UK Question for Experts - Step up / Step down transformer?

[Mancho78]

Hi everybody,
I am writing to ask your expert opinion.
I bought online a disc repairing device (JFJ easy pro) to be used on my music cd collection.
Unfortunately I made a mistake and didn't notice it was a US version (110 v) and it came with a US 3-pin plug as well.
I live in the UK and I notice that the seller is based in the US, if I send back the item it'd cost me almost half of the price of the machine itself. It was clearly specified in the auction that it was a 110v version, so it's my fault, don't know how I managed to miss that.

Anyway, looking online I found some info about step up / step down transformers which can be found for £40 - £150.
The disc machine itself runs for a minimum of 10 secs and a max of 2 mins at time, with the vast majority of discs needing not more than 20 secs to be repaired (according to the reviews online).
I am just wondering do you think it could work if I buy a transformer to convert it to 220 UK volt? Or will it just blow the device?
Which things I need to consider and which kind of transformer shoud I buy in case it is possible?
And last but not least any brand you can advise in case it's doable?
Many thanks

 

[Spoon]

Welcome to the forum mate.
Does the cleaner have a plate on it with electrical information on?
If so can you take a pic and upload it or tell us all the info.

 

[telectrix]

as above. not a problem stepping down the voltage, a site transformer would do the job. but the frequency might be a problem US is 60Hz, we are 50Hz.

 

[Mancho78]

Hi, thank you.
Nothing on the device nor on the instructions booklet I am afraid. I am looking online to find more options.

Welcome to the forum mate.
Does the cleaner have a plate on it with electrical information on?
If so can you take a pic and upload it or tell us all the info.

[automerge]1588256584[/automerge]
I see. Is there any transformer which reduce the frequency as well to your knowledge?

as above. not a problem stepping down the voltage, a site transformer would do the job. but the frequency might be a problem US is 60Hz, we are 50Hz.

 

[stevels4]

I would initially contact the manufacturer (link below) and ask them what the power consumption of the device is. Once you have that information you will be able to purchase a suitable transformer to convert the unit to run off the UK supply voltage.

Contact Us - JFJ Disc Repair: CD, DVD Restoration Experts

Home Contact us We’re right here for you. Get in touch **Get in Touch** Have more questions or ready to… Continue Reading Contact Us

www.jfjeasypro.com

 

[Lucien Nunes]

No ordinary transformers convert the frequency. But it might not be necessary because many products will work on any frequency. As above contact the manufacturers for advice.

 

[Mancho78]

Thank you, I sent them a message and will see what they say
[automerge]1588340996[/automerge]
Hi, they replied it is 40 W.

 

[stevels4]

Take a look at this, 300W is adequate.
View: https://www.amazon.co.uk/240v-110v-Step-Down-Transformer/dp/B000NIYH94/ref=sr_1_10?crid=FQFYHKTP0KZK&dchild=1&keywords=step+down+transformer+240v+to+110v&qid=1588342143&sprefix=step+down%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-10

 

[James]

Nice simple plug in alternative

Tacima - UK 240v to USA 110volt Step Down Transformer 50Va | Tacima (SC5474W/BP)

 

[stevels4]

Nice simple plug in alternative

Tacima - UK 240v to USA 110volt Step Down Transformer 50Va | Tacima (SC5474W/BP)

Good find, I saw some 45VA ones but only 2 pin so unsuitable for a class 1 appliance.

 

[Mancho78]

Thanks a lot for this. I'll have a look at both models.
I am just a bit concerned regarding what Telectrix was saying about the herz.
Can the different frequency be an issue? Can it damage the device?
They haven't replied about the herz.

 

[stevels4]

Don’t worry about the frequency, if you look at most domestic electrical appliances it will state 50/60Hz. I’m not going into AC theory but in the USA they use 60Hz while here in the UK we use 50Hz nominal frequency.

 

[DPG]

Don’t worry about the frequency, if you look at most domestic electrical appliances it will state 50/60Hz. I’m not going into AC theory but in the USA they use 60Hz while here in the UK we use 50Hz nominal frequency.

Bit of a blanket statement that. It will matter for some appliances.

 

[stevels4]

Bit of a blanket statement that. It will matter for some appliances.

Hence the reason I used the word “most”

 

[Mancho78]

Thanks a ot for all your help. Will now look into these options

 

[DPG]

Hence the reason I used the word “most”

Yes but you told him he didn't need to worry about frequency for his appliance.

 

[stevels4]

Yes but you told him he didn't need to worry about frequency for his appliance.

Could you please express your concerns in more detail?

 

[DPG]

Could you please express your concerns in more detail?

Nothing, assuming you know that his particular appliance will function correctly and safely at 50Hz. Not sure what detail you need?