Embroidery machine from US in UK

robotello · Guest

HI!
I bought my embroidery machine Elna Xquiste in US (120V/ 0.9A 60Hz) and thought that all what I will need to be able to use it in UK - is transformeter.
But when I checked it with Elna technical support, they said I cant use it in UK at all!! But I doubt it... People do buy stuff (like laptops) in USA and use it in UK, cos its cheaper! And some people say that I dont even need a transfometer.
So now I dont know what to do and who really to ask to.
Do You know anything about it?
Thanks in advance!!
Margarita

vtech · Joined: 08 May 2006 Posts: 1264 Location: USA

I am not familiar with the specific piece and not sure why you were told it can not be done if it is a matter of voltage conversion?
From a technical point, as general rule, as long as the equipment is rated to handle the 220~240VAC, it should be ok. Whether there is some specific reason?--I do not know? Beside voltage differences, the only other thing is the "HZ" rating (60vs50) that can not be altered [personally doubt if this is an issue?]

All you want to make sure is that the ratings are stamped on a sticker or a plate and if NOT, use a stepdown transformer to prevent any damage. So if it ONLY says 120V xxxA, do not plug in to mains without a stepdown transformer or it will instantly burn up.

...May want to try searching for a news or yahoo group that may have more specific info.

torbjorn · Joined: 07 Jun 2007 Posts: 370 Location: Sweden

The mains frequency (Hz rating) might be a problem if the machine has any mains powered motor that is required to run with the correct RPM.

In some - but seldom - cases, a mains transformer rated for 60 Hz may overheat due to magnetic saturation when run on 50 Hz although the voltage is correct. But if there is a switched mode power supply, or maybe no transformers etc at all - the mains power is used directly for heaters etc - then the frequency will not be a problem.

One way of solving the frequency problem is to use a inverter (frequency changer), such as is used for RPM control of 3-phase motors. Such units are fairly cheap today, in the UK they should be available at for instance Farnell or RS Components.