johnsmith96
Well-known member
If you bought a sebo from overseas new, can you use one of the UK to US adapters to use it here in the United States? Just curious
UK to United States plug adapter
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eurekaprince
Well-known member
You need a voltage transformer....
European appliances need 220 volts to run, so you need a voltage transformer that will boost the 120-volt power supply in a North American home to 220 volts. You also need that plug adapter so that you can plug the Sebo into that voltage transformer. You can get a transformer at any 220volt appliance store. Many large cities have such stores for people planning to move overseas and wanting their new 220volt appliances bought before they move and shipped with their other belongings and furniture.
European appliances need 220 volts to run, so you need a voltage transformer that will boost the 120-volt power supply in a North American home to 220 volts. You also need that plug adapter so that you can plug the Sebo into that voltage transformer. You can get a transformer at any 220volt appliance store. Many large cities have such stores for people planning to move overseas and wanting their new 220volt appliances bought before they move and shipped with their other belongings and furniture.
madman
Well-known member
No, one of those little power adapter cubes will not power a vacuum cleaner. It won't power much beyond a laptop charger and even that's pointless since almost all laptop chargers are dual voltage already. Those things are basically useless.
A step up transformer is an option. Specifically a 120v to 220/240v transformer. They are available, usually $100 or so, check the amazon link below. Be sure to get one rated a little over the rated wattage of the vacuum cleaner. It's worth mentioning that some European appliances will consume more than 1500 watts. That's a problem as 1500w is the maximum allowable load on an ordinary (North American) 15amp circuit.
The other option which negates the previously mentioned wattage issue and is also cheaper, is to make or use an existing 240v outlet in your house and make an adapter cable to fit the appliance's plug, OR make an 'adapter' box that plugs into opposing phase outlets. Also very simple and cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/3000W-Transf...p+down+transformer&qid=1588482127&sr=8-3&th=1
A step up transformer is an option. Specifically a 120v to 220/240v transformer. They are available, usually $100 or so, check the amazon link below. Be sure to get one rated a little over the rated wattage of the vacuum cleaner. It's worth mentioning that some European appliances will consume more than 1500 watts. That's a problem as 1500w is the maximum allowable load on an ordinary (North American) 15amp circuit.
The other option which negates the previously mentioned wattage issue and is also cheaper, is to make or use an existing 240v outlet in your house and make an adapter cable to fit the appliance's plug, OR make an 'adapter' box that plugs into opposing phase outlets. Also very simple and cheap.
https://www.amazon.com/3000W-Transf...p+down+transformer&qid=1588482127&sr=8-3&th=1
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
gregvacs28
Well-known member
Or you can change the motor(s) and avoid all the hassle.
You didn't even state WHAT Sebo you bought. Is it simiply a pn, a canister, or upright?
Yeah, those simple $5 adapter are only meant for low wattage type things. A vacuum will need some thing heavy duty and expensive. Again, changing the motor will be easier.
You didn't even state WHAT Sebo you bought. Is it simiply a pn, a canister, or upright?
Yeah, those simple $5 adapter are only meant for low wattage type things. A vacuum will need some thing heavy duty and expensive. Again, changing the motor will be easier.
this should provide what you need
I'm not sure if you gain any advantage by purchasing a European Sebo, because of the power restrictions in Europe the United States models may actually be more powerful, not sure about that. If you want to use a European vacuum though, this link should provide what you need.
I would suggest purchasing the quick 220 power supply, it's not a transformer, you connect the two cords on the power supply to different outlets on opposite sides of the phase. The design of this is ingenius, I have one and I've used it to power my 240 volt central vacuums, it works great. This package also includes the adapters that will let you connect European plugs to the power supply.
https://www.quick220.com/-P-100.html
Just curious, which Sebo were you thinking of purchasing, is it something that's available in Europe but not in the United States?
Mike
I'm not sure if you gain any advantage by purchasing a European Sebo, because of the power restrictions in Europe the United States models may actually be more powerful, not sure about that. If you want to use a European vacuum though, this link should provide what you need.
I would suggest purchasing the quick 220 power supply, it's not a transformer, you connect the two cords on the power supply to different outlets on opposite sides of the phase. The design of this is ingenius, I have one and I've used it to power my 240 volt central vacuums, it works great. This package also includes the adapters that will let you connect European plugs to the power supply.
https://www.quick220.com/-P-100.html
Just curious, which Sebo were you thinking of purchasing, is it something that's available in Europe but not in the United States?
Mike
huskyvacs
Well-known member
Changing the motor is definitely not easier than buying a voltage conversion box - and that defeats the purpose of buying a European model anyway. People buy European vacuums because they want the exclusive models for their collection. I have a couple Kenmores from Canada that we never got here.
Also if you want to use it long term and not just for a "playtime" vacuum, what MadMan said is correct - have an electrician install a 240V breaker in your circuit panel and run a 240V line to a midway point in your house where you can reach all the rooms with the vacuum. Make sure the socket is specially colored for 240V so you dont accidentally forget and plug another vacuum or item into it and blow it up, that would be bad!
Enjoy your vac!
Also if you want to use it long term and not just for a "playtime" vacuum, what MadMan said is correct - have an electrician install a 240V breaker in your circuit panel and run a 240V line to a midway point in your house where you can reach all the rooms with the vacuum. Make sure the socket is specially colored for 240V so you dont accidentally forget and plug another vacuum or item into it and blow it up, that would be bad!
Enjoy your vac!
madman
Well-known member
Yes, that's the thing I was describing. I didn't know you bought one of those, Mike.
If anyone else wants one of those devices, pay me HALF the price, and I'll make one for you. I can use the money, and those guys are overcharging.
If anyone else wants one of those devices, pay me HALF the price, and I'll make one for you. I can use the money, and those guys are overcharging.
quick 220 outlets and plugs
Unless a plug or outlet is modified incorrectly, it's not possible to plug a 120 volt device in to a 240 volt outlet. The prongs are in a different orientation to avoid this issue.
I bought the quick 220 in case I was not able to have an outlet installed. Even though I now have a 240 volt outlet, I don't regret buying the quick 220 power supply, it may come in handy if I ever move or want to take one of my 240 volt central vacuum units some place where there isn't a 240 volt outlet available. I think the reason why it costs a bit of money is because of the safety circuitry that it has.
Mike
Unless a plug or outlet is modified incorrectly, it's not possible to plug a 120 volt device in to a 240 volt outlet. The prongs are in a different orientation to avoid this issue.
I bought the quick 220 in case I was not able to have an outlet installed. Even though I now have a 240 volt outlet, I don't regret buying the quick 220 power supply, it may come in handy if I ever move or want to take one of my 240 volt central vacuum units some place where there isn't a 240 volt outlet available. I think the reason why it costs a bit of money is because of the safety circuitry that it has.
Mike
gregvacs28
Well-known member
I hope you realize that 220 in the UK is NOT the same when one states a 220 volt circuit here in the U.S.
Yeah, if one is buying a vacuum to collect one can understand not ditching the original motor but if you are serious about wanting to use it it will be more cost effective to simply yank that other motor and replace with a 120 volt.
Yeah, if one is buying a vacuum to collect one can understand not ditching the original motor but if you are serious about wanting to use it it will be more cost effective to simply yank that other motor and replace with a 120 volt.
Circuit
There is no difference in electrical circuits. It's the amps the breaker has. If they have a 40 amp 220 breaker if you run the same setup in the US with correct gauge of wires you can use a 220 vacuum. You have to have same setup they use.
That being said if you use a 220 usually for appliances. You change out the 220 American plug with European plug you may fry the machine.
You can make a plug using correct wires. The breakers aren't cheap either. The lines are going to use alot bigger wires too. You can't just double up 2 120 lines.
It can be done.
Les
There is no difference in electrical circuits. It's the amps the breaker has. If they have a 40 amp 220 breaker if you run the same setup in the US with correct gauge of wires you can use a 220 vacuum. You have to have same setup they use.
That being said if you use a 220 usually for appliances. You change out the 220 American plug with European plug you may fry the machine.
You can make a plug using correct wires. The breakers aren't cheap either. The lines are going to use alot bigger wires too. You can't just double up 2 120 lines.
It can be done.
Les
madman
Well-known member
Greg, I'll second Les on this, mostly. In terms of vacuums (universal motors) there is not an appreciable difference. You could take a UK or EU vacuum and run it fine on a North American 240v supply.
Let me break it all down. The UK uses 240v at 50Hz. Most of the rest of Europe use 220v at 50Hz. Because of the EU, there is a slow movement to meet in the middle at 230v. The UK agreed to this, and they are 'working' on it. However, they've written legislation that allows them a 10% margin of error, so they can just leave their voltage at 240v, but say they're at 230v lol. North America uses 240v at 60Hz.
For a vacuum cleaner motor, the difference would not be noticeable between 220 to 240v, nor from 50 to 60Hz. Even if it had electronics on board, they're largely designed with a 200-250v tolerance to cover all of Europe. That's not even mentioning local voltage variations. In America, all appliances are designed to work from 110-120v, just for line variations. European appliances will of course also have a tolerance.
As for line frequency, it would affect an induction motor, as they need to be designed specifically for a particular line frequency. But vacuums (outside of central units) do not use induction motors, they use universal motors. 'Universal' here meaning DC or AC at pretty much any frequency. There is an upper limit to frequency, but we're only talking a 10Hz difference. Look at an old vacuum that says something like '0-60Hz.' If a machine has electronics on board, they run on low voltage, which is made by rectifying line voltage to DC, so the frequency is removed entirely. The same would go for a BLDC motor's controller.
Les - you CAN actually double up two 120v lines that are out of phase with each other. They HAVE to be out of phase with each other, it simply won't work if they're not. That's exactly how your stove or dryer outlet is wired. That's exactly how that $220 'voltage converter' works. It's literally just two extension cords wired to a box that takes only the line wire from each and connects to a 240v outlet, and thus safer.
Also, the higher the voltage, the smaller wire is needed to carry the same wattage. So imagine in Europe, their wires are half the size of ours, for the same duty. So actually, with the higher voltage, the same wires meant to carry a given wattage on 120v, would be twice the size needed to carry that wattage on 240v.
Let me break it all down. The UK uses 240v at 50Hz. Most of the rest of Europe use 220v at 50Hz. Because of the EU, there is a slow movement to meet in the middle at 230v. The UK agreed to this, and they are 'working' on it. However, they've written legislation that allows them a 10% margin of error, so they can just leave their voltage at 240v, but say they're at 230v lol. North America uses 240v at 60Hz.
For a vacuum cleaner motor, the difference would not be noticeable between 220 to 240v, nor from 50 to 60Hz. Even if it had electronics on board, they're largely designed with a 200-250v tolerance to cover all of Europe. That's not even mentioning local voltage variations. In America, all appliances are designed to work from 110-120v, just for line variations. European appliances will of course also have a tolerance.
As for line frequency, it would affect an induction motor, as they need to be designed specifically for a particular line frequency. But vacuums (outside of central units) do not use induction motors, they use universal motors. 'Universal' here meaning DC or AC at pretty much any frequency. There is an upper limit to frequency, but we're only talking a 10Hz difference. Look at an old vacuum that says something like '0-60Hz.' If a machine has electronics on board, they run on low voltage, which is made by rectifying line voltage to DC, so the frequency is removed entirely. The same would go for a BLDC motor's controller.
Les - you CAN actually double up two 120v lines that are out of phase with each other. They HAVE to be out of phase with each other, it simply won't work if they're not. That's exactly how your stove or dryer outlet is wired. That's exactly how that $220 'voltage converter' works. It's literally just two extension cords wired to a box that takes only the line wire from each and connects to a 240v outlet, and thus safer.
Also, the higher the voltage, the smaller wire is needed to carry the same wattage. So imagine in Europe, their wires are half the size of ours, for the same duty. So actually, with the higher voltage, the same wires meant to carry a given wattage on 120v, would be twice the size needed to carry that wattage on 240v.
madman
Well-known member
Correction, I did not mean to say that using a voltage converter box was 'safer.' Typo. Though it would be perfectly safe if used within the limits of the house's wiring, etc.
huskyvacs
Well-known member
Yeah because every line load comes with it resistance which in turn creates heat. The higher the load, the more resistance, the hotter it gets. If you have old 1950 romex 12ga. wiring like in my house - probably not a good idea. Any house built after the mid 1980's is probably OK because of different electrical safety building codes. When in doubt - email a local electrician or have an inspection done.
I've never heard of that "Quick 220" thingy. I myself would rather trust the jumper box unit which is double fused and in a metal shroud, and it converts both ways. The reason that 220 adapter is expensive is because it is safe up to over 4,000 watts - it's mainly for severely large appliances and high draw equipment (which is why its on an industrial equipment site). I think its overkill for this task. I also suspect that it relies on the building's wiring to carry the resistance - which is why its in such a smaller case - it has no transformers to carry the load. That makes me suspicious of using it at home because its meant for industrial applications. There is no way to tell if your basic residential house is in or out of phase. It also requires you to buy two sets of 12-3 AWG extension cords which can run $20-$70 a piece depending on the feet needed.
The Powerbright converter transformers are only $80 to handle a vacuum up to 2000 watts - it's worth it.
https://www.amazon.com/PowerBright-Transformer-Countries-Convert-220-240/dp/B00O4JFLV6?th=1
It's literally the easiest way to go. Buy, plug in, use, no drama. It handles all the load heat and voltage converting within itself, so there is no risk on your house or no need to modify your wiring. It's also what Mr. ibaisaic uses any time he buys an American vacuum and it performs wonderfully.
I've never heard of that "Quick 220" thingy. I myself would rather trust the jumper box unit which is double fused and in a metal shroud, and it converts both ways. The reason that 220 adapter is expensive is because it is safe up to over 4,000 watts - it's mainly for severely large appliances and high draw equipment (which is why its on an industrial equipment site). I think its overkill for this task. I also suspect that it relies on the building's wiring to carry the resistance - which is why its in such a smaller case - it has no transformers to carry the load. That makes me suspicious of using it at home because its meant for industrial applications. There is no way to tell if your basic residential house is in or out of phase. It also requires you to buy two sets of 12-3 AWG extension cords which can run $20-$70 a piece depending on the feet needed.
The Powerbright converter transformers are only $80 to handle a vacuum up to 2000 watts - it's worth it.
https://www.amazon.com/PowerBright-Transformer-Countries-Convert-220-240/dp/B00O4JFLV6?th=1
It's literally the easiest way to go. Buy, plug in, use, no drama. It handles all the load heat and voltage converting within itself, so there is no risk on your house or no need to modify your wiring. It's also what Mr. ibaisaic uses any time he buys an American vacuum and it performs wonderfully.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
several things
If you connect a motor to a 60 HZ supply it will run slightly faster than on 50 HZ but with a vacuum cleaner it probably would not be very noticeable.
I think in Europe there is just one hot wire and that wire carries the 240 volts, in our country, you have to use two hot wires in order to get the same voltage.
240 volts is actually more efficient, it takes less current to provide the same power which is why 240 volt motors draw less amps.
The quick 220 power supply is very safe, you are still limited by your breakers, whether that's 15 or 20 amps, it actually does not connect the 240 volt outlet that it has until the connections are correct. Just about every building has outlets that are out of phase, I had no problem finding this in my apartment.
Mike
If you connect a motor to a 60 HZ supply it will run slightly faster than on 50 HZ but with a vacuum cleaner it probably would not be very noticeable.
I think in Europe there is just one hot wire and that wire carries the 240 volts, in our country, you have to use two hot wires in order to get the same voltage.
240 volts is actually more efficient, it takes less current to provide the same power which is why 240 volt motors draw less amps.
The quick 220 power supply is very safe, you are still limited by your breakers, whether that's 15 or 20 amps, it actually does not connect the 240 volt outlet that it has until the connections are correct. Just about every building has outlets that are out of phase, I had no problem finding this in my apartment.
Mike
madman
Well-known member
Husky - the quick 220 thing will either work or not work, depending on whether you plugged into opposing phases. That's how you tell, really no big deal. No rewiring is needed. 99% of residences in North America have 2 phase power. As for the transformer, it would certainly work. But by technicality, the quick220 thing would actually be safer as it would be distributing the load between two circuits. Not that I mean to sing its praises, for that outrageous price, they can go screw themselves. Of course, with all of these things you need to be mindful of your electrical limitations.
Mike - 50 or 60 Hz should have no practical effect on a universal vacuum cleaner motor's speed. Only induction motors are affected by line frequency.
Mike - 50 or 60 Hz should have no practical effect on a universal vacuum cleaner motor's speed. Only induction motors are affected by line frequency.
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