rjkirkley
9/7/2016 15:02 EST
Is anyone using a step down transformer to run a US spec television? And if so, how does it work?
I know the broadcast system is different in Uruguay from the US and the built in tuner will not work. I am specifically trying to determine if there is any problem with stepping down the voltage.
Thanks for any insight you can provide.
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dawsonpointers
9/7/2016 18:05 EST
If you check on the back of your TV, you may find that it is ready for the higher voltage (220-240V) and lower frequency (50HZ). Most electronics manufactured over the past 5 years are ready because companies don't want to build a North American version and one for Europe/S.America/elsewhere.
For example, my LG TVs, my Apple products, Samsung monitor, USB chargers, Bose Sound dock, etc, all work on 110(120)/220(240) V and 50/60Hz. All that is needed is the cheap little plug converter to go from the N. American 2/3 prong spade plugs to the round plugs used in UY.
The first time I tried it, I was nervous, but it worked.
YOU MUST LOOK AT THE SPECIFICATIONS TO SEE IF THE DEVICE IS RATED FOR THE 2 VOLTAGES AND 2 FREQUENCIES.
Here's why it works.
The internal operating voltage of most electronics nowadays is 5-12V DC. Yes DC, not AC. So, putting transformers in the electronics that operate in the 2 voltages, frequency being irrelevant once converted to DC, is cheap rather than making versions for different regions.
That being said, I have a sub-woofer that is not rated for dual voltages so it needs a transformer.
Anything with a motor is an entirely different story. The frequency is usually important (50 vs 60 Hz). Converters that change the frequency are expensive particularly at higher wattages.
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crazyfarmer
9/8/2016 00:33 EST
For electronics the frequency doesn't matter. This is because the electricity is immediately converted to DC. So if the device is only electronic and doesn't have any motors, the frequency doesn't matter.
The frequency also doesn't matter when the device has a universal motor. But it does matter if you have an induction motor. Universal motors scream (vacuum cleaners, circular saws), induction motors hum quietly.
Induction motors made for 60hz will run at 5/6 their normal RPM when plugged into 50hz. This may or may not matter. To give you an example, some friends of ours took a dryer the other direction. They plugged one meant for 50hz into 60hz so it ran slightly faster. The end result was that the clothes wouldn't tumble. The extra centrifugal force kept the clothes pinned to the walls of the drum, so they never dried.
To make matters worse, many induction motors have fans attached to the arbor. So that fan will be turning 5/6 of the designed speed. And the drop in performance of the fan might not be linear. So a slight reduction in RPM might result in a 50% reduction in air flow. This could lead to the motor burning out.
I ran a chinese dust collector with a chinese induction motor for about an hour with no problems. I ran an american made Marathon motor attached to my compressor for less than 30 minutes. It burnt up with smoke and fanfare.
I'd buy the transformers here. There's a place in Ciudad Vieja called "Casa de Transformadores". They have a lifetime guarantee (unheard of in uruguay). They're made for their rated wattage unlike the normal ones which are overrated. And they'll put a handle on for free if you ask.
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rjkirkley
9/8/2016 08:39 EST
Thanks for all the replies.
I had already checked all of our electronics and most do accommodate both 120v/60 cycle and 220v/50 cycle. However our newest, nicest TV is only rated for 120v/60 cycle and I wanted to get some actual experience to insure it was worth adding to the container.
Again thanks all for taking the time to post a response.
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joemindwarp
9/8/2016 18:07 EST
There is a very good Free To Air (FTA)
company in Montevideo
Saludos cordiales; Walter Lacuesta.
Movistar 094-903-211.
You pay 1 time, no monthly charges and 3 year guarantee, free estimates
US channels, movies, Cinemax, HBO, fox etc.. Approx . $350 - 500 installed
Has internet tracking to keep the signal synced.
Best bang for the $. Installed in 2 hours and local business
walter.lacuesta@gmail.com
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