There's a guy over on the Airstreamer Forum asking asking about using a US-spec Airstream on 240 volts. Since perhaps not everyone here reads that forum, I thought I'd ask if anyone here who can help would pop over there and give him a hand?
...stepping it down would be lossy, if you use a big ol' transformer...plus it gets hot and you probably should ground it good and such... need to put it into a box.
I got contacts at WSU -- I'll see if I can find out anything.
Can you imagine this beast attached to Mr. Buzzy, an old univolt?
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Tranformers do not provide any isolation or noise immunity, but then again these are campgrounds -- they are probably as bad electrically as they are here...and univolts seem to be tough...
Tell me what you think before I go over and try to help...
Sure, go ahead and suggest it! It's a beast, for sure, but it's a cheap route if he'll use all 120VAC appliances. Might have to step it back up for his PAL/Secam TV though
Here in the UK, tools used by professionals on outside construction work usually run on 110v for safety. The mains electricity is 240v, 50 Hertz, and we all have dinky little transformers, usually bright yellow, that are designed to sit out in the rain. They are about an 8 inch cube. I use one with my concrete breaker, my SDS drill and my angle grinder. The guys standing in pools of water, and using a 240v tool are all very young.....I bought my transformer used for about $40. Any tool supply store for construction work will have them on the shelf. I would use one of these to sit on the ground under the rear fender of the trailer, and make up a conversion dog-bone to deal with the exterior connector system we use. Nick.
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Nick Crowhurst, Excella 25 1988, Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel. England in summer, USA in winter.
"The price of freedom is eternal maintenance."
HI all Well i converted my airstream from 110V to 240v ,just put a110V transforner for the fridge and the A/C,and it works fine but i very rarely use the A/C.I got some adaptors for the wall sockets from my local caravan shop o yes and i disconnected the battery charger from the unvolt,and put a 240 charger to it ,this way you keep all your fuse's.so far so good!!
perry
Hi
I've adviced the UK A/S owner on the Airstream site, to use transformers, like me, in front of the Air conditioned , the fridge and the univolt, with fans.
Hi I am a UK Airstream newbie - just importing my 66 Overlander mid june 08, I am researching the 240v to 110v conversions - ie using a transformer, my elcrtical freind tells me 240v is 50htz and 110v is 60htz which meams that step down 110v 50htz will make stuff run hotter or not at all - maybe the light bulbs will burn out and so on
So with modern technology is an invertor better - is there some kit available in UK
I do not forsee a full rewire to 240v ads an option at the moment and o course I have USA a/c unit and fridge
I purchased USA 110v toaster, microwave, kettle, iron etc so that I had all appliances that are essential, plus my PC and LCD screen will run via the power pack on 110v.
Hi Eurovettes; my neighbor ( I'm in France, Dunkirk near calais ),
Welcome in this forum; it's the good place to know all about Airstream.
As you've seen above, I 've converted 240 / 50hz to 110/50 hz without problem for my genuine US AC, fridge and converter ( replaced now ). using lower frequency don't disturb these electrical equipment.
I think it's easier to let a 240v in all the trailer and using transformers 240/110v on only 3 equipments because to convert all power you need in 110v, you'l need a really great capacity and heavy transformer you 'll not find.
just for my A/C, I use a 2500 w transformer, a 800W for the converter, and a 300w for the fridge...
I've red you've purchase toaster, microwave... in USA to be used in your trailer in 110v but how you'll do with your haidresser, your TV, your electric shaver, your UK radio, your BBQ... all you plug currently in your UK life as you are at home...
many thanks Bruno - all advice welcome, yes I am not sure whether to convert to 240v right away, I will decide once spending time with the Stream.
I went to Dunkerque one month ago on my annual drive to Italy, maybe next time I will drop by for Beer.....
I will be over in France next week (UK Corvette pilgramage to Le Mans 12-16th June). My Overlander does not arrive from USA until 17th so I will make a list of things I need to do to make it useable straight away. For example - the water heater is no good so needs a replacement. I will spend the summer making improvements to make it livable and I intend to live in it this year.
Just get a transformer - much cheaper in the states but you can get good units here here for about 150 quid - depends on your budget and what you want to achieve. Add a 240v ringmain as well. I would not advise a rewire - lots of cash and hassle.
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