How to use a 220v appliance in the US - CR4 Discussion Thread

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Mika Participant Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 3	How to use a 220v appliance in the US 01/24/2012 11:51 AM
	So, I bought this Hot water pot from Europe, it runs on 220. I know I could use a transformer but problem is that I need to leave this pot plugged in for 24 hours at times and it's not recommended with transformers. Is there any other way to get around this problem? Maybe changing the cable can work? The machine is something like this: http://www.factorydirect2you.com/subhotwabdi3.html?productid=subhotwabdi3&channelid=FROOG&utm_source=CSEs&utm_medium=GoogleShopping&utm_campaign=Factorydirect2you&gclid=CK6u4Y-P6a0CFZJX7AodNy7Y5w#.Tx7hW2_iOFk Thanks
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PWSlack Guru Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In the bothy, 7 chains down the line from Dodman's Lane level crossing, in the nation formerly known as Great Britain. Kettle's on. Posts: 32175 Good Answers: 839	#1 Re: How to use a 220v appliance in the US 01/24/2012 11:54 AM
	It will run on 110Vac, at around 25% of its rated power. No good? __________________ "Did you get my e-mail?" - "The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place" - George Bernard Shaw, 1856
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Mika Participant Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 3	#2 In reply to #1 Re: How to use a 220v appliance in the US 01/24/2012 12:04 PM
	That would be fine by me ... so I can just change the cord and get one compatible with the US plugs or I still need a transformer/adapter? Thanks
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PWSlack Guru Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In the bothy, 7 chains down the line from Dodman's Lane level crossing, in the nation formerly known as Great Britain. Kettle's on. Posts: 32175 Good Answers: 839	#3 In reply to #2 Re: How to use a 220v appliance in the US 01/24/2012 12:18 PM
	If 25% rated power is acceptable, simply change the plug. __________________ "Did you get my e-mail?" - "The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place" - George Bernard Shaw, 1856
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JRaef Guru Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: California, USA, where the Godless live next door to God. Posts: 4665 Good Answers: 804	#7 In reply to #2 Re: How to use a 220v appliance in the US 01/24/2012 6:11 PM
	"That would be fine by me... " Do you really understand what PWSlack said and what it means? If yours is the same as the one in your link except 220V, then it is 700W. If you plug in the 700W 220V unit to US 120V by replacing the plug, it will only be a 175W heater element. It will take over 4 times the amount of time to boil water as it does now (because you have longer for heat to dissipate as you are trying to heat it up). So right now, if you are getting your hot water in about 6 minutes, it might take a half hour! It's almost never worth moving small appliances, it's better to just buy properly rated units when you get here. __________________ All I every really wanted to be, was... A LUMBERJACK!.
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WJMFIRE Guru Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: USA, Florida Posts: 1595 Good Answers: 125	#4 Re: How to use a 220v appliance in the US 01/24/2012 2:58 PM
	Most all US houses have 220V outlets. The clothes dryer and the range run on 200V. Even if all of your appliances are 110V or gas, there will be 220V in your service entry box. Just install a receptacle, then cut the European plug off and replace it with one that matches the receptacle (available at Home Depot of Lowes). __________________ An obstacle is something you see when you take your eyes off the goal.
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Mika Participant Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 3	#5 Re: How to use a 220v appliance in the US 01/24/2012 3:36 PM
	WJMFIRE: thanks for the reply. I live in an apartment building in NYC, not sure it works the same way. I am trying to find a way to use this appliance without using a transformer (which is not safe to leave plugged in for long periods of time) Thanks
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PWSlack Guru Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: In the bothy, 7 chains down the line from Dodman's Lane level crossing, in the nation formerly known as Great Britain. Kettle's on. Posts: 32175 Good Answers: 839	#9 In reply to #5 Re: How to use a 220v appliance in the US 01/25/2012 6:35 AM
	It can be used already - at 25% of its rated power. However, for the sake of $85USD replacement value for a locally-correct-equivalent appliance, is it worth bothering with it? <sigh> __________________ "Did you get my e-mail?" - "The biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place" - George Bernard Shaw, 1856
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North of 60 Guru Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Iqaluit, NU. Canada Posts: 1854 Good Answers: 140	#6 Re: How to use a 220v appliance in the US 01/24/2012 4:25 PM
	Ahhh... make real sure that there is no bond connection between the neutral wire on this device and the case. If there is a bond still in place between the neutral and the case when you connect this device across a 240 volt system in the US, more then just the pot will be getting warm. You might want to consider buying a proper device in the US. If this european device is not rated for use on the American system and you modify it and should something tragic happen, you may find yourself in insurance limbo land. Caution is called for. __________________ Joe Contractor to Electrical Inspector, "What do you mean you are going to make me follow the code?".
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Tornado Guru Join Date: May 2009 Location: Richland, WA, USA Posts: 21017 Good Answers: 795	#8 Re: How to use a 220v appliance in the US 01/24/2012 10:11 PM
	I'm not sure that all NYC apartments would have 220v available. If there is a circuit breaker panel that includes some double-pole breakers, then you do have 220 available, and an electrician could wire in a receptacle. As noted before, however, if the neutral of your European appliance is bonded to the exterior, it would be dangerous. This is all easy for a knowledgeable person to check out, but it is not easy to describe in a bullet-proof manner. Therefore best to consult an electrician. __________________ In vino veritas; in cervisia carmen; in aqua E. coli.
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NotUrOrdinaryJoe Guru Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 1639 Good Answers: 73	#10 Re: How to use a 220v appliance in the US 01/26/2012 7:35 AM
	I need to leave this pot plugged in for 24 hours at times and it's not recommended with transformers. Maybe I missed something. Why would this be a problem? I must have skipped class on the day this issue was discussed.......? __________________ A great troubleshooting tip...."When you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
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Users who posted comments:

JRaef (1); Mika (2); North of 60 (1); NotUrOrdinaryJoe (1); PWSlack (3); Tornado (1); WJMFIRE (1)

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