Can I use a USA 120 V electrical sander on a 240 V European supply by using a voltage converter?

From what I understand the voltage converter is not a transformer. I don't know exactly how it works, but according to the reviews, the output still measures at 240 V but somehow it appears to reduce the current as if it were running at 120 V. It is rated at 4000 W. I don't know if the voltage drops when it's under load.

Your advice would be appreciated.

Kind regards Chris

PS some examples of the voltage regulator/converter here:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...d930641a8863c079cd35bd77c&afSmartRedirect=yOR

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...87292598787423ef6e2!12000025526333012!rec!CY!

 

On the first link, there is nothing to indicate how it works, so I suspect it is a triac dimmer. I would not use that to run a 120 appliance off 240V.

The second say “coil type: toroid,” which implies it is an autotransformer. I am suspicious that it can really handle 4000W, but it might work well below that.

I would not take a chance on either of them. I would get a real 2:1 transformer appropriately rated.

 

Thank you for your reply and advice. The sander is rated at 120V, 3 Amps 360 Watts. As you say, a 240 to 120V transformer would be best. I only wish I could find a cheap one! All I need is the bare transformer rated at 360 Watts and I can build my own box! I can't find them anywhere on Ebay or Ali Express!

I would be interested to learn if anyone has tested one of these converters on a power tool.

Kind regards
Chris

 

Can I use a USA 120 V electrical sander on a 240 V European supply by using a voltage converter?

From what I understand the voltage converter is not a transformer. I don't know exactly how it works, but according to the reviews, the output still measures at 240 V but somehow it appears to reduce the current as if it were running at 120 V. It is rated at 4000 W. I don't know if the voltage drops when it's under load.

Your advice would be appreciated.

Kind regards Chris

PS some examples of the voltage regulator/converter here:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...d930641a8863c079cd35bd77c&afSmartRedirect=yOR

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003383910894.html?spm=a2g0o.detail.1000013.3.70d3Y6GCY6GCM5&gps-id=pcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller&scm=1007.13339.291025.0&scm_id=1007.13339.291025.0&scm-url=1007.13339.291025.0&pvid=bb29e6e5-3272-4608-8613-c4fd2cb47e85&_t=gps-idcDetailBottomMoreThisSeller,scm-url:1007.13339.291025.0,pvid:bb29e6e5-3272-4608-8613-c4fd2cb47e85,tpp_buckets:668#2846#8113#1998&pdp_npi=3@dis!EUR!23.3!19.11!!!!!@2103243416887292598787423ef6e2!12000025526333012!rec!CY!

All power tools used on building sites outdoors in the UK must be 110V, so suitable transformers are readily available.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/carroll-...ep-down-isolation-transformer-230v-110v/61847
Because of the large thermal mass of the transformer it isn't bothered by short term overloads such as large tools starting up or stalled motors.

 

This appears to really be a transformer. The 500W version is $40.

Transformer

 

Thank you very much Ian and Bob. Bob, please can you post your link again, it appears to be broken and I can't open it.

What I meant to say is that "Bare transformers" without a box are hard to find. That's all I need and its easy to make a suitable box.

Its also a question of economics. The Orbital Sander is for home use. It cost €120 (I don't live in the UK). So the cheapest solution to get it working on 240V would be preferable.

Thanks for all your help.

Kind regards
Chris

 

Some converters are only suitable for running resistive loads like heaters; they just contain a half-wave rectifier.

But have you tried looking for a used sander at pawn shops, car boot sales, flea markets, and online ads? This is the season for vintage/collector car swap meets, which can be excellent sources of used tools.

 

Some converters are only suitable for running resistive loads like heaters; they just contain a half-wave rectifier.

I doubt it - 230V through a halfwave rectifier would give 162V rms

 

230V through a halfwave rectifier would give 162V rms

Are you thinking of a capacitive load?
The RMS value (power) into a resistive load of a halfwave is 1/2 the full wave.

 

Okay, maybe it's an SCR or triac circuit. I searched for some confirmation, and found someone on quora saying rectifier, but someone else doing a teardown and finding a thyristor circuit.

 

The VERY cheap AliExpress thing says, "Adjustable Regulator AC 220V 4000W SCR Adjustable Voltage Dimmer Speed Temperature Light" but not "motor". It does not say any safety certification.

 

Are you thinking of a capacitive load?
The RMS value (power) into a resistive load of a halfwave is 1/2 the full wave.

No.
The power is half, so the rms voltage must be 1/√2.
The intention is to reduce the voltage to a half, so the power would be a quarter.

 

Thank you all for your replies.

From what I understand from the replies and surfing the net, an SCR chip based voltage converter might work but there is a risk of damage involved because the manufacturer has not tested or certified the tool to work using a converter. My gut feeling is that it will probably work if used with caution and setting the voltage conservatively on the low side so as not to be in excess of the max of 3 Amps.

The better solution would be to buy a proper 240 to 120V transformer or just buy a new 240V tool and count one's losses.

If anyone has actually tested one of these SCR voltage converters on a 120V power tool, please let me know.

Thank you all for your comments and help.

Kind regards
Chris

PS in the meantime I did find an interesting YouTube video that tested one of these SCR voltage converter devices on 240V equipment (Not on a 120V tool though)

 

Search for a 500W Up/Down transformer in your country. They already come in a box with power receptacles.

 

Thank you for the advice.

Kind regards
Chris

 

Transformer

A bare transformer would likely cost more. Consumer electronics products often sell for less than the the quantity one price of the parts.

 

Transformer

A bare transformer would likely cost more. Consumer electronics products often sell for less than the the quantity one price of the parts.

Sadly, that is often the case. The other day I went to buy 15m of Cat 6 cable off a reel. The salesman told me not to bother. He explained it would cost half the price to buy a ready made 15m Cat 6 ethernet cable (complete with plugs) in a packet. he was right!

Kind regards
Chris

 

No.
The power is half, so the rms voltage must be 1/√2.
The intention is to reduce the voltage to a half, so the power would be a quarter.

Ah, of course,
My brain was in neutral.

 

Ah, of course,
My brain was in neutral.

It fooled me once. I thought I could run an ENH 120V/250W lamp off 230V with a diode.
It was very bright - but not for long!

 

Just found this 16 minute YouTube review of a cheap SCR voltage controller.

Kind regards
Chris