Voltage Question

[thecoolguy]

hello there....

as you guys know, i am in china, and love buying stuff for cheap here...but will i be able to use my filters/powerheads/heater once back in the states?

i am guessing a converter might be needed...but anyone have any experience with this?

i brought stuff over here, and only need to use a super small attachment to the plug - but going from china to US night not be as easy....

anyone ?

 

[Volenti]

China is 220v 50hz so you'll need a step up transformer, the 50hz/60hz isn't a big problem, you'll actually get more flow/head out of the pumps, but you'll definitely need the transformer for use stateside.

 

[thecoolguy]

China is 220v 50hz so you'll need a step up transformer, the 50hz/60hz isn't a big problem, you'll actually get more flow/head out of the pumps, but you'll definitely need the transformer for use stateside.

how much are these transformers?

is it soo expensive that i just shouldn't buy stuff here while it is cheap?

thanks guys!

 

[Volenti]

http://www.dvdoverseas.com/store/catalog6_0.html converter pricing here, I'm assuming it's in us$

 

[johnptc]

i would pass and get the stuff in the us with correct voltage and warranty

 

[Potts050]

i would pass and get the stuff in the us with correct voltage and warranty

Good advice! Chineses electrical products are not manufactued to North American safety standards anyway. Running devices designed for an ungrounded system through an isolation transformer at 220 volts is taking a big risk around water in my humble opinion.

If I saw that in a commercial establishment where I live, I would have the equipment removed or if the owner proved uncooperative, have the power to the building disconnected.

Saving a few bucks is not worth putting public safety at risk!

 

[gomezladdams]

Its no big deal to install 220v outlets in just about any house in the USA.It would make more sense than trying to use transformers.If youre coming back to the USA to your own home where youre building a fishroom then go ahead stock up.If youre going to try to use all that stuff in an apartment or rental then dont bother its not worth it

 

[thecoolguy]

thanks for the input --

so yeah, i own a condo and can do whatever i want - so how expensive is it to make a couple outlets into 220v?

i take it any electrician i hire would do it for me?

thanks for the input....

 

[johnptc]

thanks for the input --

so yeah, i own a condo and can do whatever i want - so how expensive is it to make a couple outlets into 220v?

i take it any electrician i hire would do it for me?

thanks for the input....

its still the wrong frequency unless the equipment is rate 50/60 hz

 

[RsaidF]

thanks for the input --

so yeah, i own a condo and can do whatever i want - so how expensive is it to make a couple outlets into 220v?

i take it any electrician i hire would do it for me?

thanks for the input....

with the money you spend on the electrician coverting your outlets, you would probably be better off buying the powerheads, etc.. in the states.