Does anyone use a 110v transformer at home?

[marlinspike]

I have been looking at electric die grinders on eBay. Most of the auction ones seem to be 110v. I understand that you need a transformer to step down the 240v domestic supply for a 110v tool. Does anybody use one at home? Is there a significant power loss over 240v tools?

Just seems that if you can use 110v tools there are a lot more available second hand and even with new tools the 240v version often has a price premium. Probably uneconomic to buy a transformer just to run a couple of tools, but wondered if anyone thought it worthwhile.

 

[roofman]

yep me...have one hard wired under my bench for my die grinder,mag drill, ect

 

[rtbcomp]

The main reason for using the yellow site transformers is for safety. The output is 110v centre tapped to earth, this means the voltage with respect to earth is 55v, perfectly safe in most instances. It may be worth your while getting one if you use power tools outside.

 

[Pete.]

Yep, I have one on the bench. You don't lose any power, just pull double the amps for the power required. It's no problem.

Where are you? I have an old but serviceable wall-mount tool transformer on my site now that needs a new home.

 

[ford34/2]

I think I have 3, 240/110 V the out put they regulate differs, I think the biggest is 3.3 Kva, 3.3Kva size used in the workplace on outside maintenance I regularly tripped ring main sockets in buildings + its heavy to hump around, a nice 1.5Kva might be sufficient to satisfy your needs, Probably a myth but 110V gear doesnt seem to burn out as easy as 240. Almost every combination of power tool is available as a 110 volt tool, although Aldi and Lidl dont do 110.
The bonus is you will always get onto a site with 110V gear, forget even asking if you have 240, A 3.3 Kva might on occasions blow the 13 amp fuse in the plug, so carry some spares or tape a few to the tranny, And of course the 110V might have a built in pop out trip on the side of the Transformer for the 110V protection. Dont be tempted to plug it into a long 240V extension lead, use the short lead on the TRF and get a 110V extension.
Stan

Stan

 

[Spark plug]

All my hand tools are 110v I find the last longer due to haveing heavier windings etc. and the plug doesn't come out when you stretch the lead that little bit too far.

 

[the snooper]

I would imagine that 110 tools are made better in the first place after all how many do you see in cheap tool adds

 

[bigegg]

All my hand tools are 110v I find the last longer due to haveing heavier windings etc. and the plug doesn't come out when you stretch the lead that little bit too far.

plus its easier to refuse to lend them out - I have commando plugs on all my 240V tools as well for that reason.

 

[the snooper]

plus its easier to refuse to lend them out - I have commando plugs on all my 240V tools as well for that reason.

only problem with having those plugs on 240 tools is the lack of a fuse unless you have one plugged into the mains via the ceeform socket

 

[mr migwire]

yep i have started using one and am changing the grinders and drills etc ......

 

[p0689109]

Not being an electrician I have always wondered why 110v is considered safer than 240v when the thing that kills you, current, is higher on the 110v system!

 

[the snooper]

Not being an electrician I have always wondered why 110v is considered safer than 240v when the thing that kills you, current, is higher on the 110v system!

its current and voltage combined, a car battery is capable of 100 amps but at 12v you dont get a shock

 

[p0689109]

I understand that but 110v is a lot higher than 12volts. Lets say a tool uses 240v and 5 amp which is 1200w and an equivalent 110 v tool uses double the amp which is 1100w Not much difference in the power!

 

[premmington]

I understand that but 110v is a lot higher than 12volts. Lets say a tool uses 240v and 5 amp which is 1200w and an equivalent 110 v tool uses double the amp which is 1100w Not much difference in the power!

The main reason for using the yellow site transformers is for safety. The output is 110v centre tapped to earth, this means the voltage with respect to earth is 55v, perfectly safe in most instances

 

[marlinspike]

I am assuming that the transformers you guys use are the yellow boxes that are about £40+ on ebay, and that the £8 adaptor type plugs are a waste of time. I hadn't considered that the 110v tools might be built to a heavy duty spec and therefore last longer - I imagined it would not be economic to produce two versions of the same thing.

I am in Cheshire, Pete, so a bit far really.

 

[ford34/2]

and that the £8 adaptor type plugs are a waste of time.

Not too sure what adapter plug you mean --sorry.
Stan

 

[mike os]

as most of my stuff is fr work... nearly everything is 110v

 

[the snooper]

Not too sure what adapter plug you mean --sorry.
Stan

i think he may be refering to 240 ceeform

 

[brightspark]

Not too sure what adapter plug you mean --sorry.
Stan

probably means the 13 amp to a 16 amp short lead adaptor that miraculosly converts power up over as if by magic

 

[ford34/2]

That was a megga bonus of such a comprehensive stock of Plant--FREE Hire and no questions asked if it broke, + unbelievable rates from local hire shop we used for scaffold towers etc, weekend hire could be free for tea fund money. doesnt get any better than that.

Stan