110V and 220V - what's the solution?
Posted by: NigelP on 04 December 2003
I have an offer to make the journey state side of the Atlantic and can't contemplate leaving the UK without my Naim. I have heard that a simple mod can be made to the power supplies to enable me to use the 110V coming out of an American socket. As I may only going for a couple of years, I wondered whether this in the only or the best solution. Any advice will be warmly welcome!
Posted on: 04 December 2003 by Bob McC
You've got a private message.
Bob
Bob
Posted on: 04 December 2003 by TomK
We did exactly this in 1987. My 250 and SNAPS were converted by Russ Andrews in Edinburgh for a small fee and then converted back when we returned three years later. Can't remember whether I put US plugs on the existing mains leads or bought new ones when we got there though.
Posted on: 04 December 2003 by rgame666
Just an FYI as a Brit living in the US....
They DO have 220v over here, every apartment and house that I have lived in and/or owned has 220v for the washing machine/ dryer circuit.
Not sure if you are allowed to use it for anything else, but it is there.
They DO have 220v over here, every apartment and house that I have lived in and/or owned has 220v for the washing machine/ dryer circuit.
Not sure if you are allowed to use it for anything else, but it is there.
Posted on: 09 December 2003 by NigelP
Thanks Bob - been out a while. Have responded to your private message - can you take a look?
Posted on: 09 December 2003 by okyknot
rgame666-
220V in the US has a different plug and much greater amperage going to the wall outlet. You can't use it to power audio equipment.
220V in the US has a different plug and much greater amperage going to the wall outlet. You can't use it to power audio equipment.
Posted on: 09 December 2003 by Bob McC
Nigel
Have a look again. You'll find what you want this time.
bob
Have a look again. You'll find what you want this time.
bob
Posted on: 09 December 2003 by blythe
quote:
Originally posted by rgame666:
Just an FYI as a Brit living in the US....
They DO have 220v over here, every apartment and house that I have lived in and/or owned has 220v for the washing machine/ dryer circuit.
Not sure if you are allowed to use it for anything else, but it is there.
Even if it can be used for Hi Fi, your LP12 (or whatever turntable) might run a bit on the fast side due to 60Hz instead of 50Hz frequency as my brother discovered when he moved temporarily to the States from the UK!
Computers are supposed to work on 1's and 0's - in other words "Yes" or "No" - why does mine frequently say "Maybe"?......
Posted on: 09 December 2003 by rgame666
okynot
Isn't a greater amperage a good thing?
Isn't that why people install 20 amp spurs and the like?
Isn't a greater amperage a good thing?
Isn't that why people install 20 amp spurs and the like?
Posted on: 09 December 2003 by TomK
My LP12 with Valhalla and Nirvana mods (are these or better not standard features by now?) ran perfectly in the US. The voltage mod was very simple - move the live cable from one slot to the next one, all well marked and easily done. Also very easily reversible.
Posted on: 09 December 2003 by Le Chef
quote:
Originally posted by NigelP:
I have an offer to make the journey state side of the Atlantic and can't contemplate leaving the UK without my Naim. I have heard that a simple mod can be made to the power supplies to enable me to use the 110V coming out of an American socket. As I may only going for a couple of years, I wondered whether this in the only or the best solution. Any advice will be warmly welcome!
Your power supplies can be bridged. I had them done by the Naim importer in NL before I moved to USA. I changed all the leads as US tends to have molded plugs on everything. It's easy to switch back if you move back to Europe or UK, just remember to also keep those leads! If you have a Lingo there's a switch to change frequency.
Posted on: 10 December 2003 by okyknot
rgame666
I am no electrician, but I do know that the normal 50-60 breaker going to the wall plug providing 220V in the states is not going to trip in case of electrical faults down the line. This presents a fire hazard and/or serious equipment damage.
I am no electrician, but I do know that the normal 50-60 breaker going to the wall plug providing 220V in the states is not going to trip in case of electrical faults down the line. This presents a fire hazard and/or serious equipment damage.