Issue with US appliance in NZ

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hotdogs1999

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#245125 20-Jan-2019 07:28

Hello,

this is my first post, so hope i'm doing it in the right place...

Have purchased an appliance on Amazon and it never occurred to me that it would be American

It states in the Manual. "For use only on 120V 60HZ power. Use a socket with a good ground connection.
Do not use a three to two way adapter on the three prong power cord provided."

It is a Phino PHP-301 US plug.

Does the above statement mean an adaptor can't be used at all? or does it mean that it would have to be adapted to a 3-pin NZ plug?

And i also realise that NZ has 240V, not 120V - so it will likely fry if i am able to get it going...Is there anyway around this?

I realise i have made a faux pas by purchasing this without doing enough prior research so will understand if there is no way to get it going.

But if anyone can help, would be much appreciated.

thanks in advance.

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127 posts

Master Geek

#2163908 20-Jan-2019 07:46

The device requires an earthed connection hence not using a 2 pin adapter. Will also require a step down transformer 240 to 110 but it still may not run right due to being designed for 60 Hz.

TheMantis

142 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#2163910 20-Jan-2019 07:58

NZ standard low voltage = 230V, 50Hz. Any physical adapter used must also have three pins to ensure continuity of the earthing system. Whether the appliance will work correctly on 50Hz is entirely dependant on the type of appliance and, to some degree, pure luck. A 230/240:110V step down transformer will be required; unfortunately these can get quite expensive for higher VA models.

cyril7

9058 posts

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#2163911 20-Jan-2019 08:00

What kind of appliance is it, what's it's loading.

Cyril

hotdogs1999

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2163913 20-Jan-2019 08:17

heres the product. https://chefschoice.com/wp-content/uploads/838instructions.pdf

andrewNZ

2487 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2163914 20-Jan-2019 08:19

What cyril said.

The plug isn't really very relevant, what matters most is what the appliance is.
In short, if it has an electric motor or heating element, you're likely better off throwing it in the bin.

Tell us what it is and we can see what your options are.
A photo of the name plate showing voltage/wattage etc will probably help a lot too.

hotdogs1999

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2163915 20-Jan-2019 08:20

1050 W according to product description. https://chefschoice.com/product/chefschoice-wafflecone-express-model-838/

TheMantis

142 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#2163916 20-Jan-2019 08:22

Not worth the hassle/price for that product, sorry.

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

cyril7

9058 posts

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#2163917 20-Jan-2019 08:22

A stepdown transformer that will support a 1kW load ain't going to be cheap or small, probably better sending it to the tip.

Cyril

andrewNZ

2487 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2163918 20-Jan-2019 08:30

jaycars largest transformer (which is too small for you) is $460.

Send it back, or throw it in the bin and call it a relatively cheap lesson in buying from overseas.

hotdogs1999

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2163919 20-Jan-2019 08:36

OK. thanks for your help.

lesson learnt...

Jase2985

13462 posts

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#2163922 20-Jan-2019 08:41

"Have purchased an appliance on Amazon and it never occurred to me that it would be American"

how did that never occur?

hotdogs1999

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2163924 20-Jan-2019 08:43

i did realise it was going to be American, but totally overlooked the potential problems with the power/plug etc.

andrewNZ

2487 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2163958 20-Jan-2019 08:46

The mistake is pretty easy.
For most people appliances are either mains or battery powered and that's all they think about. Mains specs aren't considered or even known most of the time.

The problem is made worse by the fact that many foreign items do work due to being the same voltage or multi voltage.

andrewNZ

2487 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user

#2163961 20-Jan-2019 08:52

There's always the russell hobbs waffle cone maker for $40

Azzura

603 posts

Ultimate Geek

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#2163967 20-Jan-2019 09:02

Back in Canada, I grew up in 200 year old house with old 2 plug wall socket ...third plug, we would just cut em off. House is almost 250 yrs old now lol and no fatalities.

I should add ---(using stepdown transformers in NZ) the biggest thing I was told to watch out for when moving to NZ was to be careful about how many amps my US/Canadian devices pull. Because NA household devices can be a max 15 (usually) to 20amp (possible) vs NZ max 10amp(?).

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