Use 230V 50Hz electronics in U.S.A

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While this is likely a "kill a housefly with a grenade" solution, I ended up buying a secondhand GoHz 500VA frequency/voltage converter. As I also digitize VHS tapes from around the globe, I need VCRs from different countries, too. Since tapes are sensitive to differing speeds, frequency is important. I now use this unit not only when traveling to U.S.A. but with foreign VCRs that cannot use 230V/50Hz.

You could probably build a similar one yourself as long as you're careful and you know what you're doing. Brand new these GoHz units are expensive--I would recommend finding one used like I did. Don't spend your money just yet, look around and you might find a good deal!

If you're just a regular consumer, check your devices, they may already support foreign voltages/frequencies. If they have separate transformer packs like the Nintendo Wii, buy one for your destination/home country. (That's how I also use USA Wii in Germany, I use it with a EUR transformer pack.)

Read update below regarding input voltages

I forgot to clarify a bit further. The GoHz unit I purchased above supports 230VAC input at either 50 or 60Hz. Since the unit allows for either of the common household frequencies, I would also have to bring a voltage step-up converter with me to the states (to step up 120V to 230V) to use it.

I haven't been to the U.S.A. since I have purchased this device, because of the ongoing virus problems, so I have been unable to confirm its operation successful outside of Germany. However I can confirm it at least works the other way around (as noted earlier, I have VCRs from U.S.A. working properly here). I assume everything should work as expected if/when I can visit U.S.A. again. I will update this post with my results when I am able to test this.

Upvote:1

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.

Upvote:1

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.

Upvote: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.

Upvote:14

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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