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Converters (electrical)

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emiliaromagna
  7/14/2016 08:36 EST

Good day,
Can a BOSE wave radio bought in Canada be used safely with the right converter/ transformer in Italy? Even after talking to experts and lots of googling, there doesn't seem to be a clear answer. Mine is new and they cost twice as much in Europe!

codybrandy
  7/14/2016 08:41 EST

Hello Emiliaromagna, good question my Bose has been sitting in the closet for 2 years...I have a transformer but it is noisy (hummmm) but does work...I'm looking forward to some answers too. I already blew a really nice American clock by just using a plug converter...so don't try that.

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maluza86
  7/14/2016 08:53 EST

Emilia, what is the voltage of the Bose System...it should say on it. If it is 110v-240v you are good to go, it it's just 110v you will need a Transformer. For the proper transformer you'll need to look at the amount of watts it puts out and buy a Transformer accordingly. We have a 2000w Transformer in our apartment I had our Electrician hardwire in when he was roughing out the electrical work and he also put American electrical plugs in several areas of the house that run directly off the transformer. Most computers, printers, etc are dual voltage, older stereo systems normally are not unless you specifically purchased a dual voltage system. Let me know the exact specs and I can help further.

Sergios
  7/14/2016 15:48 EST

watch this
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=id777Hub0jk

MAGICMAN
  7/15/2016 01:52 EST

Seeking tax information in Italy is a lot like looking for mushrooms, if you turn over the wrong rock you may find a snake!

emiliaromagna
  7/15/2016 08:14 EST

Thank you Sergios. I was aware of that video, it's far too complicated.

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emiliaromagna
  7/15/2016 08:19 EST

Thank you Maluza86!
Specs are : 120V-AC (50/60 Hz; 60W MAX).

I have a feeling there's no solution, i.e. that it will work exactly like here in Canada. In other words, it may work but with "issues" such as disturbances, humming, not clear sound etc.

marchelive
  7/15/2016 08:24 EST

I found this simple 45w converter on Amazon.it. I ordered it today to power a 30W audio soundbar. At only €13 I figured it's worth a try.

http://www.amazon.it/dp/B001P47L9S

maluza86
  7/15/2016 10:17 EST

Emilia,

Don't give up hope, there is always a solution. Those of us who have been in the US military and lived overseas relied on transformers to power all our US Appliances and electronics as repurchasing everything in 220v wasn't an option. While a lot of electronics and appliances are now automatically dual voltage, some are not, such as your Bose Wave. The good thing is it is 50/60hz, which means it will keep the correct time. Without getting too technical, there is a difference between an adapter (adapts a plug to fit a foreign plug, does nothing to the voltage), a voltage converter, which converts the voltage, usually good for appliances, and a transformer, that transforms the voltage, normally for electronics, due to the differences of the electronic waves. Soooooo, in your case a transformer will work best. I have three 2000w transformers hardwired into my apartment as I said. While they do use some extra electricity, it is minimal. They do not hum at all. We have our US washer plugged into one and then one in the kitchen for our US kitchen appliances. I'm sure those out there will chastise me for bringing the "kitchen sink" as we could have re-bought most everything, however, we have some expensive KitchenAid mixers and other high-end US kitchen appliances that we didn't want to spend the money to replace. We use them with transformers and have no problems at all. I also have a transformer that powers my American DVD player and VCR as we brought our collection of US DVDs and VHS tapes in English so the grandkids can learn and watch all their favorite Disney movies and cartoons in English.

Since your Bose is 60w, you need at least an 80w transformer, as you should always exceed the wattage required by 20%. In your case, since it will be used frequently and I haven't found any 80w transformers, I'd recommend a 100w one. You can buy them on the internet once you get to Italy. Here is an example: https://www.amazon.it/Trasformatore-110v-220v-reversibile-continua/dp/B0087OX34Q/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1468591069&sr=1-2&keywords=trasformatore+110v+220v+reversibile

I purchased my 2000w transformers at the US Navy Base in Naples. Let me know if you need any further information. Ciao. In boca al luppo!

emiliaromagna
  7/15/2016 12:20 EST

Many thanks again, Maluza for this extremely useful and detailed information! Much appreciated.

The problem is that I'm not a handy person at all, but I do understand the principle of conversion, that wattage should be higher etc. I just don't want to find myself taking it and then not using it because it doesn't work properly AND unable to sell it in Italy. Would rather not risk it and sell here.
The only other higher end item I am taking is the Moccamaster coffee maker, supposed to be the best in the world, but that shouldn't be a problem with the right converter. Ideally, I would have a converter that works for both but I don't mind getting a separate one for the coffee maker since these two gadgets are not typically in the same area in living quarters.
If you happen to help out (again) with what to get for the coffee maker, specs are : 120V / 50-60 Hz / 1475 W.

Your good advice is much appreciated!

maluza86
  7/15/2016 15:17 EST

Emila,

Coffee makers use more watts due to the heating elements. We have a Keurig my wife didn't want to part with and it works fine on a transformer. For your moccamaster, you'll need a 2000w transformer such as this one:

https://www.amazon.it/Trasformatore-110v-220v-reversibile-nominale/dp/B008UAM3VG/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1468609444&sr=8-13&keywords=trasformatore+220+110

A 2000w transformer will be able to power both your moccamaster and Bose simultaneously (and have some wattage left over) should you so desire.

There are other brands and sizes as well. The one's I have are a little smaller in size as they are not reversible like the one in the link is. Mine only step down the voltage from 220 to 110.

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guestuser
  7/15/2016 15:26 EST

Oh, Maluza! You're making me drool over the thought of having my my turntable and albums shipped over! What are the issues with Hz, if any, or other issues? I'm a complete dunce when it comes to these things. I bought the turntable in 1985 and it's a beaut!

emiliaromagna
  7/15/2016 20:48 EST

Thank you again, Maluza!
I was planning to buy the transformer here. Does it matter whether I buy it here or as you suggest at amazon.it?
Not to doubt your expert advice, but my only issue with the BOSE is whether it will work as flawless in Italy as it does here, i.e. no crackling, delays, disturbances etc. It has to be clear as a whistle which is what BOSE is known for. There's something with the radio frequencies/waves, don't know what it's called that's the cause of problems.

maluza86
  7/16/2016 01:31 EST

Emilia, No worries on the doubt...as I do not own a Bose Wave Radio. However, due to the fact yours is 50/60Hz and you will use it with a transformer, it should work fine. The transformer vs converter is what converts the sine waves and doesn't chop them as the converter will do. And the fact it automatically switches from 60 cycles to 50 cycles (the European standard) it should work free of any disturbances. However, that's based on what I know, and have read as well as other systems I own. But again, without actually owning and using the Bose Wave system with a transformer I can't 100% guarantee it. So you'll have to decide. Exactly which Bose Wave Radio system do you have?

As for the transformer, It doesn't matter where you buy it, just make sure it has the necessary wattage and has a 240v input and 110v output.

maluza86
  7/16/2016 01:53 EST

Jackster, your situation is a little different due to the frequency difference 60Hz US vs 50Hz Italy. It will depend on the motor system in your turntable, if it is AC or DC. If it is a DC brushless motor it will work fine as the frequency doesn't make a difference to DC motors. If it is AC it might not work properly as the belt needs to turn at 60 cycles per second and the power in Italy will only turn it at 50 cycles per second which means your records will play slow, the same reason any US appliances with clocks will not keep time in Italy. If you can tell me the exact name and model I can research it for you. I have all my albums here with me and just purchased a new turntable. I have an old Dual 1219 that is beautiful and worked great in the US and has a switch for the voltage. However, I said "worked" great as the movers broke the arm!! Since it is an old system the parts are no longer available, coupled with the fact the entire arm is integrated and counterbalanced I am having difficulties locating a spare arm.

guestuser
  7/16/2016 02:12 EST

Thanks, Maluza, I suspected that might be the issue. The next time I'm in AK, I'll look up the specs. However, getting the whole system to Italy without damage is another question altogether. It's probably better if I just bring the albums over and buy a new system here since I think the cost of shipping my system would be prohibitive and if damage occurs, parts for a 30-year-old system would probably be very difficult, if not impossible, to find, as in your case. Dang!

I had to smile at your clock example since that is just what happened when I lived in Italy in the early 90s. At first, I couldn't figure out why my clock wouldn't keep the correct time and a colleague schooled me on the 50Hz vs. 60Hz issue. lol

maluza86
  7/16/2016 02:31 EST

That's funny Jackster. I learned back in the early 90s as well, when I was assigned to my first overseas post in England. I had the same thing, couldn't figure out why my clock radio wouldn't keep time! Ha ha ha.

maluza86
  7/16/2016 03:56 EST

Hello again Emilia, I just confirmed with an electrician and engineer, that the Bose Wave Radio will work fine with the proper transformer. As I mentioned previously due to the internal design of the system to work from 50-60Hz the only thing that needs to be stepped down is the voltage. So with the appropriate transformer you will be good to go.

emiliaromagna
  7/16/2016 07:37 EST

Hello Maluza,

Wow! with so much input and expert advice from you, I've almost become an expert myself!
Many, many thanks again!

emiliaromagna
  7/16/2016 07:39 EST

Maluza, I have the III.......

marchelive
  7/19/2016 16:30 EST

For anyone needing a low watt solution, I'm happy to say the €13 converter I purchased on Amazon.it works great. I'm using it to power a 340W Samsung K550 soundbar. There are two parts to this product. The audio bar and subwoofer. I needed the converter to only power the sub. The audio bar was already 240v compliant (not sure why the sub wasn't dual voltage). Anyway, it sounds great!

Fredduojet
  8/2/2016 14:08 EST

There's another way--ACUPWR USA makes the best, safest voltage converters (built in the USA) with super safety features and offered with a lifetime warranty. They will never damage your electronics/appliances, nor will they overheat like chinese black box models. Rather than modify your Bose equipment, keep it stock and just use one of these converters. ACUPWR.com. Safe. Power. Everywhere.

emiliaromagna
  9/27/2016 05:29 EST

My trusted/much needed/can't live without Philips Sonicare toothbrush just died on me in Italy. It still has a very faint humming when I turn it on so I'm wondering if it can be brought back to life with the right tool/equipment and work just like it did before.

I had used the Sonicare on previous trips to Europe, plugged it in with the adapter, no problem. I realize now of course, too late, that it does have a motor like operation, so requires a different solution.

What exactly do I need for this (if it is possible to salvage) which is written on the travel charger: 100-240 a.c., 50/60Hz, 0.4-1.4W

Urgent please! Many thanks.

MAGICMAN
  9/27/2016 06:23 EST

Go to the Italian Pharmacy , and buy a new one for EURO 49.

maluza86
  9/27/2016 07:02 EST

I agree with Magicman...it's a goner. If the info you provided from the charger is correct, it is dual voltage, so using it in Italy was not the problem.

emiliaromagna
  9/29/2016 03:51 EST

Thank you, Maluza, makes sense!

nick0126
  9/29/2016 06:43 EST

Does the Bose device report the c
Input current range on its tag? If it does and the voltage range include 220 v, a simple plug converter will work. Things with rotating motors are more complicated and even if they can handle the voltage, the 50 versus 60 cycles difference will stress the device...

Sergios
  9/29/2016 06:59 EST

Seriously its not worth the trouble. Just buy one in Italy. Look for sales on the Internet. Sell the old one in the states.

AirborneSpoon
  10/11/2016 15:02 EST

I know most know this but it was only after 7 years of living in Europe that I figured out. I never knew that you could use any type of 110V lighting fixture as long as you used 220v light bulbs and you had a adapter to fit the 220 outlets! I DID NOT KNOW THIS, lol.

AirborneSpoon
  10/11/2016 15:03 EST

I know most know this but it was only after 7 years of living in Europe that I figured out. I never knew that you could use any type of 110V lighting fixture as long as you used 220v light bulbs and you had a adapter to fit the 220 outlets! I DID NOT KNOW THIS, lol.

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