Buying from USA & 2 Pin Plug

yop

LAds

I am looking at buying a drill from the US, it has a charger with a 2 pin plug, can I use this over here and can I just cut the plug off and put on a 3 pin plug?

Is there a risk in this?

Cheers

BuffyBot

YES THERE IS!

The US run on the 110v power supply, where we have a 220v supply. So when you try to plug a 110v item into a 220v supply, bad things happen. You would need to source a transformer, which would convert the 220v supply into a current suitable for a 110v device.

yop

Excellent, is that a small device or is it one of them big yellow converters used on building sites?

WizZard

For a drill it would probably be a large transformer.
Depends on what wattage the charger/battery requires.

fdevine

Im not sure, but you might get away with a step down type transformer.

Peats or Maplins should stock them. I use one for my kids US Gameboys.

Basically its about the size of a large double/triple adapter.....

Gone West

gameboy != drill.
like buffybot said, it depends on the wattage.
You may need a bigass "yellow box" 110v@60hz to 230v@50hz transformer.

Capt'n Midnight

Depends on the wattage. Drills would be medium to large.
The transformers would also be expensive and heavy.

For a light domestic drill (not the "more power" US version)
http://www.dvdoverseas.com/store/itemthg500.html

# Heavy Duty Grounded step down transformer for continuous use.
# To use American 110/120 volt appliances abroad with 220/230/240 volt electricity
# Converts 220/230/240 volts down to 110/120 volts
# Perfect for use with Home Electronics, Computers, Kitchen Appliances and other Electrical Devices
# 500 watts maximum capacity
# Shock proof sockets
# Unit socket Accepts 2 prong or 3 prong Grounded U.S. plug
# Built-in Fuse Protection
# Built-in Euro/Asian power cord with 2 prong Schuko Grounded plug
# Optional Plug Adapters required ( For UK, Australia, Ireland, Italy, South Africa, India )
# Spare Fuses available for this converter (3 for $2.00)
# Dimensions: L - 5.50" x W - 4.00" x H - 3.5" approx.
# Weight: 8 lbs approx.
# Manufacturer's model name is THG500

Note: For a Television or Monitor please select 4 or 5 times higher capacity voltage transformer than its rated wattage since TV or monitor produces surge when turned on. We suggest at least 800 watts.

For a microwave over or hairdryer you would need one of these
http://www.dvdoverseas.com/store/itemthg3000.html - Weight: 34 lbs approx.

yop

Umm, I think I might just buy the drill & 18V batteries off them and not get the charger, buy it over here. I presume as long as I buy a charger to charge the 18V batteries over here that the batteries will be ok?

BrianD

What not buy a charger locally? It sounds like your drill is DC powered and charges via an AC outlet.

I have also noted that many chargers for small items such as cameras and MP3 players have dual voltage chargers although they may have a US style plug fitted.

CJhaughey

American rechargeables do not last long here. It has something to do with the circuitry in the chargers.
I know this from speaking with Chippies that bring tools and stuff back from the US.
I have bought a compressor and nailgun and it runs fine on a stepdown 500w transformer but I would be hesitant to buy a battery drill.
Tooledup.co.uk does really cheap 12v dewalts for £79 with 2 batteries.

Capt'n Midnight

CJhaughey wrote:

American rechargeables do not last long here. It has something to do with the circuitry in the chargers.

strange.
Yes there is also the frequency difference 50Hz vs. 60Hz but I didn't think it would make that much difference.

Though cheapo tools will be cheapo tools where ever you buy them.

CJhaughey

These weren't cheapo tools though, they were Dewalt.
Thats the worrying thing.

rubadub

It could be that the design favours the 110V above the 230V. It may use thinner cables suited to 110V. Or there may not be proper convertors at all, it just dishes out more power to the battery resulting in a higher charge speed, but the battery may not be suited to fast charging. At double the voltage you have 4 times the power output, battery charges faster but packs in soon. You should be able to get spare chargers 230V specific.