American to English plug

[shiro]

I have bought a glass grinder from America, i cut the sealed American plug off and put an english one on. When i switch it on i smell burning and a bit of smoke comes out. Is this because it wont convert to an English plug? Is there anything i can do to sort the problem out?

[david1805]

I would think the unit is intended for American supply of 120V 60hz, whereas you're now giving it 240V.

Check the rating plate - it should give you the input range.

In the event its 120V only then you could always get a transformer.

[trazor]

shiro wrote:

Is there anything i can do to sort the problem out?

You will have damaged your grinder to the point where it will not work, or fail very quickly.
Do not use it again until you have it checked out/repaired.

Buy a fire extinguisher before your next electrical adventure......

[Steve]

Is this a joke? Are people really this stupid?

[sm1thson]

^^joke or not, a surprisingly large number of people really are unaware of the difference in voltage between the two countries.

[shiro]

Thanks for all the replies. David1805 it gives 115V then 230/240V 50HZ. Will it be any special transformer i will need ? Thanks again.

[JohnD]

shiro wrote:

...it gives 115V then 230/240V 50HZ. ..

if this is on the rating plate fixed to the appliance, there may be a way of setting the voltage. Look for something like a sliding or rotating switch. It might be fixed in place with a screw. Best of all, consult the maker's instructions.

[bernardgreen]

NOTE

In American flexible leads

BLACK wire is the LIVE

WHITE wire is the NEUTRAL

If you can, arrange to have the lead changed for a UK standard lead.

[Bob Transformer]

Crafty wrote:

Is this a joke? Are people really this stupid?

Its not a joke, its just ignorance, some people belive they are buying new electricity, when in fact they are not, there has been no new electricity since 1937

__________________
The man who's dad invented ? .....

[ricicle]

Bob Transformer wrote:

Its not a joke, its just ignorance, some people belive they are buying new electricity, when in fact they are not, there has been no new electricity since 1937

Eh?

__________________
Empty barrels make the most noise.

[Rabbitsnose]

Shiro, if you want to get a converter, Maplins have got them on offer at the moment for a fiver (suitable up to 45 watts). I got one yesterday for a radio I bought in Japan, where the voltage is also 110V. If you need something bigger have a look at this page.
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Search.aspx?criteria=voltage%20converter&source=15&SD=Y
Gambatte!

[Steve]

Bob Transformer wrote:

Crafty wrote: Is this a joke? Are people really this stupid? Its not a joke, its just ignorance, some people belive they are buying new electricity, when in fact they are not, there has been no new electricity since 1937

PMSL!!!

Nice one breezer.

ricicle, see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XUQnrNd8Y8

[shiro]

Thank you all for your help. JohnD, there is no switch on the outside, just on/off one. Rabbitsnose, thanks for that, have ordered on, so hopefully all will be ok.

[Taylortwocities]

Shiro, that £10 converter is only good for 45 watts. If your device has a motor you'll probably need a much bigger converter....

Does the voltage plate give any other info like "10amps" or "500watts"?

AS posted above, it will probably be easier to find if there is a voltage selector switch and put it on 230v. You could then plug into the UK supply - at your own risk, of course!

TTC

[trazor]

shiro wrote:

so hopefully all will be ok.

No it will not be OK, smoke came out and you smelled burning......

You have certainly damaged it to some point.

Get it looked at by a competent electrician........