20 replies to this topic

[Rhodri]

Hi

Is there an electrical engineer out there who could provide me with a UK supplier (hopefully with URL) who sells voltage converters (step-down).

I need to convert UK (240 AC 50 Hz) to US (110 AC 60 Hz).

Many thanks

Rhodri

BTW This is a relevant pyro. question PM if you need to know why.

Edited by Rhodri, 08 October 2003 - 03:20 PM.

[maxman]

If this is for a ball mill, its more involved than just step down as the frequency drives AC motors and it will run slow.

[Arthur Brown]

Voltage converters are retail out of Maplin that gets you 120volts at 50 hz to get 60 hz (U.S.) you will need to use a motor generator set or an inverter set to 60 hz 120 v

More info if you tell me what power (watts) you need and a budget

[Rhodri]

Thanks for the reply maxman and Arthur Brown.

You've guessed it. My ball mill needs to be 'put out to pasture' as it were.

I have my eye on ordering a couple from US. Prohibitive shipping I know but I really don't have time to build new ones.

These all run on US f and v.

Am I making more work in trying to interface one to our supplies rather than build another?

I'd much prefer to spend the cash and get one over from the US, use a step-down and maybe an inverter to shift the f.

Please advise.



PS. Unsure of the I^2R - have asked for spec. sheet. Still waiting.....

Edited by Rhodri, 08 October 2003 - 07:09 PM.

[maxman]

There was a guy selling Lortone I think on ebay who I spoke to who was able to get a version "UK READY" at a slightly higher cost. Looks a nice mill but I didn't want to wait 6 weeks or so for delivery so made my own with a video capstan motor from an old VCR! am I giving away my trade here?

[lord_dranack]

I was planning on getting a ball mill from United Nuclear, but hadn't thought of that problem!

Would there be much of a reduction in speed for a US built ball mill run at 50Hz?

[Rhodri]

The f (Hz) is not THE major problem. It's the voltage.

US = 110 AC
UK = 240 AC

The motor wouldn't last too long. It would also be very unsafe to power it directly from UK supplies.

[lord_dranack]

But couldn't the voltage problem be solved using one of the previously mentioned converters from Maplins?

[Rhodri]

I think so yes. I'm currently 'talking' to a few learned members about this topic.

As soon as I think the use of US mills is viable (both financially and HSE wise ) I'll have a go and post my findings.

Excting stuff eh!

[phildunford]

All you need is a step-down transformer.

If the motor is syncronous it would run a bit slower, but not enough to affect performance.

Various people do step down transformers but the wattage is the important bit. If it's highish the cheapest option would be the type of unit that contractors use on building sites. They are usually yellow boxes. The have 240v input ad a centre tapped (for safety) 110 volt output, usually on a cee17 round socket.

A quick internet search revealed this company - don't know if they are any good, but you can see some prices etc...

express tools

[Pazza]

lord dranack:
i bought my ball mill from united nuclear and all you have to do is tell them that you live in the UK and they will get you a compatible plug, it may take a week or so longer though as they have to order it in
hpoe that helps

[Rhodri]

Did they simply provide a converter from blade to 3-prong?

If this is the case then you're running a 110 V (60 Hz)motor on 240 V, 13 A and 50 Hz!

Does it work (without any suspicious burning smells)?

[Rhodri]

Phil, thanks for the reply.

Me thinks I'll wait until I gather more information from others memebers before taking the plunge.

I think my mind is already made up though.....

Very tempted to order a mill and use a 'yellow box' to power it.

Unless there are any serious posts from members to advise me otherwise I'll order after the weekend.

[lord_dranack]

Thanks Pazza! I'll order tonight!

[maxman]

If you contact ronsrocks@adelphia.net he will supply you with a nice Lortone 3A that is the same as united nuclear without the media. The price he quoted me not long ago was $93.85 inc carridge and that is the price for the 240v 50hz. He is on ebay , just type in rock tumblers and look for the Lortone 3A and seller ronsrocks. If you try using a 110v 60hz with a uk plug on then it is more likely to make a bigger bang than the BP you are milling