240 v ac to 110 v ac

Capn Pugwash

Capn Pugwash

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27 Jun 2006
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On Kite - Greece
www.boatbabysitters.com
What with the $/£ exchange rate - I am considering buying a yacht in the USA and sailing her back across the pond. (I may be looking for crew if anyone interested - New York to Cornwall!) Only downside is the voltage differentials. I have seen various transformers for sale so it would seem a fairly straightforward task to slave one of these units in place.....or am I missing something? Advice welcome
 
I used a waterproof transformer intended for the building trade where they like to run 110v tools on site. Be sure everything on board - such as charger/inverter - is rated for 110v, 50Hz OR 60 Hz.
 
Ideally you need a) an isolation transformer and b) one that's rated for continuous duty. They are very heavy, like 35kg to 60kg

BTW - Buying a Victron or similar one aimed at the marine market will set you back £700 to £1500 depending on the size. If you get one custom made to the same spec by a transformer manufacturer, the £1500 becomes about £400. Been there .. done it so to speak.

Oh and I think I saw one on ebay the other day that was starting at about £40!
 
I was told that 110v american is not the same as 110v site, although some kit will not be affected there is some that will.........I was told........
 
Off the top of my head American equipment is designed for 110V 60 hertz rather that the 240V 50 hertz we use in this country. Site transformers (240V down to 110V) only change the Voltage and not the frequency (hertz), I would be wary of running sensitive electronic equipment at the wrong frequency.
Then again if you bought an American inverter to step up 12V DC to 110V AC presumably it would be designed to give out the required 60 Hertz.
 
I can only think you mean 110 to 240 so you can run UK 240v domestics. I am not sure why though if the yacht is 12 v DC all the UK on board 12v equip you take with you should be OK.
A little more info would help.
If it is a straight forward 110 v to 240v any UK site trany fitted with the right connectors should do.
The 50/ 60Hz will make very little difference only to the speed the motor armature rotates.
 
There is no difference. On our site 110v transformers the 110 is from a centre taped transformer E being the CT so either of the conductors to earth is only 50v and the US general elect is supposed to be as such the same. The only deference is the 60HZ. which makes a AC motor run a Little faster.
 
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If it is a straight forward 110 v to 240v any UK site trany fitted with the right connectors should do.
The 50/ 60Hz will make very little difference only to the speed the motor armature rotates.

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Thats fine for inductive loads but a lot of electronic equipment relies on the frequency for `clocking` and a 20% increase would throw a spanner in the works.
There was a big discussion on a powder coating forum I use about equipment that people were importing from America and using through site transformers which then died (the powder coating kit not the transformers). The upshot of it was the equipment could not cope with the 20% increase in frequency with expensive results.
 
Thanks for your input guys - a bit more info for you all:
The shore power hook up on the boat is rigged to run off USA mains - 110v 60hz - which is then stepped down for the various 12v dc appliances. My question was - when I am in a UK/European marina I need something to convert the shore power (240v ac) to 110 v ac. Otherwise I run an excellent chance of my boat being "tuned for maximum smoke" as my old electronics instructor was fond of saying! It would appear that the real problem lies with the sensitive electronics - but would I want them operating while alongside? Probably not so take them out of the equation? Then it is just domestics (lights, fridge, TV etc.) Hmmm? Food for thought.
 
Two points - The instruments will be DC, so AC frequency won't matter. Secondly, will all of your "mains" domestic appliances be American? Or will you need a second transformer to step back up to 240V?
 
You won't of course have forgotten that you will be liable for Duty and VAT where applicable.
I assume as you are posting on this site that you are thinking of a classic?
I looked into this quite recently and managed to pursuade HMRC that there would be no Duty as of historic interest but there would be reduced rate VAT of 5% on cost plus shipping cost. It may have been Duty at 5% and no VAT.
Senior moment!!
 
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Then it is just domestics (lights, fridge, TV etc.)
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Is the above kit all 12v or 110v if it is all 12v DC.
Then all you need to do is by pass or remove the 110v to 12v trany/rectifier and replace it with a UK 240v to 12v.

If it is 110v 60Hz with any electronic kit in side then you can have problems one way is before or after the trans former 240V to 110V fit a frequency converter 50Hz to 60Hz (solid state or rotary) but this makes it all very complicated but not impossible.
 
I would dispute that much electronic equipment will care if it's 50 or 60Hz. Certainly, TV, radio, HiFi, etc. will not care. Also heating and lighting. Most things withh timers are all solid-state (crystal) controlled, so again no problem. Anything with mechanical timer will run wrong speed, also if you have an old alarm clock that may rely on 50Hz. I don't know about microwave or cooker timers, but I would exect any modern device to be OK.

What is not clear (to me) is if you want to run UK appliances from USA shore power, of USA appliances from UK power? Or are you talking about on-board generated power? In that case it is probably easier/cheaper to change the generator or battery inverter for a UK model.
 
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Two points - The instruments will be DC, so AC frequency won't matter. Secondly, will all of your "mains" domestic appliances be American? Or will you need a second transformer to step back up to 240V?

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DOH! Of course - why didn't I think of that. The domestic items like fridge, freezer, and microwave are/will be american and will run off 110v ac. Therefore a step down 240/110 v converter is all I need to run my "domestic" bits!

Now...what have I forgotten?!
 
In that case, get a "site" transformer of sufficient VA rating for your maximum appliances. Provided no heaters/ovens/kettles involved it should not cost too much. Even 3kVA (which will run a kettle) will not cost the earth. Perhaps look for second hand in the small ads.

(added) Look for your local branch of CEF, etc., 4kVA site transformer is only £192 in catalogue.
 
Pugwash, Have you given any thought to the Recreational Craft Directive and CE proofing for when you want to insure the boat and, later, sell it?

I'm thinking of doing the same as you (buying in states,shipping to UK) but have been put off by all this cods-wallop of Europe protecting its boat industry...any thoughts, advice...by anyone?
 
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