110V tools from USA

Well on the whole there will not be a problem, except that the speed will probably be 20% less than that quoted ;) And you will need a transformer big enough to handle the load.

It depends; Small hand tools have so called universal motors. These will work fine as the speed depends on the voltage. Larger tools fitted with induction motors will run at a lower speed (5/6ths) as the speed depends on the frequency.

Russell

The induction motors designed to run at 60 Hz tend to run a bit warmer at the lower frequency run over there.

This subject comes up often in respect to motors on tools brought back to North America by returning servicemen. Generally, the consensus is that 50 cycle motors run quite well on 60 cycle power, though faster, while the 60 cycle motors tend to be built a little lighter and not to have quite enough mass to dissipate the extra heat from the slower frequency.

So I have come to understand...

Cheers Trevor Jones

You will need to change the mains plug, or use an adapter. The standards in Canada, and the US are not the same as in the UK.

Steve R. On the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Depends what step down transformer you buy ;) Mine have US sockets on.

Am I missing something?

Surely the main problem is that we are 240v in the UK.

MH

All equipment used on construction sites has had to be 110V for some time. Only 110V circuits are allowed prior to building completion, so most good power hand tools are often only available as 110V options. I always get caught out when I'm called in too soon, and the building has not been handed over - then I have to borrow a drill :(

Building sites all use 110V equipment with the centre tap earthed so there's only 55V available to give you a shock, so those Bl***y heavy yellow site transformers are ten a penny at auctions, though how many have been nicked I dread to think!. Greg

A curious thing is that seems to be very much a UK thing. Even in potentially wet environments such as dry-docks, European mainland countries seem to rely on RCDs etc on 230V for safety. Unless things have changed dramatically in the last 15 years, that is.

Tim

Dutton Dry-Dock Traditional & Modern canal craft repairs Vintage diesel engine service

Europe can't agree on electrical safety, even something as basic as what voltage is safe to touch (SELV). The definition of the term in the British wiring regs is totally different from the definition in European product safety legislation, something which keeps tripping me up as I'm both a product designer and an electrical inspector:

Europe:- Safe Extra Low Voltage

By which I wasn't implying that site transformers are SELV, they are in fact PELV because the secondary is earthed, but the limits are the same for all ELV circuits so site transformers are still just over the limit for some reason.

Greg

I asked this as I have a 110V site transformer for some of my tools s thats no problem. The same tools (Hitachi / Dewalt etc) are less tha half the UK price in the USA. I did bring a battery drill back and plug the charger in the site transformer. I intend to bring back power tool each time I visit if I have to go over to the US again fo work.

Steve Larne

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Thank you, all is clear now.

I agree. Last year I bought a boxed set of parallels and a boxed set of angle blocks from a seller in the US mid-west, received them in 4 days, and payed only £16 incl postage for the lot.

Admittedly they are only Enco branded, rather than a perhaps more well-known brand name, but they are accurate & do the job.

The guys still sells them regularly on e-bay if anyone wants the details.

Peter