Can I use my (U.S. electrical) sewing machines in the U.K.? Will an
adapter work well?

Hi marymeanwhile,

I am pleased to let you know that you will be able to use your sewing
machines in the UK. However, since the voltage in the US is 120V and
the voltage in the UK is 230V, you will need a transformer to convert
to 230V.

The following excerpts will help you better understand this.

"It is helpful to be aware of a number of electrical terms in
determining whether commonplace devices powered by electricity will
function properly in a country other than the one in which they were
manufactured and purchased. Voltage, a measurement of the strength of
electric current, is the most important factor in the operation of an
appliance. A device meant to run at 110-120 would be severely damaged
if connected to a 220-240 outlet."
(...)
"Electric current varies from country to country. For example, the
European standard is 220-240 volt, 50-cycle, while North America uses
a 110-120 volt, 60-cycle system.

Some appliances are made to operate on either 110-120 volts or 220-240
volts and are referred to as "multi-system". Smaller devices such as
hair dryers, VCRs, and clock radios can be constructed with a switch
that enables them to be operated on either current..."

Monster Moving: Electronics and Appliances 
http://www.monstermoving.monster.com/International/Essentials/CompuElectric/Appliances/



"Transformers change one voltage into another; either 110v to 220v or
220v to 110v. There are different power ratings (sizes) of
transformers to handle different wattage requirements, from small (200
watts) to large (1000 watts and more). Transformers do not change the
frequency, therefore, any precision items plugged into a transformer
which are not 50Hz (cycles), will not operate properly, as mentioned
above. Physically, some transformers can be very heavy and not
convenient to move from appliance to appliance or room to room..."

"Some items which can be used with a transformer:

· computers, toasters, hair dryers, coffee makers, sewing machines,
power tools, radios, typewriters and refrigerators
· vacuum cleaners - may need extension cords from home plus spare belts and bags
· precision items (providing they are 50 Hz (cycles): clocks, stereo
turntables, tape recorders/players and microwave ovens; for turntables
and tape recorders/players which are not 50 Hz, the speakers and
receiver will operate fine, however the tape deck and turntables will
operate too slowly; microwave ovens which are not 50 Hz are not
recommended for use (they operate with less power) although some
people do use them."

AIT: Utilities
http://www.geocities.com/AITonline/utility.html



The following site shows a table which summarizes information on the
electrical systems in use in most countries of the world:

Kropla: Electric Power Around the World
http://kropla.com/electric2.htm


Some interesting reading:

Kropla: World Electric Guide
http://kropla.com/electric.htm



Search criteria:

using an electrical appliance in another country
using electric "sewing machine" in another country
voltage electric "sewing machine" converter
voltage electricity "sewing machine" converter travel
using electrical heavy appliance "another country"
"sewing machine" electrical heavy appliance "another country"


I hope the information provided is helpful. If you have any questions
regarding my answer please don?t hesitate to ask before rating it.

Best regards,
Rainbow-ga

---

Request for Answer Clarification by marymeanwhile-ga on 20 Apr 2004 16:19 PDT

Hello,
Thanks for your work. But there is conflicting advice between two of
your sources about what kinds of machines are "adaptable." I ran into
this problem when I was researching the problem myself, and couldn't
resolve it. Monster-moving, for instance, says that refrigerators and
vacuum cleaners don't work well, but AIT Utilities says that both
those items (and sewing machines) are adaptable. I'm sure I can plug
my sewing machine into a transformer and it will at least turn on, but
will it work WELL? Will the motor be just as powerful and as
long-lasting if I plug it into a transformer?

---

Clarification of Answer by rainbow-ga on 20 Apr 2004 22:17 PDT

Hi marymeanwhile,

As long as you get a transformer that has the capacity to handle the
power consumption of the machine, your sewing machine will work fine.
You can find the power consumption by looking at the name plate.

My mother brought her sewing machine from the US to a country with
similar electrical specifications to the UK. It has been working well
for many many years.

I hope that helps.

Best regards,
Rainbow

Great answer - Thanks! Lots of good sources, but what really convinced
me was the fact that your mother has been able to take her machine
overseas - frankly, you can't beat personal experience to persuade.

Single phase motors such as those in sewing machines should be happy
at any voltage. You could run the motor straight off UK 220 if it
weren't for any control electronics.. it would just run faster..

I believe any simple converter should work well with a sewing machine.
Just check the amperage/wattage on you machine and get an adapter with
enough power capacity.

Your sewing machine should certainly work perfectly well in the UK
with a suitable adapter.

In the UK, as you may know, we have a different Pin Layout as well as
Voltage but I've had US-sourced equipment (a Digital Camera and a
Macintosh computer) that has worked fine with an adapter.

However, BEWARE, don't even think of using your sewing machine without
an adapter because a pal of mine here in the UK had a bad experience
with a US-sourced printer that set on fire when he plugged it in
without an adapter.

The position is now confusing because (I understand) some equipment
can work with both types of supply.

Mike

Thanks dj_virto and mikomoro! Free shirts for everyone once I get to the U.K.

Hi marymeanwhile,
I'm pleased I could help. Thank you for the rating and tip. 
Have a great trip!
Rainbow

Wow, Mary, Many Thanks

I could use some free shirts.

I hope that you have a great time in the UK and that your sewing
machine brings you many hours of satisfaction.

Mike