220V to 110V conversion?

Eric84

I recently purchased an aquarium from a soldier who returned home from Germany. The light, filter, and heater have 220V plugs. What type of convertor should I purchase in order to use this for my 110V home? I am worried about continuous use. I've been reading about convertors online, but am still needing some assistance.

Total wattage of the items I need to use is 350. I was thinking of using something like this: http://www.220-electronics.com/volta...nd-series.html

Can I get a 220v powerstrip, plug in my 220 items, and then plug the power strip into the convertor? Would I have to purchase a convertor for each item I need to use?

Thanks for any helo.

joecaption

Toss it and just go buy a new one.

Eric84

I'd spend more on replacing the lighting system and filter than I would buying a convertor. (assuming I can use a convertor like I think I can...)

kbsparky

You could buy one of those converters, such as the 500 watt unit for $25.

Plug in a power strip, and then all the accessories should work fine.

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Msradell

The converter will solve the voltage issue, but frequency may also be an issue. European power is 220 V, 50 Hz, American is 120 V, 60 Hz., The frequency probably won't affect the lights, but it will affect the filter motor. May be a problem, may not be a problem but in the long run it would be better off replacing instead of modifying..

Eric84

Thanks for the information. So, I would be okay getting a convertor for the lights? I am fine with replacing the filter.

How does the convertor work? Do I just hook up the 220V plug to the convertor and then the converter into my 110V outlet?

Eric84

Actually, I just looked on the tag of the filter and it says 220-240V 50HZ.


I've never seen a convertor or used one. Would I be able to plug multiple things into it? Do I need to get a 220V power strip, plug my items into the 220V powerstrip, then plus the powerstrip into the convertor, then the convertor into the 110 wall outlet?

frenchelectrican

Becarefull what ya stated if this have indentscent bulbs then it will not affect at all but with flourscent verison it may produce flicker or ballast will fail to work properly at 60 HZ source with 50 HZ ballast

The issue will be filter motour as you stated that is 220-240 volts 50 HZ I know it can work on 60 HZ but it will run faster and it will run hotter than it was design on oringal 50 HZ source.

If the motour get burnted out then you will have just get a standard North Americiane verison then the issue will go away.

The heater that is iffy depending if just plain jane bimetal it is ok but with electronic control it may or may not work properly at all.

So that is the only few quirks you will find out.

Merci,
Marc

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The answer will be based on NEC ( National Electrical code ) or CEC ( Cananda Electrical code ) or ECF ( Electrique Code France )

md2lgyk

This. Running a 50 Hz motor on 60 Hz is not a good idea. And as frenchelectrician noted, there are other potential issues as well.