[TheForge] Fw: 220V equipment.

[David E. Smucker]

Geoff,

In general this should not be difficult for you to get 220 volts. It is what 
are "mains" supply is here.  It is 60 hertz vs. your 50 hertz.  What we have 
is 220 (actually 240) volts with a center tap that is grounded which we call 
the neutral.  From one size to the center tap or neutral is 120 volts, with 
which we power outlets and lights.  We use the full 240 volts for large 
demand items such as air conditioning, stove, large motors, welder, etc.

You most likely issue will be the difference between the 60 and 50 hertz. 
Many items today are made to run on either. (check the name plate and see 
what it says.)

I had the problem of going the other way when we lived in the UK for several 
years.  For the shop I was able to change the motors so they all could take 
220.  In the house we used transformers to drop the voltage in half for most 
items and they worked fine.  We did have to buy new electric clocks because 
of the change from 60 to 50 hertz and we had to change plugs on some items 
to fit the British standards.

Dave

--------------------------------------------------
From: "Geoff Nelson" <gjn.pub at gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2009 8:13 AM
To: "The Forge" <theforge at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [TheForge] 220V equipment.

> Hello List
>
> I will be relocating the next 3 to 6 months to the USA. I however live
> now in South Africa. The big question I have is do I sell up all my
> equipment and try restart or do I try and scrape the money together to
> get it all to where I am going to be.
>
> Part of what will motivate that decision is how easy is it to get 220V
> single phase into a workshop or garage. I have some things I would like
> to bring with as they will make setting up a lot easier. EG my inverter
> for my knife grinder.
>
> Any comments or suggestions will be very helpful.
>
> Geoff
>
>
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