Thread: Using a USA tool in Australia - Simple as using a transformer?

If they are Universal motor tools (Armature Brushes) I would think they should be fine, If they are Induction Motors (no Armature Brushes) then you will see a speed difference due to difference between 60HZ and 50 HZ AC mains, and maybe some other unwanted effects such as increased heat in motor or loss of power.

Thanks for the reply. I have another couple of questions.

Is there are easy way to know which tools have induction motors and which have universal motors. And does a particular kind of tool (eg. a power drill) only ever have either an induction motor or a universal motor, or can they have either depending upong brand/model.

By using your reasoning, would that mean that cordless tool should be fine, as with the charger we don't have to worry about motors.

Which country has the 50 HZ AC, and which the 60HZ?

The easy way to know if a tool has an induction or brush (Universal) motor is the sound. An induction motor makes just a hum whilst running where as a brush motor tends to scream.

There are very few, if any, hand tools that use an induction motor most are simply a brush motor.

Regarding using a 110v motor on a 240v system with a converter you have to take care that the motor does not over heat, my father-in law is an electrician and has infomed me in the past that there are a few problems with motors running on a converter. As far as anything that has a transformer there should be no problem with the converter.

Hope this makes a little sence and helps

Are you saying I can cut the plug off a North American Universal motor I.E. a drill or any other hand power tool, and put on a Aussie plug and it will work

Originally Posted by CHJ

If they are Universal motor tools (Armature Brushes) I would think they should be fine, If they are Induction Motors (no Armature Brushes) then you will see a speed difference due to difference between 60HZ and 50 HZ AC mains, and maybe some other unwanted effects such as increased heat in motor or loss of power.

He is definitely NOT saying that. No way should the plugs be changed.

If you read the answer in context with the original question you will see the reference to the transformer.

Is it just a simple matter of buying a transformer, plugging it in, and then everything will work?

What's a converter, is that the same as a transformer?

Originally Posted by Whinging Pom

Regarding using a 110v motor on a 240v system with a converter

As far as anything that has a transformer there should be no problem with the converter.

I don't understand the difference between the two.

Cut off plug & connect to 240 volts = flash of light, blue smoke & dead tool.
Get transformer, plug tool into transformer (which I have found have a Nth American style socket) = tools works, smiles all round )

Some Porter-Cable hand tools will run on 240 volts - have a look at a site like -woodworker.com - which has a listing for 220 volt & 'European voltage' tools. Carbatec import most or all of the P-C tools that will run on 240 volts - there is a sheet of instructions in the box on how they are wired up, & they can be converted back to 110v as well.

Most other hand (and stationary) tools come in 110 and 240 volt models which are not interchangeable. For stationary tools you can usually just swap the motor, but shipping cost for these heavy items from the US will kill any benefits.

Battery chargers will say if they are multi-voltage - some of the better chargers are 'switching power supplies' rather than simple transformers - common in lap-top computers for instance.

Originally Posted by michaelvass

What's a converter, is that the same as a transformer?


I don't understand the difference between the two.

A convertor is either Rotary, (a motor driving a generator/alternator with a different output) OR Static Electronic (Where the input power is converted to an alternate voltage or frequency output)
Rotary convertors will accept more abuse with high start-up loads due to the inertia of the rotor, although they may complain a bit. An electronic Convertor will normally shut down immediately you reach its max output (to protect the semi conductor devices)
A transformer is just two sets of windings that Multiply or Divide the voltage to give you an alternate output.
If You use a Standard Industrial (Building Site) 110 Volt Isolation Transformer then all should be fine change of plug will ensure only 110v is used (Just ensure any Earth lead is always connected). The safety Transformers have their output windings earthed at the centre so that at no time are you exposed to more than 55 volts if you cut a cable.
Golden Rule with Electrics The Most Important lead in any 3 wire system is the Earth/Ground Lead if that is missing then you are the nearest equivalent.
Chas

Carbatec import most or all of the P-C tools that will run on 240 volts - there is a sheet of instructions in the box on how they are wired up, & they can be converted back to 110v as well.

I wonder if the 110v variants of these tools sold in the domestic US market are easily rewired for 240V. - Could be some good buys on ebay.com if that is a possibility. Anybody know?

Originally Posted by rev

I wonder if the 110v variants of these tools sold in the domestic US market are easily rewired for 240V. - Could be some good buys on ebay.com if that is a possibility. Anybody know?

If the Part Nos. are Identical then I would think so. It is a case of connecting the wiring in either Parallel or Series, If however A motor is re-wound to the alternate voltage then there is usually a loss of power available due to the change in wire sizes needed to fit the required number of turns into the armature and field winding slots.

Chas

Originally Posted by michaelvass

What's a converter, is that the same as a transformer?

I don't understand the difference between the two.

Michael

The electric current is used in a winding to set up a magnetic field in an Iron/Ferrite Core.
Another winding on the same core then reacts to this field and shows Voltage at its ends.
Example: a simple transformer with a core 1” Square requires approximately 7 turns of wire for every volt applied to saturate the core and impart enough energy without over heating.
Therefore 240 volt input would have 1680 turns of a fine wire, and a 24 volt output would have 168 turns of normally much thicker wire to utilize the power.

I hope that explains it without going into AC theory wich You do not need to worry about.

Chas

I was going to go down this road a few years ago, when I was flying to the US a couple of times a month, and in the end decided it was not worth the trouble. You will have to factor in the cost of a LARGE transformer. These are expensive and HEAVY! Because using a transformer will only work with universal motors, and these motors are generally on portable tools, you loose much of the convenience of portability when you have to lug that heavy transformer around. Then you have the service and warranty problems. Unless you are living overseas, already have all your tools and are moving to a country with a different voltage, take my advice and don't bother...

I didn't think so but theres alway a chance I was wrong. After all I can take my 110v razor to Aus and plug it in with no problems

Originally Posted by Sprog

He is definitely NOT saying that. No way should the plugs be changed.

If you read the answer in context with the original question you will see the reference to the transformer.

Can someone post a website selling transformers for 240v to 110v