I'm looking for a 220V STC-1000 controller for fermentation purposes (bread, not beer!) and just wondering about how you distinguish the better options on TradeMe. Other sources welcome!
|
Trusted Lifetime subscriber
fe31nz:
Do not buy anything that is actually only 220 volts - New Zealand uses 230 volts and devices specified for only up to 220 volts are dangerous when run on 230 volts, and illegal to import into NZ. Anything for mains use in NZ must be properly certified, so you can only really buy from NZ or Australia (we have cross certification with Australia). If it is advertised from an NZ company and is specified for 220 volts, then it is likely to have been illegally imported and is not certified - do not buy it.
Generally, 220 volt devices are for US electricity which is 110 volts or 220 volts at 60 Hz. Devices for use in NZ should be specified to use 230-240 volts at 50 Hz. We are specified to have 230 volts but it can be a bit higher - my EMA-1 power meter is currently saying 234-236 volts. In Australia while they are specified as 230 volts, they often actually have 240 volts.
It's a fair bit more nuanced than just saying "don't buy anything rated for 220V."
Voltage ratings have a +/- rating as well. If a unit is 220V +/- 1V you are correct. If it's 220V +/-100V you are not.
Edit: The data sheet for these things appears to be rated for 90-250VAC @50/60Hz
|
|
