Voltage Question

[Potts050]

So you still think it makes sense to try to use chinese apliances on a north american distribution system?

LOL....I sugest you wear rubber gloves and stand on a rubber mat when cleaning your tank, unless you want to help narrow the gene pool.

 

[thecoolguy]

everyone relax.....haven't done anything yet....geez!

ok, so i obviously don't know much about voltage and conversion....so some more questions:

1) US appliances in China - why do they work with a simple converter?

2) if the Chinese products are rated for 50hz is it then ok to use in the US with the proper converter?

3) what is it exactly that makes a product run/rated for 110 vs 220 US/China? is it the internal wiring? the parts? etc.....

any lastly - anyone use products purchased abroad in the US successfully?

thanks for the help

 

[thecoolguy]

for example:

my external canister i bought there says:

"AC 220-240V 50hz" on the back....

what exactly is incompatible/dangerous/etc.....

again, i know all this must sound stupid...but i am no electrician.....

 

[thecoolguy]

ok, so did some quick google searching....


seems like there are plenty of 110>220, and 220>110 converters available on the market - what is so dangerous about using one of these?

it seems like most come with some type of thermal protection shutting them off it overheats - which basically means that most of these solutions dont work well for continuous use....

are there some that do and are safe?

 

[johnptc]

ok, so did some quick google searching....


seems like there are plenty of 110>220, and 220>110 converters available on the market - what is so dangerous about using one of these?

it seems like most come with some type of thermal protection shutting them off it overheats - which basically means that most of these solutions dont work well for continuous use....

are there some that do and are safe?

they are all fine.... but 220 is more dangerous than 110 and the frequency is still 60 not 50 hz

 

[Potts050]

ok, so did some quick google searching....


seems like there are plenty of 110>220, and 220>110 converters available on the market - what is so dangerous about using one of these?

it seems like most come with some type of thermal protection shutting them off it overheats - which basically means that most of these solutions dont work well for continuous use....

are there some that do and are safe?

The problem with converters is that they are essentially isolation transformers creating their own power supply circuit. Any fault condition that has a high resistance path between the Line-1 and Line-2 taps will create a dangerous shock hazard. When you combine this with the use of equipment that isn't built and insulated to NA standards then you increase the risk substantialy. You are 10 times more likely to be killed by a 220 Volt shock hazard than a 120Volt hazard

You are used to using NA equipment built to UL or CSA standards and may be lulled into thinking that the Chinese apliance that looks the same is equally safe. Its cheaper because it's built to a lower safety standard. I recommend that you avoid using them when you get back to the US unless you are willing to invest in wiring ground fault protected 220 V circuits for your aquarium

Your local utility will most likely offer 120/240 volt service so you will need to install an isolation transformer with variable taps to get 220 volts. A 2kVA transformer might be available for as low as $500 installed if you can find an electrician who can put his hands on a used one. The 60 Hz frequency will not be a major concern but you can expect the equipment to break down faster.

Forgive my zeal in writing this but electricl sfety is a huge pet peeve of mine.

 

[HunterX]

the frequency difference won't matter - it only affects digital circuitry.
I can't speak to the safety of your chinese stuff, but it's always a good Idea to use a GFCI on electrical equipment used in or near water.
I put transformers on Laboratory equipment coming from, and going to Europe all the time and it's no problem.

 

[johnptc]

the frequency difference won't matter - it only affects digital circuitry.
I can't speak to the safety of your chinese stuff, but it's always a good Idea to use a GFCI on electrical equipment used in or near water.
I put transformers on Laboratory equipment coming from, and going to Europe all the time and it's no problem.

?????????? it affects the speed of motors !!!!!!!!!!

 

[HunterX]

?????????? it affects the speed of motors !!!!!!!!!!

Not enough to matter. Again , I put them on Lab stirrers,shakers,mixers,centrifuges , vacuum pumps, water pumps all the time and the difference is not noticable. That equipment is far more expensive than aquarium equipment and we couldnt sell it if it didn't work.

 

[cbfreder]

Not enough to matter. Again , I put them on Lab stirrers,shakers,mixers,centrifuges , vacuum pumps, water pumps all the time and the difference is not noticable. That equipment is far more expensive than aquarium equipment and we couldnt sell it if it didn't work.

AC motors are designed to run based on the frequency supplied to them. A 50 Hz AC motor plugged into a 60 Hz outlet will run 1/6 faster than in a 50 Hz outlet.

You might not notice it with lab equipment because a lot of lab motors are actually DC motors, where the frequency doesn't matter (stirrers, shakers, mixers, centrifuges usually are)

Potts, I agree with you. People are just not safe enough with the power to their tanks. I design and work with medical equipment, and we have to ensure that even if someone abuses, misuses, or completely screws with a piece of equipment it will not deliver more that 100 uA across the heart (at 50/60 Hz). It becomes such a problem that the largest bulk (and loss) in any equipment is power conditioning.