UK electric Conversion to US

Somebody knows... Maybe you?
Post Reply
User avatar
dbrace
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri May 15, 2020 5:34 pm
Reaction score: 0
Location: North Wales, Pa USA

UK electric Conversion to US

Post by dbrace »

Hi Everyone,

Did some research on this, but looking for some “expert” advise.
Have a machine coming from the UK (230v AC, 50 Hz) that I would like to run here in the US. Anyone have any experiences with this in the US they could share out? This machine means the WORLD to my Father and the last thing I want to do is ruin it doing something stupid. (Maybe “not running it” is my option To ensure nothing happens to it. I am good with that if that is the safest option...)

Any advise/learnings would be greatly appreciated!

Sincerely
Kevin
User avatar
clubconsoles
Posts: 363
Joined: Sun Jan 13, 2008 9:36 pm
Reaction score: 2
Location: Lowestoft, Suffolk

Re: UK electric Conversion to US

Post by clubconsoles »

Hi Kevin
You dont mention what the machine is or its age?
A simple 240 - 120V step down transformer should suffice for 90% of vintage machines!
User avatar
gameswat
Posts: 2196
Joined: Sat May 30, 2009 5:17 am
Reaction score: 21
Location: perth, australia

Re: UK electric Conversion to US

Post by gameswat »

Great, so you were able to find a Rotolite then! There won't be a problem to just get hold of a stepup transformer from 110v to 240v. The motor will run approx 20% faster at 60 cycles but that should not be a problem for this machine. But if we'd been talking a jukebox or clock then would not work as speed would be off! Also some arcade games can be an issue, like my 1948 Silver Gloves boxer that I shipped over here to Aust and converted from 110v to 240v. The men get knocked over and rise back up, but on our 50 cycles damn it was slowwwwwww. Luckily I had many spare gearboxes made by the same supplier, so was able to swap gearing around until i'd sped them up to original US spec speed.
User avatar
badpenny
Forum Moderator
Posts: 7212
Joined: Thu May 05, 2005 12:41 pm
Reaction score: 25
Location: East Midlands

Re: UK electric Conversion to US

Post by badpenny »

I think the different Hertz Cycles problem is most noticeable in juke boxes.
I heard of a young man who imported a 1950s Wurlitzer from Americaland. He decided to re machine the drives to the turntable to compensate for the speed difference.
A very clever young man in his early 20s at the time.
User avatar
dbrace
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri May 15, 2020 5:34 pm
Reaction score: 0
Location: North Wales, Pa USA

Re: UK electric Conversion to US

Post by dbrace »

Thanks gameswat, badpenny and clubconsoles for the responses. I found a nice Step Up Transformer and will be ordering it today.

Yes, I did get a Rotolite Machine. It is actually being delivered today. I am going to “close the loop” on my other Post, but I want to Publicly Thank “PennyMachines” for ALL that he did for me. Not an easy task for “PennyMachines” to get this machine over here to the States, but it was one of the smoothest transactions I have made in a long time. A big SINCERE “Thank You” PennyMachines for all that you did for me and my Father!

Also, shout out to all the others that responded to my original post to try to help me. A great group of members in this Forum! Thank you!!!
User avatar
badpenny
Forum Moderator
Posts: 7212
Joined: Thu May 05, 2005 12:41 pm
Reaction score: 25
Location: East Midlands

Re: UK electric Conversion to US

Post by badpenny »

Great news indeed.
Isn't it fantastic when a plan comes together?
I hope your dad enjoys his Rotolite and has many years of fun with it.

Now are we all invited round for dinner and a free month's vacation?

BP !!RAYOF!!
highfield
Posts: 195
Joined: Mon Apr 08, 2013 9:23 pm
Reaction score: 1

Re: UK electric Conversion to US

Post by highfield »

Hi dbrace
What you have done for your dad is brilliant. He should be rightfully proud of you.
Please let us know of his reaction.
Well done, superb effort on your part. **xXx**
User avatar
gameswat
Posts: 2196
Joined: Sat May 30, 2009 5:17 am
Reaction score: 21
Location: perth, australia

Re: UK electric Conversion to US

Post by gameswat »

Yes dbrace, wish I could've helped. Nicely done and got to admire your major effort!
User avatar
dbrace
Posts: 16
Joined: Fri May 15, 2020 5:34 pm
Reaction score: 0
Location: North Wales, Pa USA

Re: UK electric Conversion to US

Post by dbrace »

Thanks again everyone!!
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 39 guests