[Boatanchors] WTB Step Up Transformer 1:2 Ratio

[Bry Carling]

Most of the Appiances whether 120V, 220V or 240V is specified,
have been built for +/- 15% tolerance for the past 20 or 30 years and so it shouldn't be a 
problem for most things.

Yes, if you can still find any incandescent light bulbs marked "220V AC" they will have a 
shorter life running on modern 240V AC circuits, although the subject here was appliances.
SOME appliances designed for 50 Hz at 220V really want to see 50 Hz.
Most don't care. 

The standard AC line voltage in France is 230 V
The standard AC line voltage in Germany is 230 V
The standard AC line voltage in Italy is 230 V
The standard AC line voltage in India is 230 V
The standard AC line voltage in Icelandis 230 V
The standard AC line voltage in United Kingdom is 230 V +10%/-6%
As you may know these voltages can vary quite a bit up or down.

I would not be worried about using most foreign appliances on standard USA 240V AC 
circuits. We have done it with electric kettles for making proper tea etc. (!)

However, all those appliances from Angola should be a cause for concern. (220V there!)

This resource should help:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mains_electricity_by_country


On 17 Sep 2012 at 15:03, D C *Mac* Macdonald wrote:
 
> AND, the nominal 240-250 VAC customarily provided to our homes 
> might take the 220 VAC appliance to an early death anyway! It 
> already does a bad number on the life span of lamps/bulbs!