Out of nowhere Q: could I run European 220V household electronics on North American 220V shop/appliance power, or will Bad Things (smokey things) happen? I am aware that there is a difference in how the voltage is generated (live/neutral vs. live/inverted) but don't know if that would affect operation?
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May 17, 2011 5:04 p.m. Jay SuperDork
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May 17, 2011 5:15 p.m. triumph5 Dork
I think they would go s-l-o-w-l-y, and they would not like the difference in hertz. 50hz in europe and 60 over here. There's a reason converters are popular, and necessary.
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May 17, 2011 5:19 p.m. Jay SuperDork
I was thinking specifically of a lab power supply I have which converts to DC internally, so that shouldn't be an issue.
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May 17, 2011 5:27 p.m. stuart in mn SuperDork
Yes, it should work. the 50/60hz thing pretty much only matters for clocks any more - if you look at the label on most household appliances they are rated for either one.
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May 17, 2011 6:10 p.m. cwh SuperDork
50 vs 60 usually only affects things with motors. Power tools, etc. Most computers and similar step power down and convert to DC, so no problem. I deal with this all the time, as many of my clients have 220/ 60hz, 220/ 50hz, 110/ 60hz. Gotta be careful. Have not screwed up YET.
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May 17, 2011 8:39 p.m. internetautomart SuperDork
from my understanding. Euro 220 is on one leg like our 110 is. our 220 is 110 on 2 legs not one. 220 in the us is a 3 prong outlet with 2 live sides, each one carrying 110 volts, and 1 neutral.
that is my understanding, so use a converter and be safe.
