Step down transformer

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Meez

111 posts

Master Geek

#138018 17-Dec-2013 08:44

I have a new Yonanas dessert maker and need a step down transformer that goes from 240V to 120V. I've seen a few on Trade Me, but they have a lot of extra information I'm supposed to know about. Can anyone help?

PeterReader

6019 posts

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Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#953483 17-Dec-2013 08:44

Hmmmm. Here we go.

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Meez

111 posts

Master Geek

#953493 17-Dec-2013 08:57

Volts 230-240
Hertz 50
Watts 200

RunningMan

8955 posts

Uber Geek

#953494 17-Dec-2013 09:00

Meez: Volts 230-240
Hertz 50
Watts 200

Why do you need a transformer if it's already rated at 230-240 volts?

Meez

111 posts

Master Geek

#953496 17-Dec-2013 09:12

That's the NZ ratings. This runs on 120V.

Would this work?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/building-renovation/electrical-lighting/other/auction-675420355.htm

RunningMan

8955 posts

Uber Geek

#953497 17-Dec-2013 09:13

What electrical details are on the yonanas?

RunningMan

8955 posts

Uber Geek

#953499 17-Dec-2013 09:15

That should be ok as far as power and voltage. Does the US version specify 60Hz though?

Meez

111 posts

Master Geek

#953502 17-Dec-2013 09:16

I can't find anything on the box or manual, so I'm emailing the company. They don't have a phone number.

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RunningMan

8955 posts

Uber Geek

#953507 17-Dec-2013 09:21

Power frequency. Might be specified as 60Hz.

For about the price of that transformer and shipping you can buy a brand new NZ model with warranty etc. might be a better option

wellygary

8323 posts

Uber Geek

#953515 17-Dec-2013 09:28

I would get a bigger transformer, that one is rated at only 210 watts continuous load,

You say the Yonanas is rated at 200W, ( it appears to be a type of blender), so its got a motor in it somewhere therefore I would get a gruntier transformer,

andrewNZ

2487 posts

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Inactive user

#953522 17-Dec-2013 09:39

Meez: I can't find anything on the box or manual, so I'm emailing the company. They don't have a phone number.

Appliances WILL have a rating plate on them somewhere, sometimes it's a sticker often it's moulded into the plastic. It will tell you the rated voltage and current or wattage.

Meez

111 posts

Master Geek

#953528 17-Dec-2013 09:46

This is the NZ version. It was on the bottom of the machine, but black on black and hard to see.

I'm sorry for the confusion, but thankful I don't have to pay more money right on Christmas!

kiwigander

231 posts

Master Geek

#953563 17-Dec-2013 10:38

Meez,

If the motor on the native 230V dessert maker is rated at 200 W you'll want a stepdown transformer rated at at least 500 W.

The reason for this is that the motor is likely to have a low power factor. (Highest possible power factor is 1 - that would be something like an incandescent light bulb which is a purely resistive load. The load from an electric motor is at least partly reactive.)

I'm not an electrical engineer and stand to be corrected by any EE's out there, but in layman's terms, if the power factor is 0.33 and the motor is rated at X watts then you need a transformer rated at 3X watts. The motor won't actually consume 3X watts; it kind of borrows 2X watts and shoots it back up the line.

I've measured the power factor of a food mixer and it came out as 0.33, so I'm not just pulling that figure out of any random orifice.

A smaller stepdown transformer may overheat, or if the motor cannot get enough current it may overhead and self-destruct.