Is it safe to change 230v plug from a power tool to a standard 110v bayonet plug?
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
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
You Ask, We Answer
December 15th, 2007 at 8:29 pm
it will be rather slow or not work at all… no it won’t be cheaper
December 17th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
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.
December 20th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
no, the equipment is not built to run on the lower voltage
December 20th, 2007 at 7:32 pm
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.
December 23rd, 2007 at 6:53 pm
if you mean with an isolating transformer,yes.
December 24th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
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.