240v to 110v - advice needed

[michaelwalter]

Hi all

I've seen so many gorgeous American vacuums for sale over the years on Ebay but the one thing that has put the idea of buying on hold is the voltage conversion. In NZ we are 220 - 250v so needless to say plugging an American machine into our outlets would blow the arse out of it. Are there voltage converters out there that are compact? In particular I'd like to acquire a mint condition vintage Eureka upright (soft bag). They seem to be around 5 amps, we don't go by Amps here but watts so looking on the net 5 ams is about 550 watts. Alternatively is there anything an electrician can do to convert them?

Out of interest which is a better vacuum the vintage eureka upright or hoover convertible? Is it simply a matter of brand loyalty?


Cheers

Mike[this post was last edited: 3/22/2014-00:16]

 

[Anachronism]

A step down transfromer with a 2:1 ratio would do the trick for you, such a device should be obtainable from an electronic supply. There are also such devices sold on the U.S. side of the pond to allow tourists to use U.S. built appliances on 220V power, but one would have to check the wattge capacity.

 

[davetranter]

110V conversion

Any 110V tool tansformer will provide 500W of power, since this is the smallest size made. If in doubt, get a larger one, though that will be heavier. They can be picked up for a few £/$ at any second hand /flea / car boot type sale. They are wired 55-0-55 volts, so just connect to the two smaller pins of the socket. Enjoy!!
This also provides complete isolation from the 'mains' if you want to use it oudoors, for instance. ;-) I did see a thread on here recently featuring a chap using a Hoover (I think) as a garden vac and/or snow blower.

All best

Dave T

 

[gsheen]

I have loads of 110 v machines, We are also 240v in South Africa, I use a step down transformer but also have fitted 110v through most of our place.  I will post pics of the transformer later. My washer is 110v Kenmore The dryer was also from the USA but it is 220v usa, I had to make a special conversion as USA 220v uses 2 110v lines , The dryer used a 110v to run the motor and controls but the two 110lines together for the element