Stepdown transformers

Margo Channing

26-07-2011

Ello not sure if this is the right section of the forum for this question but I am hoping someone here will know the answer.

I recently aquired for a bargain price of £20 the Panasonic SC-HTR310.

The only downside is that the power supply is Japanese.

I have been told that to use that in the UK I need a stepdown power transformer. I've had a quick look online but I haven't a clue about stuff like this.

It says the power supply is 100v with 125watt output.

If anyone could help I really would appreciate it.

Thanks for reading

Nigel Goodwin

26-07-2011

Most Japanese equipment is dual-voltage, usually switchable, because Japan has (or at least had) two different mains voltages - dependent on who rebuilt the infrastructure after WWII.

Assuming it's not, then you need an auto-transformer - something like this:

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/auto-t...6BAC2DD2C7.210

If you can 'get hold of' one of the yellow transformers used for power tools on building sites, that should be OK as well.

Margo Channing

26-07-2011

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin:
“Most Japanese equipment is dual-voltage, usually switchable, because Japan has (or at least had) two different mains voltages - dependent on who rebuilt the infrastructure after WWII.

Assuming it's not, then you need an auto-transformer - something like this:

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/auto-t...6BAC2DD2C7.210

If you can 'get hold of' one of the yellow transformers used for power tools on building sites, that should be OK as well.”

Thank you for that.

I was also told that I could get away with using a stepdown transformer that converts the UK supply to the US 110v. I'm not sure I want to risk that.

I can only see the 100v marking on the stand I'm assuming if it was dual voltage it would say that???

Nigel Goodwin

26-07-2011

Most options will only give you 110V or even 120V, either should be perfectly fine on a 100V unit.

Mains voltages aren't 'cast in stone', like anything else it's within certain tolerances, so 100V means 100V+/- whatever that tolerence is.

Quote:
“
I can only see the 100v marking on the stand I'm assuming if it was dual voltage it would say that???”

I would imagine so.

grahamlthompson

26-07-2011

Originally Posted by Margo Channing:
“Thank you for that.

I was also told that I could get away with using a stepdown transformer that converts the UK supply to the US 110v. I'm not sure I want to risk that.

I can only see the 100v marking on the stand I'm assuming if it was dual voltage it would say that???”

We used to have a 240V supply in the UK. EEC standardisation now calls it 230V. In reallity nothing has changed.

Some usefull info here including the Japanese 100V system

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

For the ultra cautious

http://www.airlinktransformers.com/j...ansformers.asp

Margo Channing

26-07-2011

Originally Posted by Nigel Goodwin:
“Most options will only give you 110V or even 120V, either should be perfectly fine on a 100V unit.

Mains voltages aren't 'cast in stone', like anything else it's within certain tolerances, so 100V means 100V+/- whatever that tolerence is.

I would imagine so.”

Originally Posted by grahamlthompson:
“We used to have a 240V supply in the UK. EEC standardisation now calls it 230V. In reallity nothing has changed.

Some usefull info here including the Japanese 100V system

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

For the ultra cautious

http://www.airlinktransformers.com/j...ansformers.asp”

Thank you both so much I really do appreciate it