USA to SA power info

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renvilo

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Hi guys,

Just want to find out if there will be any damage if I use a set of speakers that has a USA plug (think they use 110W and SA uses 220W or something like that) in South Africa with a type of transformer?

Will this damage the speakers in time or anything?

Thanks
 
Check what the Hertz cycles are. If it can handle 50/60 Hz then you are fine. As long as the transformer is stable they should work just fine.

BUT... many speakers already use a step down transformer. What does the transformer/power supply/label on the back say? Is it DC input?
 
It comes directly from the SUB (Which is the amp as well...)

Here's the details from the back of the sub:

Fuce Rating:
T4AC, 125V
(4A, Slow-Blow)


120V~60Hz
2A



Don't really know what's going on there, lol
 
You will need a step-down transformer.
South Africa uses (supposedly) 240V AC while the Americans use (supposedly) 120V AC. I say supposedly because in practice, there's a LOT of variation.

You can ask at your local electrical shop for a step down transformer for 240V to 120V AC. As Gary mentioned, you need to check the frequency too. If you explain what you want it for, they should be able to help you. You might need to butcher the wires a bit to make it fit, though
 
lol... I wish it was so simple... the only plug they have here is a 3 point plug, hehe... I'm in the middle of nothing, hehe... I'll try getting something in Potchefstroom...

Hate these small towns!!!

ps: But if I use a transformer there will not be any probs after a few months with the speakers...
 
renvilo said:
It comes directly from the SUB (Which is the amp as well...)

Here's the details from the back of the sub:

Fuce Rating:
T4AC, 125V
(4A, Slow-Blow)


120V~60Hz
2A



Don't really know what's going on there, lol
Click to expand...

That 60 Hz cycles is going to be a problem. Since South Africa runs on 50 Hz cycles, even a step-down transformer will not convert the cycles. That may indeed kill the speakers.

I have bought those step down transformers at Mica Hardware stores. They should still have them. But by the time you have finished buying the step down transformer, you might as well have just gone out and bought a new set of speakers. Just what kind of fancy speakers are we talking about here?
 
renvilo said:
Here's a link:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/speakers_audio/home_pc_speakers/devices/231&cl=us,en

New they are going for around R1700 +-
Click to expand...

Hmmm, nice speakers! But seriously... those hertz cycles could do damage... I have heard that it is definitely an issue for printers and fax machines and other appliances which use large motors... but read here for more info... esp. the first article.

http://www.kropla.com/frequency.htm

http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_frequency
 
I see...

So in short... Don't buy the second hand one for R700 plus the converter for R300... Rather save R700 and buy a new SA unit? Coz the USA one can go in a week/month/year
 
renvilo said:
I see...

So in short... Don't buy the second hand one for R700 plus the converter for R300... Rather save R700 and buy a new SA unit? Coz the USA one can go in a week/month/year
Click to expand...

Yes. So you have not actually bought it yet? I wouldn't.
 
No I can but I haven't.... But isn't the HZ more about a motor or so?? I heard from a few people that the HZ doesn't actually make a diff in speakers??
 
Speakers are generally not affected by difference in cycles. I doubt that the difference in cycles will be a problem in this case.

As for the transformer requirements,

VOLTS x AMPS = WATTS
Your speakers have a power consumption rating of 120V~60Hz 2A
So, 120V x 2 AMPS = 240 W.

The guys at Rabtron have worked the power consumption based on the protection fuse (120V x 4A = 480W). Now because the speakers have a 4A slow-blow fuse, it does not mean they draw 480W of power. The fuse is only there to protect the speakers should more than 4A be drawn by the circuit. A 300W transformer should work.

I can't guarantee you that your speakers will work though. I'd rather recommend that you get speakers that's compatible with SA's power supply. It's easier and generally safer.
 
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Yea I think I have to agree with you Genetic.

Just want to say thanks man... You gave me some nice info and I feel so much smarter :-D



Owe you one
 
About two years ago we were in the US, and wifey saw this mood fountain. When we came back i went around to "Brights" here in Cape Town and bought a small stepdown transformer, cost around R80 bucks and works perfect.
 
Cool thanks guys but I'm gonna rather save myself millions of hassles and buy a SA version... The reason the mood fountain works will be because of the small converter... Buying bigger has more disadvantages (I've read it... No experience so...)
 
Your speakers will be fine with a 300W transformer. The speakers work on DC in any case, there is a built in AC-DC converter so the frequency (50Hz vs 60Hz) won't make any difference.
 
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