Portable 220v 50hz to 110v 60hz transformer

Spud · 08-06-2012, 06:50 AM

To run US 110 v 60hz tools on 220v 50hz mains supply.

Tools I want to run are Bosch Bulldog Combihammer and Bosch handheld concrete grinder, circular tile cutter saw, wall chaser/slitter .

So what are some quality brands and models?

Thanks

md2lgyk · 08-06-2012, 11:54 AM

Nothing is going to convert 50 Hz supply to 60 Hz. In general, 50 Hz devices will operate on 60 Hz, but the opposite, not so much.

danpik · 08-06-2012, 12:01 PM

Look into a Variable Frequency Drive. http://www.abb-vfd.com/?gclid=CJyR1r...FQmEnQod9VMAoA These units control motor speed by changing the frequency instead of the voltage. Several models to chose from so there should be something available for your application.

freedomlives · 08-06-2012, 05:03 PM

Are they induction motors or universal motors? (i.e., if they have brushes, they are universal motors).

I have been using my universal motor tools in Slovakia with just a transformer just fine (Sawzall, Dremel, belt sander, vibratory sander).

Everything I read before using them supported that tools with brushes on the motors (i.e. universal) should work perfectly well without concern of frequency. Induction motors are a whole different story however, as posted above.

You might find a transformer on eBay for a good price. However, with the transformer, make sure it is rated for 50Hz operation.

Spud · 08-07-2012, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freedomlives

Are they induction motors or universal motors? (i.e., if they have brushes, they are universal motors).

I have been using my universal motor tools in Slovakia with just a transformer just fine (Sawzall, Dremel, belt sander, vibratory sander).

Everything I read before using them supported that tools with brushes on the motors (i.e. universal) should work perfectly well without concern of frequency. Induction motors are a whole different story however, as posted above.

You might find a transformer on eBay for a good price. However, with the transformer, make sure it is rated for 50Hz operation.

I don't know if the Bosch tools I mentioned are induction or universal, cause I haven't bought them yet but was planning on doing so.

Spud · 08-07-2012, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danpik

Look into a Variable Frequency Drive. http://www.abb-vfd.com/?gclid=CJyR1r...FQmEnQod9VMAoA These units control motor speed by changing the frequency instead of the voltage. Several models to chose from so there should be something available for your application.

Some years back I looked into VFDs and phase converters to run my 3 phase machinery; I never did end up getting either and am not familiar with all that a VFD is capable of.

For running 110v 60hz handheld power tools on 220v 50hz, is it not uncommon for people to use VFDs ?
So I would just connect the 220v 50hz mains supply directly to the VFD and the powertool to the VFD?

freedomlives · 08-07-2012, 01:27 PM

http://www.ereplacementparts.com/bos...1032_1253.html

I'm guessing this is the Bulldog combihammer? At least this model has brushes. Just google "Bosch [model number] replacement brushes" and see if the particular model has replacement brushes for the motor.

But, if you don't have the tools yet, have you considered just buying them wherever it is you're planning on using them? It will save you having to lug an additional transformer around when you're working.

Oso954 · 08-07-2012, 01:34 PM

VFD's do not work on single phase power.

micromind · 08-09-2012, 01:28 PM

Just about any universal motor will work on anything from DC to pretty high frequency. If said motor has a variable speed switch, it won't work on DC.

I can't think of any reason why a universal motor, even with a variable speed switch, wouldn't work on either 50 or 60 HZ.

Some VFDs will accept single phase input, but very few, if any, will run anything other than a 3ø induction motor. If a single phase motor is connected to the output, the VFD will assume that the 3ø motor is being single-phased and it'll shut down.

Rob

mpoulton · 08-09-2012, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oso954

VFD's do not work on single phase power.

Many VFD's 3HP and under are rated for single phase input. Many VFD's of any size will work on single phase input, as long as the input current is kept under the ratings (2/3 of rated power).

andrew79 · 08-09-2012, 02:28 PM

Yup. I've installed tons of vfd's for 120v fan applications in commercial ducts.

Spud · 08-11-2012, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrew79

Yup. I've installed tons of vfd's for 120v fan applications in commercial ducts.

Was the input 220V or 3 phase?

Just to clear up some confusion, will a VFD be sufficient to run 110V 60hz power tools on 220v 50hz mains supply?

mpoulton · 08-11-2012, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spud

Was the input 220V or 3 phase?

Just to clear up some confusion, will a VFD be sufficient to run 110V 60hz power tools on 220v 50hz mains supply?

Maybe, maybe not. You need to determine if the tools have induction motors or universal motors. If they are universal, then the frequency is irrelevant and you should just use a transformer to step the voltage down from 220 to 120. If they are induction motors, then a VFD will be required. Not all VFD's will handle that well and it would require some experimentation.

micromind · 08-11-2012, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spud

Was the input 220V or 3 phase?

Just to clear up some confusion, will a VFD be sufficient to run 110V 60hz power tools on 220v 50hz mains supply?

A VFD will not run 110v power tools unless they are 3 phase.

But yes, a VFD would indeed run 110v 60HZ 3 phase motors with a 220v 50HZ single or 3 phase input. You'd need to program it for 110v output though.

But in any case, the output of a VFD needs to be connected to a 3 phase load that's reasonably balanced.