Advice Needed: Step UP transformer for Land Power

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by skipmac

So the fact that the voltage on US 240 v 3 wire system is 180 out of phase on the two hot wires doesn't cause any problem on 220/230 V EU 50 Hz equipment?

What about the opposite. If the equipment would tolerate the 50 Hz frequency would US 240 V equipment run on EU 230 V supply?

split phase systems are not "out of phase", if one takes the waveform from the perspective of the two hot wires, then all you have is 240VAC single phase.

If one takes it from ground or neutral, one sees a "out of phase " system, its however a measurement delusion.

A EU cooker ( range) on US splitphase, will see exactly the same potential waveform as that cooker on a floating neutral EU supply.

Yes there are specific safety issues, for example the assumption on an EU boat that "neutral" is at ground or near ground can cause issues.

Frequency and certain safety installation issues aside, there is no issue.


Again the reverse is true, leaving aside some safety issues with very old US 240 equipment


so as long as the frequency is an issue ( generally with some motors) its all the same type of electrons !!!



dave

[HappyMdRSailor]

Wow....

The incredibly rare triple post....

New mod Weevis must be on watch duty...

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by clifflyon

Hi All

I just bought a Benetoooo' 50 (New Life) with a 220V 30 amp 50Hz system.

Im told I should aquire a step-up transformer to 240v 60 Hz just to be safe on U.S./Caribbean land power ( I plan to cruise the Carib for year-plus).

I'm hanging in a marina in Key Biscayne till Nov 1, plugged into 240 60 hrz. Everything seems to run fine at the moment. The surveyor urged me to deal with this issue.

Do I really need such a thing and if so what do you recommend? My most excellent electrical guru says I need something to handle at least 6000 watts.

You can probably get a buck boost transformer at a local electrical supplier.

Changing from 50 to 60 Hz is going to be close to impossible without very deep pockets. I don't believe it will effect much other than the speed of any synchronous motors on board.

For what it may or may not be worth.

Cliff

[ericoh88]

Hi Cliff

I bought a boat with a 110v 60 hz genset in SEA EU240v 50hz. .

On shore power 240v 50hz, the step down transformer to 120v 50hz can run

- 120v microwave
- 120v water heater
- 120v Marine Air ac 16,000 btu
- 120v water maker, booster pump and 120v
- 120v coffee grinder

On the hook when everything runs off the inverter or genset for 120v 60Hz with a step up transformer 240v 60hz can run

- 240v rice cooker
- 240v juicer/food processor
- 240v kettle
- 240v power drill

All the computer power supply and hand phone chargers handle both 120v and 240v.

I am sure there will be something that won't work on 240v 60hz. so far most items I use, works.

[clifflyon]

Thanks all !!!! What an excellent resource this forum. Centuries of combined experience and wisdom. Invaluable!

SO, does anyone know where I can have a 1999 Simpson Lawrence electric Capstan/windlass rebuilt in the Miami areas?

Thanks AGAIN!

Cliff

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by clifflyon

Thanks all !!!! What an excellent resource this forum. Centuries of combined experience and wisdom. Invaluable!

SO, does anyone know where I can have a 1999 Simpson Lawrence electric Capstan/windlass rebuilt in the Miami areas?

Thanks AGAIN!

Cliff

What needs rebuilding on the windlass? Job isn't that complicated unless the new ones are a lot trickier than the old ones. I totally stripped down my 1994 SL, repainted, new bearings, lubed up, rewired and installed a new switch. Wasn't much more complicated that a small jigsaw puzzle.

[clifflyon]

Originally Posted by skipmac

What needs rebuilding on the windlass? Job isn't that complicated unless the new ones are a lot trickier than the old ones. I totally stripped down my 1994 SL, repainted, new bearings, lubed up, rewired and installed a new switch. Wasn't much more complicated that a small jigsaw puzzle.

Motor works but the gear doesn't engage up or down. I'm guessing a pin is sheered. I need to find a puller.

Tomorrow...

[roland stockham]

My solution to converting from 230v electrics (European) to other systems was simple. I have an inverter so use that as the ONLY mains voltage supply on board. Then fitted a 40amp universal voltage charger to keep the battery topped up. Result; any frequency and voltage in, totally stable output with full isolation even with reverse phase and other dock side horrors. Charger needs to give 10% more power per day than your expected total A/C and D/C power needs. Its better than an isolation transformer because you always get the right Hz on board and much cheaper. Only limit is the size of your inverter (get a low power kettle!)