US flat 2 pins plug question

[jojo]

I have just bought a etch o matic machine and a stencil maker from the States. Now I need to find a step down transformer.

My question is: does the flat 2 pins US plug fit into the US 3 pins sockets

I have found some transformers on sale on Ebay but none of the burgers seem to want to answer when I asked the question.

 

[locum76]

cant you just use one of those thingummydoofers that you stick a two pin into and has a three pin outy bit. i mean a travel plug?

 

[jojo]

cant you just use one of those thingummydoofers that you stick a two pin into and has a three pin outy bit. i mean a travel plug?

Well, I don't know! I'll have a look though, although I can't see B&Q having those.

All the step down transformers I have seen have an American 3 pins sockets and I asked the question to the sellers but they won't bother to answer me. The plugs on the machines I bought have two flat pins and I assume they would fit but I have learned to my cost to avoid making assumptions about anything!

 

[bikething]

i've not found an adapter to go from the 2 flat pins to a 3-pin UK or USA plug yet.

is the plug on the end of a cable? in which case can you cut it off and put a 3-pin american plug on it? or a UK round 110/v plug to suit the safety transformers used on building sites ???

 

[Brian]

This goes from US to UK and many other types, it might help,
http://www.justsportandleisure.com/Details.asp?PID=13939

Brian

 

[weaver]

My question is: does the flat 2 pins US plug fit into the US 3 pins sockets

If the two pins are parallel like " I I " then YES they are the same. The third pin (the round one) is just a safety ground pin. Many here cut off the ground to fit old wall sockets that had only the two. Mind you this may present a shock hazard in wet environments.

BUT, if it is two inline flat pins " _°_ " then no. That would be 220 volt. Commonly used on machines with motors above 1 horsepower to lower the amperage needed so that smaller wires can be used.

 

[jojo]

Yes, Weaver, they are parallel II, 1/2" apart.

I am thinking of getting one of those:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=015&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=250145987280&rd=1&rd=1

So I should be able to finally use my equipment then. I bought reconditioned on Ebay, it came very quickly from the States. To me, it looks absolutely brand new. Even with the extra cost of the transformer, it's much cheaper than buying here

Thanks for the help, gentlemen:You_Rock_

 

[weaver]

"Suitable for earthed or non-earthed appliances"

That would mean it is ok to use an appliance without the third pin.

"Max output 200 Watts"

Check the power requirements, it should be less than 1.8 amps for that transformer.

 

[jojo]

I have had a look at the tools. The stencil maker is basically a UV light bulb, 120V, 120w, you use it for max of 4 minutes at a time.

Just looked at an etch o matic site and it says the kit is 10v, 2amps. Does that mean I need to buy a 300w transformer instead or would the 200w still do as it gets only short use?

 

[pothunter]

I'm not an electrician but I would suggest a trip to your local hire shop, buy a16 amp 110V plug and hire a 1 kva transformer, connect the plug to your appliance and then the transformer.

If in any doubt contact a local electrician and tell them what you propose to do.

 

[Mirius]

If its only for short use then I think you'll be fine, but I'm not an electrician. Rule of thumb is to use a transformer that is double the power you need so that you can use it for longer periods. Most transformers are designed for intermittant use. Personally I use a building site transformer from screwfix and cut off the american plug on the appliance. Its cheap though heavy and means I never have to worry about capacity.

 

[weaver]

I have had a look at the tools. The stencil maker is basically a UV light bulb, 120V, 120w, you use it for max of 4 minutes at a time.

Just looked at an etch o matic site and it says the kit is 10v, 2amps. Does that mean I need to buy a 300w transformer instead or would the 200w still do as it gets only short use?

The stencil maker is fine on the 200 watt transformer.

10v or 110v??

I'm sure it must be 110v.

You will need to move up to the 300 watt transformer and be sure you don't run both at the same time. Unless you get both the 200w and the 300w, one for each appliance.

 

[jojo]

Starter kit contains 10 volt 2 amp marker with internal transformer, ground plate, electrolyte solution, 10 special stencils, neutralizer, deep etching adapter clip and complete instructions.


The etch o matic kit is 110v with 10v, 2 amp output presumably due to the internal transformer Me and electrics don't mix well .

I would not need to run them both at the same time anyway. I'll go for the 300W, it's only £5.00 difference anyway.

Thanks for all the advice.:You_Rock_