Is it safe to change 230v plug from a power tool to a standard 110v bayonet plug?

December 14th, 2007 | by admin |
ANGEL ICE asked:

i have a power tool it has a 230v 3 pin standard plug at the end of it. would it be safe to take the plug off and exchange it for a bayonet 110v plug and use it with a transformer.
will it effect the tools operation in any way, if not will it use less power to function=cheaper?.

Question posted courtesy of: Bessie
Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • Digg
  • Bumpzee
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Mixx
  • NewsVine
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google

  • is it safe to change 110v plug from a power tool to a standard 230v plug?
  • can you change a power tool from 240v to 110v ?
  • can you change a power tool from 240v to 110v ?
  • Shopping for Power Tools: Corded or Cordless?
  • How safe are power tools?
  • if i got an adapter could i run a power tool off the 12v socket in a car?
  • Can i send a u.k three pin plug electrical power tool to poland and they can still use it?

    1. 6 Responses to “Is it safe to change 230v plug from a power tool to a standard 110v bayonet plug?”

    2. By tomo on Dec 15, 2007 | Reply

      it will be rather slow or not work at all… no it won’t be cheaper

    3. By stuart w on Dec 17, 2007 | Reply

      This will simply stop the drill from working as it should. It is rated at 230v for a reason…if it was designed to work at 110v it would come with a 110v plug on it.

    4. By tiny on Dec 20, 2007 | Reply

      no, the equipment is not built to run on the lower voltage

    5. By phidza on Dec 20, 2007 | Reply

      well if the power tool was made to function with 230 volts it will function best with 230v. A stepup transformer will increase the voltage from a 110v power outlet to 230v if you get the proper type, so your power tool will be functioning just as normal. But only if you use a transformer.

      I did the revearse. I use a scanner from the US that functions at 110v. I replaced the 110v bayonet plug with a standard 3 pin and used a transformer to change the voltage from a 240v outlet to 110v. It works fine.

      But before you attempt consult an electrician. Things can literally blow in your face.

    6. By phelps on Dec 23, 2007 | Reply

      if you mean with an isolating transformer,yes.

    7. By Up the pole on Dec 24, 2007 | Reply

      You would need to use a 110 to 230 v transformer, and you should then be OK. However, you should fit the transformer outlet with a 3-pin socket rather than changing the plug on the power tool. Also, you must make sure that the socket is properly earthed if the 3-pin plug has an earth lead connected.

      Remember that an electric shock at 230 v is a lot more dangerous than one at 110 v. I would advise using an RCD circuit breaker if there is any risk whatsover of damage to the lead, etc (eg a hedge trimmer used outdoors)

      By the way, the amount of power than the tool consumes depends on the work it is doing, not on the power supply.

    Sorry, comments for this entry are closed at this time.