Argh, US > UK voltage adapter....

[Maximus Nickus]

Okay,
I recently purchased an Aluminium Resevoir with an externally mounted 400GPH Aquavia pump from Luefkentechnologies.com, only to realise that its 110V US voltage.
Now we in the UK use 240V, I need to be able to use this pump on UK voltage, so I ring the local electrical store.

All the adapter needs is to be 15Watt+ rated (maximum output of the pump), they have one $5, but its for PC's, and its non-continual use.

They say for a pump that I have, go to a Garden Centre for a special CONTINUAL (24/7) adapter.

Man! I'm nearly skint ($10) and I need this adapter!!!
The only other place I found with one was $100!!!!!
Where can I get one of these and how much?
Not only that they then confuse me saying every state in the US has different Watts. So I will need to tell them which state I got it from to use it?????????????????

I hate being in the UK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Thanks again guys,
Now I can continue helping you!


Nick "Maximus Nickus"

 

[Diggrr]

All the U.S. states use the same voltage, and the device would draw the same current everywhere here, so the wattage would not change from state to state.
Most devices made in the U.S. will also run fine with the 50htz instead of the 60htz in the U.S.

Sounds like the person that told you that needs some education.

Feel free to print this and tell 'em I said so!

Here's a link to a good voltage converter. The first one on the page will do what you need, with room to spare, and only $17 USD.

 

[Maximus Nickus]

Thanks, i'll see if I can afford that convertor.
Its the one right at the top right?

 

[Diggrr]

Yes, the one on top.

It converts both ways too, so if you ever go to a LAN in the States, you'll be all set. (kidding, but it is good and cheap)

 

[Maximus Nickus]

Any ideas on the shipping costs? It doesn't state any

As long as its safe for 24/7 use then I guess I'll have to order it!
Thanks,
M_N

 

[Diggrr]

You can search for power converters too on Google.com. That's how I found this company, but I couldn't find sites in the UK for you. Maybe with a little more persistence....

 

[Maximus Nickus]

Thanks.

I might have found a UK supplier > RSWWW

 

[The Overclocker]

nick - maplins sell a volatge adaptor - and we dropped down to 230v about 10 years ago.

and AC power does not have a specific Wattage, it is just the ammount of energy used up by the pump.

 

[Maximus Nickus]

Maplins have discontinued it

And the only other option is £100!!!!!!!!!!!!
Looks like I'm gonna have to wait....

 

[The Overclocker]

make one -all they are is a transformer 230 to 115 or 110

 

[CrystalMethod]

You could try seeing what a local electronics shop would charge to change the transformer inside, to convert it to the required voltage. I had to do the reverse with my guitar amplifier. It originally came from Australia, so I took it to a local shop and fo $30 Canadian, they swaped out the transformer for me.

 

[The Overclocker]

nick - argos sell an adaptor for over 100 countries, it is code number 982/7459 and costs £4.99 (may not be there any more - i am looking at the old catalouge)

maplins also sell a universal traval adaptor (£4.99) code number: BN30H

they look like the same thing.

 

[Maximus Nickus]

You could try seeing what a local electronics shop would charge to change the transformer inside, to convert it to the required voltage. I had to do the reverse with my guitar amplifier. It originally came from Australia, so I took it to a local shop and fo $30 Canadian, they swaped out the transformer for me.

Great idea!

 

[Maximus Nickus]

nick - argos sell an adaptor for over 100 countries, it is code number 982/7459 and costs £4.99 (may not be there any more - i am looking at the old catalouge)

maplins also sell a universal traval adaptor (£4.99) code number: BN30H

they look like the same thing.

Thanks for looking I really appreciate it. Unfortunately the new Argos Catalogue doesn't have it
And Maplins have dis-continued it!!! ARGH!!!

I'll double-check tommorow!