Power adapter 220 to 110 question

[nbarts]

Is it OK using a 120v to 110V 50Hz adapter for 120V 60Hz amp?

 

[steve_k]

Until it starts smoking

Do you mean 220 or 120V?

120 and 110 run the same. You get more variance in cycles from 50hz to 60hz from the electric company.

As for stepping up or stepping down supply voltage, that needs a power converter. If for an amp, get a good one.

One problem overseas is that everything on my compound and in a few others were built by Americans and we get good ole 110V power with US plugs which is one reason I buy only 110 gear. Leave camp and it goes to the round pin 220V. Voltage is +/- 10% at best from what it should be. I have one of the higher end Furman regulators in my rack to take care of that.


Steve

 

[Ailean]

+1 on the high quality power converter, you aren't plugging in a mobile charger, you are putting a serious draw on the mains, US power regulations are more varied then european ones too (wider tolerances) so be careful using EU gear on US mains without a power regulator.

I guess you'd also have to watch the amps too, going from 220 to 110 will double the amp draw. Unless I'm mistaken the power consumption will not change, but if the voltage halves then the amperage has to double to give the same wattage.

 

[nbarts]

Just to avoid any confusion; it's a US made product that needs to run in Europe.
So to sum it up it's a 120v amp which is going to be powered from 220v outlet. So what exactly do you guys suggest for this?

 

[Ailean]

Not much different really, good quality power converter for sure, a power conditioner is probably less necessary due to the tighter power regulations, but it were me I'd still get a power conditioner, national regulations aside you don't know what state the power will be like in any given building until you get there. And since it will be a native rated power conditioner it will be useful back in the US as well.

 

[steve_k]

Just to avoid any confusion; it's a US made product that needs to run in Europe.
So to sum it up it's a 120v amp which is going to be powered from 220v outlet. So what exactly do you guys suggest for this?

Need a step-down transformer taking it from 220V supply to 120V input. You can buy a decent one with a built-in voltage stabilizer at most hardware stores or electrical supply shops (in Europe or I guess the US too) for less than a $100. They will have a plug to go into 220V wall sockets then usually 2 or so 120V outputs on the front and two round pin 220V's on front. Most will be step up and step-down combined and just make the selection on the front panel. Come in different amperage too. Usually, a 1000 amps will do and leave plenty of draw. They are fuse protected too in case you make an uh-oh. Just make sure you are grounded, or that nasty 50 cycle hum will show up.

Steve

 

[nbarts]

Thanks!

 

[Joeytpg]

So if I'm doing it the other way, taking a 220v amp into a 120v socket ? I'm taking my Diezel and my Princeton Reverb to America, and they're both 220v. (the duesentrieb is 120-220 so no prob there). I'm thinking about getting them modded to 120, but I'm not sure.

I'd need a step down/up ? transformer and a Furman power conditioner to regulate the power?

 

[steve_k]

So if I'm doing it the other way, taking a 220v amp into a 120v socket ? I'm taking my Diezel and my Princeton Reverb to America, and they're both 220v. (the duesentrieb is 120-220 so no prob there). I'm thinking about getting them modded to 120, but I'm not sure.

I'd need a step down/up ? transformer and a Furman power conditioner to regulate the power?

If your amp is has a dual voltage transformer (like older Marshall's) and you can select the voltage, then you need nothing but the right lead for the wall socket. In the US, voltage is pretty stable, so the regulator or other power conditioners are not needed.

Steve

 

[Joeytpg]

yeah but that's just for the duesentrieb Little Joe, which Olaf made it dual voltage. But the Diezel and the Fender are both 220v.

a good solid step down/up transformer and a power conditioner should be enough? which ones you recommend?

 

[steve_k]

yeah but that's just for the duesentrieb Little Joe, which Olaf made it dual voltage. But the Diezel and the Fender are both 220v.

a good solid step down/up transformer and a power conditioner should be enough? which ones you recommend?

I ran into a roadie for Machine Head in Berlin and got to bullshitting (and drinking heavily) with him and got onto this topic. Simran was a high-end brand that got recommended. This is the brand I bought. Here's a link....

http://www.voltage-converter-transforme ... ormer.html

You might see if Olaf or Peter could change out your transformer and re-fuse the VH4 to run on US power, if you are staying there long. Or, maybe Terry could do it there. I don't think this is a very difficult task. I don't like power converters, but when needed for a tube amp, I wouldn't leave it to some shit pile made in Taiwan. Dropping a couple Banjamins on a good converter makes good sense when play a $4000 amp.

Steve

 

[supersonic]

Why not rewire the amp to run 220v? It's a simple 5 minute job for a tech.

 

[steve_k]

Why not rewire the amp to run 220v? It's a simple 5 minute job for a tech.

That would be my advice to Joey for a long term solution, especially for the VH4. I do not like transformers, but sometimes you got to use them.

Steve

 

[Joeytpg]

I think I'll do this too.