Can I Use A Voltage Converter To Use A 120V tool on 240V?

Chris_N · Post by **Chris_N** » Fri Jul 07, 2023 3:23 pm

Can I use a USA 120 V electrical sander on a 240 V European supply by using a voltage converter? (120V at 3 amps = 360 Watts)

From what I understand, the voltage converter is not a transformer. I don't know exactly how it works. It has a dial that you set to the voltage you need eg 120V. It is rated at 4000 W.

Does anyone have any experience using one of these voltage converters? Do they work?

Your advice would be appreciated.

Kind regards
Chris

moderator2 · Post by **moderator2** » Fri Jul 07, 2023 3:36 pm

Moved to the electrical section as not a tool question.

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Fri Jul 07, 2023 5:08 pm

Link to said "Voltage converter" please.

(Also, America have 60 Hz, we (and europe) have 50 Hz, so any motor will run slightly slower)

Chris_N · Post by **Chris_N** » Fri Jul 07, 2023 7:27 pm

Thank you both for your replies. The particular Sander will run fine on 50 Hz. I originally posted 2 product links but the webpage prevented me from posting them with the message that external links are not allowed.

The best I can do is post pictures and a description of the voltage regulator below.

Kind regards
Chris

: Voltage Regulator.jpg (22.31 KiB) Viewed 1429 times

Product name:

SCR electronic voltage regulator

Product model:SNDY-4000W
Material: aluminum
Color: black
Input voltage: AC220V

Output voltage:0-220V adjustable (Voltmeter does not work when the output voltage is lower than 5V)

Limit power:

4000W (adapt to 2000W resistive load)

Pressure regulating range:

0-220V adjustable (under load conditions) step-down to OV, step-up 10V from 9A

Rated current: 9A
Max current: 18A

Here is a description from a very similar product :

Notes:
When measuring the output voltage when it is empty, it is a virtual voltage. It must be connected to a load of 20W or more to measure the correct output voltage.
Input AC power, the output is also AC, not DC.
The above mentioned 4000W refers to the ulti mate power when working under resistive load.
The inductive load is 1/3 of the resistive load. The resistive load means that the inductive load such as a tungsten filament lamp or a heating wire is a series-excited motor, etc., and the circuit board electronic products are used with caution.
This product is a metal case and must be grounded safely.

ericmark · Post by **ericmark** » Fri Jul 07, 2023 11:15 pm

I will guess it is a variable transformer, I do have one some where, which means still 50 Hz, one can run motors at a different frequency I have used inverters to adjust motor speeds many times, but as the frequency changes so does the voltage, and by how much depends on the motor so can't really give an answer.

I have an old UPS for 120 volt 60 Hz, and by taking a feed direct to the battery I can used it as a power supply, so yes it can be done, if I connect it to a 110 volt transformer it outputs 50 Hz, only by using a 12 volt supply do I get 60 Hz.

This

: 230 - 120 converter.jpg (67.91 KiB) Viewed 1410 times

is a 40 watt version, note the size, no price given but would not think it is cheap, likely cheaper to buy a 230 volt grinder, however there is nothing to loose trying a 110 volt yellow brick transformer, in the main motors on grinders don't care AC or DC, often the speed controls will not work on DC but the motor is a brushed with commutator type, so I would test it with a yellow brick.

Someone-Else · Post by **Someone-Else** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 5:08 am

Me? I would NOT use the converter you suggest. My reasoning is simple, it has a variable output, turn it too far up, or it gets knocked or "I never touched it" and you will put 240v through your sander. You can get a mains sander for less than £25 or an angle grinder for less than £30

Chris_N · Post by **Chris_N** » Sat Jul 08, 2023 11:36 am

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 devices on 240V equipment (Not on a 120V tool though)
If anyone is interested, the subject of the YouTube video is: Voltage Regulator Speed Controller Dimmer AC 220V 4000W SCR