Help with Electrical Plug Conversion

[masmdu]

I bought a hand/wand blender on ebay. Just arrived but it isn't made for US electrical outlets.

It has two round prongs (220volts?) instead of our flat prongs.

It is a 450 watt mixer. What do I need to use to plug this in and be able to use it without damaging it?

Is just an adapter enough or do I need some kind of converter?

Any SPECIFIC help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[TreasonousBastard]

1. You need to move to Europe to use it...

a 450 Watt 110-220 converter, UL approved, should you find such a thing, will likely cost more than you saved buying this gadget on eBay.

(check the specs, though, to be sure what voltage it is designed for, and it might have a switch that could let you change voltages)

[gvstn]

2. I'm no electrician but you do need a converter rather than

just an adapter. I have no experience with them and the link I'm giving is not ideal since the converters listed do not have US prongs on them. I'm sure there are some that are made for the US. Google "step down" or "step up converter"

Some basic info from a thread on the topic: http://ask.metafilter.com/78231/How-can-I-use-this-UK-appliance-in-the-US

Ad for converters from above link http://www.popularelect.com/Deluxe-Step-Up-Down-Voltage-Converter-Transformer-s/25.htm

[MrSlayer]

3. You need a 220v cord cap for your appliance.

As well as a 220v line and receptacle to use it.

[ornotna]

4. You'll need one of these

http://www.voltageconverters.com/voltage_converters.html



I would suggest 500 watts or more.

[gvstn]

5. Nice link for models more suited to US.

I also noticed they have come down in price. I was looking for one years ago for my sister's sentimental value UK radio and they were closer to $60 bucks or more back then.

[HopeHoops]

6. Frequency is more of a concern - it is probably 50 hertz.

Read this: http://wikitravel.org/en/Electrical_systems

It is geared toward travelers (mobile devices), but it does discuss plug types, converters, frequency problems, motors, and appliances. A blender may shit the bed if you run it on 60 hertz and it is built for 50 hertz. Dropping from 220/240 to 110/120 is no problem. Changing frequency isn't. Most small devices can run on either. Motors are a bit pickier.