Power Converter

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headphones1

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Power Converter
« on: 27 Jul 2018, 09:17 pm »
I need something to convert a European wattage/voltage (220v) to an American wattage/voltage (120v). One salesman said I needed a voltage converter?  I have looked around; but, I am not even sure if what I am looking at is even the proper device.  Or, if I even understand the real differences between the electrical systems.  The unit is a 50 watt per channel x2 (class B architecture?) integrated amplifier going from Europe (Italy) to the United States.  I have read of scenarios where it is just changing a few wires in the component and that will do the job.  I do not know what that is.

Thanks for any help.
« Last Edit: 28 Jul 2018, 12:29 am by headphones1 »

headphones1

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Re: Power Converter
« Reply #1 on: 27 Jul 2018, 11:47 pm »
Addendum:   One salesman said I needed a voltage converter?

mikeeastman

Re: Power Converter
« Reply #2 on: 27 Jul 2018, 11:56 pm »
It would need to convert the voltage and the hz, European is 50hz and US is 60hz

charmerci

Re: Power Converter
« Reply #3 on: 28 Jul 2018, 12:30 am »
Yes, you should buy one of these - or something similar.

http://www.220-electronics.com/step-up-step-down-voltage-converters.html
and maybe something like this - unless the above converter has the proper plugs. The converter plugs in the photos look like a model to take an American model to Europe. 



Speedskater

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Re: Power Converter
« Reply #4 on: 28 Jul 2018, 12:38 am »
The only European units that require 50Hz are turntables.  Well clocks in older units won't keep time.
Are you sure that it's setup for 220V, that's a rather old standard.
Almost all US homes have 240V available. (for the major appliances)

Running a US 60Hz component in Europe (at 50Hz) has a lot more problems.

charmerci

Re: Power Converter
« Reply #5 on: 28 Jul 2018, 02:04 am »
The only European units that require 50Hz are turntables.  Well clocks in older units won't keep time.
Are you sure that it's setup for 220V, that's a rather old standard.
Almost all US homes have 240V available. (for the major appliances)

Running a US 60Hz component in Europe (at 50Hz) has a lot more problems.
Yes, 220V.
https://www.tripsavvy.com/electricity-in-italy-1548048

Elizabeth

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Re: Power Converter
« Reply #6 on: 28 Jul 2018, 02:05 am »
Agree the 60Hz American is a total non-issue.
Going from 50 to 60 is A-OK for transformers. (The reverse sometimes causes the made to use 60Hz when stuck on 50Hz to overheat.)

Speedskater

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Re: Power Converter
« Reply #7 on: 28 Jul 2018, 04:44 am »
Yes, 220V.
https://www.tripsavvy.com/electricity-in-italy-1548048
That page is so, so out of date!
It also has:
In the US, electricity comes out of the wall socket at 110 volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second.
the US voltage has been higher than 110V for well more than half a century.

charmerci

Re: Power Converter
« Reply #8 on: 28 Jul 2018, 01:22 pm »
That page is so, so out of date!
It also has:
In the US, electricity comes out of the wall socket at 110 volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second.
the US voltage has been higher than 110V for well more than half a century.
Oh give me a break. An Italian living in Italy says that electricity is 220V/50 HZ and you're questioning him?  :roll:
This site is updated this year then,https://www.worldstandards.eu/electricity/plug-voltage-by-country/