extension leads. You can buy the correct plugs to go into the transormer at the same source as the link (and many other suppliers) and stick one of these on the end of each of your power tool leads.
The other option, the one I went for, is to buy a bunch of standard two or three prong electrical connectors from somewhere like Lowes or Home Despot and bring them with you for future use. Then make up a couple of conversion lead pig tails to get from the transformer to your standard US two prong male connectors at the end of the cord on your power tools.
After either of the conversion options described, plug in, fire up and work as normal. Some say that US configured tools run slower and hotter here in the UK due to the Hertz difference: 50 Hz here and 60 Hz in the US. I've never noticed any speed drop nor any excessive heat build up. The routers, drills, biscuit jointers have all worked fine for over four years now.
As general advice I'd say ditch any of your fixed machinery in the US and replace it with European stuff compliant with UK safety regulations and configured for the UK electrical supply. You can switch out motors and get the big stuff to work, but it's expensive, generally not worth the effort, and nearly all of the US machines, especially table saws, don't meet safety regulations in this country. One major factor making the big stuff fall short of UK regs is the requirement that all heavy machinery cutters come to a complete stop within 10 seconds of switching off the power, which often involves electronic braking. US machines just aren't set up to do this. Slainte.
Richard Jones Furniture
Edited 12/1/2007 8:33 am by SgianDubh
SgianDubH
Thanks for the tip. I figured getting an adaptor was an option but wasn't sure if such devices were for short term use only. I am in Bermuda currently but already know what high prices of stock and limited supply is all about. Right now I pay well over $80 for a sheet of 3/4 interior furniture plywood. Actually $80 ins on the cheap side. I am moving to Isle of Man so I can only assume the selection will be less than UK!
I don't actually know what brands are available at B&Q which I equate to being the UK version of home depot. I presently have a small shop, the main tool being my delta contractor's saw on mobile base. I have an assortment of dewalt, ryobi, rigid and bosch hand tools and no fixed machinery. So long as the converter you show works well, I am amenable to keeping everything with me.
Is that convertor readily availble in the UK or is that a special order job?
Thanks for the advice!
"Is that convertor readily availble in the UK or is that a special order job?"
Transformers are available at many trade electrical suppliers, and the link in my first post took you to Axminster Power Tool Centre, a British woodworker's mail order supplier. Slainte.Richard Jones Furniture
You can get a heavy duty transformer made at an electrical services company. Expect to pay $50 to $100 each if done in the USA. I had two made when I went and lived in Australia for two years - I think one was capable of handling 15 amps and one 20, but maybe it was 10 and 15. They are heavy, insulated, and about the size of a small wastebasket. One ran the stereo and electronics stuff upstairs and one was used for my tools in the shop (One at a time, of course). The cheap travel transformers are generally useless and will not last more than a week. Good luck, Ed
The motor on your contractor's saw is an induction type and cannot be made to work by plugging it into the transformer that will convert the hand held power tools.
I would have thought that the electrical power system of Bermuda would be based on the British system, what voltage and frequency are used there?
John White
If the transformer is big enought, why can't the table saw be pluged in to it? Whatever type of motor it is.
"If the transformer is big enought, why can't the table saw be pluged in to it? Whatever type of motor it is."
It's because of the 50 Hz vs. 60 Hz issue. A motor designed to run only on 60 Hz can easily overheat if run on 50 Hz power.
-Steve
The motor on his saw is an induction motor that needs both the correct voltage and the correct frequency. The transformer only changes the voltage, the frequency in the British power system is wrong for his saw's motor. The motors on the small tools are universal motors, they need the correct voltage but are unaffected by the frequency so they can be safely run with the transformer.
John White, Yestermorrow School, Waitsfield, Vermont
Edited 12/6/2007 9:12 am ET by JohnWW
Its not a "converter". Just a large transformer in a yellow plastic box. They are used because 110volt is used on building sites to reduce the chance of electric shock. So when you get to a site where 240v is the only supply you need the transformer. You should be able to plug any of your 120V a/c tools in to it as long as the amps are not going to overload it. Check if your table saw can be rewired for 220volt for ease of use.
Be careful with 110 V "building site" supplies in the UK. They are two legs, 55 V to neutral as opposed to 110 V to neutral as in the US.
This is done to limit exposure to 55 V. I guess the Brits think this will kill you less dead...
Edited 12/4/2007 4:23 pm ET by northhouguy
"Be careful with 110 V "building site" supplies in the UK. They are two legs, 55 V to neutral as opposed to 110 V to neutral as in the US.
This is done to limit exposure to 55 V. I guess the Brits think this will kill you less dead..."
OK, a few little points for you to contemplate. It is generally agreed (by electrical engineers) that 55 volts (+ or -) is a lot less likely to kill you that 110 volts. 230 volts, our standard mains voltage is a lot more likely to kill you, than 110 volts. More than 60 years of experience of using 110 volt buildings site supplies in the UK has yielded a noticeably lower electrocution risk on sites here than was formerly the case. Unlike parts of the USA we have wet climate, so site electrics often run through mud and shallow water.
My experience is that many US sourced cportable electric tools will work happily on UK site transformers. I have P-C routers, a Bosch laminate trimmer and P-C sanders, some with electronic controls. They all work here
Scrit
As a visual reference for you my transformer set ups look like this.
What you see is a transformer, UK style 3 pin plug for the wall outlet, orange pigtail adaptor lead from transformer to US style electrical outlet, US configured router with US style lead and US style plug. Slainte.
View Image
Richard Jones Furniture
Edited 12/1/2007 8:31 am by SgianDubh
SgianDubh has the right way of doing this. Power tools are VERY high priced in the UK. Just take a look on ebay.co.uk to get a rough idea.
Remember also with 2 dollars to the pound and the pound buying about what a dollar buys, the UK is expensive. Take what you can with you and replace when you have to.
I love the uk but when I go back to visit, the prices shock me, and like here most stuff is made overseas!
There are two principal kinds of motors used on woodworking machinery, induction and universal. With rare exceptions, universal motors have brushes (the exceptions are called "brushless" or "electronically commutated" motors.) Because of the brushes, ordinary universal motors scream like the dickens. Because they're small and lightweight, these are the motors used in virtually all portable power tools, and a few stationary ones as well.
Induction motors are used when more horsepower is called for, and are therefore found on most stationary equipment, especially larger machines. Induction motors hum rather than scream.
Universal motors care only about the voltage, and not the frequency. (They can even run on DC current--hence the name "universal.") So, all you need to worry about is getting an appropriate transformer, as was mentioned in another post.
Induction motors care about both voltage and frequency. You can look at the nameplate of a motor to determine what it will be happy with. Most induction motors can be wired for either 120V or 240V, so that's usually not a problem, but there are exceptions. However, many (most?) induction motors sold in the U.S. are rated at 60Hz only, not the 50Hz found in Europe and most of the rest of the world. (The reason is that a 60Hz-only motor contains less iron and is therefore cheaper than a 50/60Hz motor.)
What happens when you run a 60Hz-only motor at 50Hz? It runs hotter. Therefore, you have to derate it, meaning that you cannot allow it to generate as much power as it's rated for. Unfortunately, there's no easy way to know what the derating factor is for a given motor, because it varies depending on the internal design. Furthermore, the motor's built-in protection circuitry will generally not be able to compensate, so you run a greater risk of overheating the motor if you do push it too hard. Bottom line: If you do use a 60Hz-only motor on 50Hz, use it for light-duty work only.
One thing you can do to run a 60Hz motor at 50Hz without risk is to run it at about 20% lower voltage than what it's wired for (e.g., 100V instead of 120V, 200V instead of 240V). The power will be significantly reduced, and it requires a transformer, so it's usually less hassle and expense to just get a new motor. (Frequency converters exist, but they're ridiculously expensive for anything but really big--tens of horsepower--motors.)
-Steve
GWB,
It's not just the voltage you have to be careful of. The AC line frequency in the UK is 50 Hz, as opposed to 60 Hz in the US. Depending on the motor type, 60 Hz tools will run slower on a 50 Hz system
This frequency difference will directly impact the performance of tools/motors. My advise would be to contact individual tool manufactirers/repair centers and ask them directly if the tool will perform satisfactorily on a 50 Hz system.
I would not recommend buying any tools in the UK. You will get the same Chinese junk we get here, with a different name or model number, at FOUR times the cost.
Another thing, where will you set up your shop? The garage of the house I rented there was 10' x 8', max.
If you have handtools consider taking them. Or buy some here and work on your proficiency there. Don't buy them there, unless money is no object. You might find that that's your best option.
By the way, wood is very expensive too. The little bit I worked while there came from the construction site scrap pile.
I was very disapointed in woodworking opportunities in the UK. I spent most of my time reading magazines and dreaming about my shop at home.
I'm not trying to rain on your parade, just giving you one woodworkers experience.
Check for a U.S. Military base somewhere around there. Transformers are bought and sold daily. They never take them home.
Expect whatever you want to buy in the UK will cost you almost exactly 2x what it costs in the US. Plus VAT.
In other words, it'll cost a fortune to replace your tools. Or socks, or anything else.
Thanks all for the feedback. I think I can now get my degree in electrical engineering (!) . I think the question is answered for my hand held power tools though it seems I need to make some decisions on my delta contractor saw. Assuming it is an induction motor, then I will need to see if it can be re wired for 220. If it can't are replacement motors which would work/ mount on this saw type available in the UK?
Or, generally, is there a decent source of woodworking tools in the UK? So far I havent' found anything on the internet that comes close to the US market.
I appreciate the advice.
Changing your saw motor in the UK might be problematic, depending on how it is mounted. US motors are NEMA frames in the UK they are IEC frames. So the dimensions/mounting holes are different.
Changing to a 240 V motor in the US might be OK if you get a 50/60 Hz motor. The saw will run slower on 50 Hz. Remember, the 50 hz system can/will give you trouble if you apply a 60 Hz motor.
Good luck, enjoy yourself and have some beans on toast and a Bombadier for me!!
If your motor isn't already 120/240 50/60, you might have better luck finding one that (a) is 120/240 50/60, and (b) fits your saw, from a U.S. distributor, like McMaster-Carr or W W Grainger.
-Steve
Greg,
Motors that will run on fifty cycle power are readily available in North America, since the Canadian grid is fifty cycle. If you can order from Canada or the US you could install a new motor on your saw before you left for Britain. Ordering from the US or Canada will probably be cheaper and will get you a motor that will properly fit your saw.
If you can give me a complete run down of the information on your motor's spec plate, I can find an exact match from the Grainger's catalog and send you the information.
Correction: The Canadian grid is 60 cycles, however 50 cycle motors are still available from North American suppliers for some reason, I guess for supplying the overseas market.
John White, Yestermorrow School, Waitsfield, Vermont
Edited 12/6/2007 11:34 am ET by JohnWW
Really?
I wasn't aware of anyplace I've been in this vast country where its 50Hz. Not that I've plugged an oscilloscope in, but my understanding is its all 60Hz or at least has been for many decades. (I admit I haven't been to PEI).
Besides, our grids are integrated with the US - you would that work?
I don't think it's true anymore, but there used to be some isolated areas of southern Texas that were separate from the main North American grid, and had 50 Hz power. Other than that, all of North America and virtually all of Central America is 60 Hz. Most of South America, too, although there are apparently some holdouts, primarily in parts of Brazil.
-Steve
I believe that - I think some parts of Canada were 25Hz long ago.
Now, lets talk China - they have every permutation of Hz, Voltage, and wall plug you can think of!
You are right, Quebec was 50 hz once but changed over a long time ago. I don't know where I got hold of the thought that the Canadian system was all 50 hz.
There is a giant inverter set up in Highgate, Vermont to hook up the power from Hydro Quebec to the U.S. grid, but that station is changing over high voltage DC, which is apparently more efficient for long distance transmission, from Canada to 60 hz.
I found a site with information about the electrical grids all over the world: http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm
John White
Edited 12/6/2007 11:31 am ET by JohnWW
John
HP 1.5 - 2
Volts 115/ 230
HZ 60
Amps 12.8 - 8.6
Not certain what else you may need. I read through the manual that came with the saw but there was nothing re powering the motor. I tried calling the Delta/ DeWalt/ Black & Decker helpline and when I finally found a number that hadn't been disconnected I got stuck in a dubious telephone queue so any assistance you can provide would be great. thanks,
Does the motor's spec plate have a box marked "frame" or "FR" on it, with a two or three digit number and possibly a letter in it?
Motor frame sizes are standardized for the overall dimensions of the motor and its base mounting holes, the shaft size, and the height of the shaft above the base. By matching the frame size, the replacement motor will fit on the saw without a problem or any modifications. If your motor doesn't have a frame size marked, I'll need a few dimensions to get a match.
John W.
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