Hi guys,
I have now a number of 110V-only pieces of kit that I would like to use
and I would appreciate your advice.
I have found commercial step-down transformes but they are much more
expensive for much less wattage.
Is there a reason why I shouldn't be able to use a construction-site
transformer like:
http://tinyurl.com/8mwa3

By law, it is now required in the UK to use 110V power-tools and I can
find a 3KVA box for a very descent price.
If yes, should I just change the plugs on the gear with something like:
http://tinyurl.com/9yrfn

Your help will be much appreciated.

Best regards,

Evangelos

%
Evangelos Himonides
IoE, University of London
tel: +44 2076126599
fax: +44 2076126741
"Allas to those who never sing but die with all their music in them..."



Oliver Wendell Holmes
%

Evangelos Himonides wrote:

Hi guys,
I have now a number of 110V-only pieces of kit that I would like to use
and I would appreciate your advice.
I have found commercial step-down transformes but they are much more
expensive for much less wattage.
Is there a reason why I shouldn't be able to use a construction-site
transformer like:
http://tinyurl.com/8mwa3

I can't imagine why not. You only need to pass one frequency, so it's
not like you need audiophile quality transformers here. A better
quality transformer may have some filtering to remove junk that's on the
220v primary, but given the fact that the rest of your rig is plugged
into that source already you're not losing anything.

By law, it is now required in the UK to use 110V power-tools

I didn't know that. I'll be sure to bring one along with me next time I
visit.

//Walt

In article .com,
Evangelos Himonides wrote:
Hi guys,
I have now a number of 110V-only pieces of kit that I would like to use
and I would appreciate your advice.
I have found commercial step-down transformes but they are much more
expensive for much less wattage.
Is there a reason why I shouldn't be able to use a construction-site
transformer like:
http://tinyurl.com/8mwa3

Nothing wrong with using a big transformer for everything, but I suggest
using an isolation transformer rather than an autotransformer like most
of this equipment does. The isolation transformer gives you better
rejection of line noise as a free bonus, and should not cost all that
much more.

By law, it is now required in the UK to use 110V power-tools and I can
find a 3KVA box for a very descent price.

Why? That's bizarre... one of the nice things about European power
tools is the cables and motors are so small at 240V. Going to 110V
seems like a huge step backwards.
--scott


--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

Evangelos Himonides wrote:

By law, it is now required in the UK to use 110V power-tools and I can

Really...? That most of the Eurpoean continent used to use 220v and
that the UK used to use 240v I knew. I thought that the new EU standard
(including UK) is 230v (+/- 10%) at 50Hz. What kind of use of electric
power use are you talking about?

Lars


--
lars farm // http://www.farm.se
lars is also a mail-account on the server farm.se
aim:

"Scott Dorsey" wrote in message
...
In article .com,
Evangelos Himonides wrote:
Hi guys,
I have now a number of 110V-only pieces of kit that I would like to use
and I would appreciate your advice.
I have found commercial step-down transformes but they are much more
expensive for much less wattage.
Is there a reason why I shouldn't be able to use a construction-site
transformer like:
http://tinyurl.com/8mwa3

Nothing wrong with using a big transformer for everything, but I suggest
using an isolation transformer rather than an autotransformer like most
of this equipment does. The isolation transformer gives you better
rejection of line noise as a free bonus, and should not cost all that
much more.

By law, it is now required in the UK to use 110V power-tools and I can
find a 3KVA box for a very descent price.

Why? That's bizarre... one of the nice things about European power
tools is the cables and motors are so small at 240V. Going to 110V
seems like a huge step backwards.
--scott


I think he means using power tools on site (outside), where water and things
that cut other things are somewhat of a hazard.

Otherwise I'm in trouble.



Gareth.

"Evangelos Himonides" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi guys,
I have now a number of 110V-only pieces of kit that I would like to use
and I would appreciate your advice.
I have found commercial step-down transformes but they are much more
expensive for much less wattage.
Is there a reason why I shouldn't be able to use a construction-site
transformer like:
http://tinyurl.com/8mwa3


I won't comment on that because I am not 100% sure.



By law, it is now required in the UK to use 110V power-tools and I can
find a 3KVA box for a very descent price.
If yes, should I just change the plugs on the gear with something like:
http://tinyurl.com/9yrfn


If you have more than 2 pieces of equipment you would need to buy a line
split at £19.99 as well. The alternative is either to put male IEC
connectors on the equipment and use a multi-way IEC extension board with the
110v connector on, or do the same using 13A plugs and a 13A extension board.
The problem then is that is is easy to accidentally connect the 110 volt
equipment to 240 volts. Also, wiring male IEC plugs is a total pain to do
properly.

If you can get hold of a USA 110v extension board, you can keep the 110 volt
plugs on the equipment and put the 110 volt yellow connector on the end of
the extension into the Pig. (Pig = yellow 110v site transformer) No chance
then of blowing anything up.

Not sure of the legalities of using a 110v extension in an educational
establishment, if that is what you are doing. I do know that to install
equipment legally in such places, each piece of equipment must have it's own
13A socket.




Gareth.

I didn't know this as well but I was told that it is compulsory now for
professional contractors.
The have to use 110V power-tools, on-site, by law.
This is how the idea actually came to me... Major works are occuring
here at the Institute's building and I kept seeing those yellow boxes
spread around, so I asked one of the site-supervisors.

Regards,

Evangelos

Hi Gareth,

Many thanks for your help.
The alternative is either to put male IEC
connectors on the equipment and use a multi-way IEC extension board with the
110v connector on, or do the same using 13A plugs and a 13A extension board.

YES! this is what I plan to do, because I actually have 3 devices that
require 110V.

Not sure of the legalities of using a 110v extension in an educational
establishment, if that is what you are doing. I do know that to install
equipment legally in such places, each piece of equipment must have it's own
13A socket

Very true! That's why 'building services' freaked out when I asked them
to built me trunking with 35 sockets in my office!!!
The 110v gear is not for the institution though, they are my own
personal property and will not be installed here.

Best wishes,

Evangelos