Sparkies..................

[dafydd2008]

Got a quick one.
Doing a dwelling refit, for a big hotel group who have spect some US sockets in the bedrooms.
Does anyone know who manufactures a decent step down transformer which will suit this application?

[jdbecks]

I thought the US used the same voltage as the UK.

[OldSkoolRS]

jdbecks said:

I thought the US used the same voltage as the UK.

US use 110 volts at 60Hz rather than 230 volts at 50Hz. Hence the need for a transformer (though it won't change the frequency, which doesn't seem to matter too much for a lot of equipment anyway).

[cjs]

Could you use a standard yellow 'site' step down transformer. Obviously you would need to protect it with a suitable distribution board. Depends how many Kva you require, how many rooms?

Do the regs allow you to install US sockets in the UK?

[Kevp]

I have done this a few times in the past. Any elctrical wholsaler can get them, but you may be better searching the web. I use these as they are local to me http://www.kes.co.uk/tr-wallpanelmount.html

Site transformers are the cheapist, but will overheat if used at anything like the stated load for any periods.

Edited by Kevp on Thursday 8th July 18:57

[Simpo Two]

jdbecks said:

I thought the US used the same voltage as the UK.

How did you come to think that? I'm not an electrician and have never been to America but I've known the 110/240 thing since I was teenager.

[dafydd2008]

Cheers guys for the help!

[Smiler.]

Simpo Two said:

jdbecks said:

I thought the US used the same voltage as the UK.

How did you come to think that? I'm not an electrician and have never been to America but I've known the 110/240 thing since I was teenager.

Lighting is (or used to be) 277V in the US.

[Mattt]

Smiler. said:

Simpo Two said:

jdbecks said:

I thought the US used the same voltage as the UK.

How did you come to think that? I'm not an electrician and have never been to America but I've known the 110/240 thing since I was teenager.

Lighting is (or used to be) 277V in the US.

Plus the switches are the wrong way round. Damn Yanks - where's Jim when you need him?