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From: myers@hpfcdj.HP.COM (Bob Myers)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: Using 110v/60Hz appliances in Germany
Message-ID: <17660094@hpfcdj.HP.COM>
Date: 30 Aug 90 18:00:34 GMT
References: <3872@altos86.Altos.COM>
Organization: Hewlett Packard -- Fort Collins, CO
Lines: 51

>Ignoring the TV's and vcr for a moment, if I use an adaptor to convert
>220v to 110v, should I have any problem with any of the other devices?
>I mean, I suppose the adaptor doesn't convert 50Hz to 60Hz, so will
>the timer still work on my microwave oven?  Will the lower frequency
>affect my computer or the electric keyboard?

For starters, check the back-panel labels on your equipment; you may find
something like "110VAC 50/60 Hz", which would be a clear indication that
the equipment may be expected to operate OK on the "foreign" frequency.
(You may even find "110/220VAC 50/60Hz", along with a slide switch for input
voltage selection, thus no need for the adaptor.  If you're REALLY lucky,
the thing might autoswitch or have a power supply with a sufficiently wide
input voltage range so as to handle either voltage, no problem.)

In general, "digital" equipment such as computers and the like will probably
indicate that they'll be perfectly happy on 50 Hz supplies; it's not THAT
hard to design a power supply for both, and even the 110/220 issue is
pretty simple for the supply designer to handle.  Oddly enough, you're most
likely to have problems with the "simple stuff", such as electric clocks,
which rely on the line frequency for their timing.  (Many turntables fall
into this category as well.)  I'd be surprised if your microwave, to note
one of your specific questions, had a problem - but good luck finding an
adaptor if it won't take 220V; those things suck a TON of current.

>Also, for my stereo, I use a power strip to plug in all the components:
>receiver, cd player, two tape decks, a graphic equalizer.  Is it
>O.K. to plug a power strip into a 220v to 110v converter?  Or are
>these converters only designed for low wattage?  Where can I get
>"heavy duty" converters?  Military surplus?  1/2  :-)

As you suspect, it depends on the convertor, and the total load current
(continuous) that it's rated for.  There's nothing special about the "power
strip" per se, it's still just a matter of the total load current you're
trying to pull.  As far as where to get "heacy duty" convertors - sorry, no
clue.

>I asked them about the 50Hz v.s. 60Hz problem, and they said that
>some TV's are rated for 50Hz OR 60Hz, and that if mine was rated for
>60Hz only, it might develop a heating problem at 50Hz and I wouldn't
>be able to watch it for long periods.  I checked the specs for my tv
>and it is rated for 60Hz only. (Note: it also has a clock in it, so

This is the big problem in the 50/60 Hz question for a lot of equipment; if
they've cut corners on the power transformer, it IS likely to overheat on
a 50 Hz supply (for reasons I'm sure you'd just as soon not hear right now).
Again, the manufacturer's labels and manual information should be your guide.


Bob Myers  KC0EW   HP Graphics Tech. Div.|  Opinions expressed here are not
                   Ft. Collins, Colorado |  those of my employer or any other
myers@fc.hp.com                          |  sentient life-form on this planet.