Use 230V 50Hz electronics in U.S.A
I want to visit friends in U.S.A. and may stay there for maybe a month. I would like to bring my electronics with me and need to know how I could use them in America. They use 230 V, 50 Hz (I am from Germany).
I think America uses 120 V, 60 Hz (a friend told me).
I have seen travel adaptors however I fear putting 120V, 60Hz into my electronics (most don't do 120 V/60 Hz) and then breaking them.
Best Answer
You need to check the label on each device and see what voltage and frequency can be used on them.
Many electronic power supplies will be "universal" and will work from 100 V to 240 V, 50 or 60 Hz.
- If the device is universal then you only need an adapter for the plug.
- If the device is 230 V only but will accept 50 or 60 Hz then you need a 120 to 230 V transformer with an adequate VA rating for all the devices you have.
- If the device is 50 Hz only (unlikely) then it's going to be more trouble than it is worth to convert.
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Can I use 220V 50Hz in USA?
Instead, look at the little sign that has model numbers, serial number, voltage, etc. If it says 220 V 50/60 Hz, then it's probably safe to use it in the US. If it says 220 V 50 Hz, it's more uncertain. Many components should work fine, but perhaps some may overheat, not work, or run at the wrong speed.Does America use 50Hz?
Most countries use 50Hz (50 Hertz or 50 cycles per second) as their AC frequency. Only a handful use 60Hz. The standard in the United States is 120V and 60Hz AC electricity. The standard in Australia is 220V and 50Hz AC electricity.Does US have 230V?
To answer the question, though\u2014the US does have a higher power supply. Nearly all homes in America have 240V alternating current lines at the service entrance to the household as well as select locations within the home. The reason it's 240V is because that's the power line that has been standardized over here.Can you use a 240 volt appliance in US?
that power supply will be fine in the US. The only thing that you might need to buy is a converter for the power outlet. If the power cord has the normal 3 pin UK plug you will need a converter to the US two pin type.Will a 50Hz component work at 60Hz?
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Answer 2
You need a step-up 120:230 transformer with a suitable VA rating to cover all the devices you have that are not rated for universal mains input. Computers, phone chargers etc typically are rated for 100 to 230V so they can be used world wide for example.
The mains frequency should not be an issue as very few devices rely on it for timing though I do have a clock that does.
Most builders merchants will stock suitable transformers but you may find it easier to obtain in the US. My local merchant in the UK only stocks 1:1 and step-down transformers since few people in the UK have access to a 110/120V volt supply though they may have equipment requiring the lower voltage. I'm sure you could order a step-up transformer in Germany but it is unlikely to be a stock item.
Answer 3
As long as non of your electronics have an ac motor in them (very unlikely) the frequency does not matter. You just need to step up the voltage.
The cheapest way to to do that is to use an autotransformer. This needs to be rated for the power that your electronics take
Your friend may be able to get you one before you arrive They are probably cheaper in the US and they can be heavy. You probably do not want to include it in your luggage.
Answer 4
From the comments it seems you are planning on bringing some devices which are quite old (playstation) and in some cases, not the usual portable devices (VCR) and which are labelled for 50 Hz only. Nobody can guarantee you that they will work correctly.
It will be quite difficult to have 50 Hz power in the US. Your best bet would be to bring an inverter from Germany with you. You can buy a 12V power supply that runs on 120VAC at 60 Hz, and run the inverter from the power supply.
It is possible that some electronics labelled for 50 Hz will work at 60 Hz, but nobody can 100% guarantee this, and given the nature of your devices, which are now irreplaceable and could be museum pieces, I suspect you don't want to take any risk.
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