USA to NZ adapter?

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alexanderu

71 posts

Master Geek

#143629 21-Apr-2014 21:32

Hi There,
I recently ordered a USA appliance from eBay, do I need a USA to NZ adapter?
If so where can I get them - direct link is appreciated!

Thanks!

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#1028750 21-Apr-2014 21:35

What kind of appliance is it?

Whatifthespacekeyhadneverbeeninvented?

alexanderu

71 posts

Master Geek

#1028752 21-Apr-2014 21:37

DarthKermit: What kind of appliance is it?

Coffee machine, Nescafe Dolce Gusto.

RunningMan

8953 posts

Uber Geek

#1028754 21-Apr-2014 21:40

What are it's power requirements?

alexanderu

71 posts

Master Geek

#1028757 21-Apr-2014 21:44

No idea sorry, but here's what the plug looks like: http://i.gyazo.com/0eb9e2a3c7f122c071eadffe543c9e3f.png
Doesn't look like a NZ one to me.

Sideface

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#1028763 21-Apr-2014 21:49

The illustration shows a US 110 Volt power plug.
Did you buy a 220 volt appliance?
If not you will need a 110/220 Volt transformer which may cost you more than the appliance.

Sideface

sir1963

3260 posts

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#1028772 21-Apr-2014 21:55

alexanderu:
DarthKermit: What kind of appliance is it?

Coffee machine, Nescafe Dolce Gusto.

OK, legally on all appliances must be
Voltage Rating
Frequency
Current (or wattage).

Unfortunately the USA is a pain in the butt, they generally make appliances "110v only" for the US Market, where as products made for international markets are often 115/230v.

Also, stuff with motors and transformers can also be an issue because of the 50/60 Hz difference. The 50Hz generally means that motors spin at a lower RPM and they therefore draw more current (due to lower reverse EMF generated) and can overheat.

You may also find that "parts" are different , e.g. elements to stop people buying cheap from the USA, importing and upgrading to 230V.

alexanderu

71 posts

Master Geek

#1028774 21-Apr-2014 21:55

Are you 100% sure about this?

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alexanderu

71 posts

Master Geek

#1028775 21-Apr-2014 21:56

So basically I can't use it. Damit.

What happens if I do?

Sideface

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#1028778 21-Apr-2014 22:01

alexanderu: So basically I can't use it. Damit.

What happens if I do?

Bang! Smoke. Lights out.

Sideface

alexanderu

71 posts

Master Geek

#1028784 21-Apr-2014 22:03

So this voltage doesn't work in NZ?

Voltage 120V, 60Hz
Wattage 1500W

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#1028789 21-Apr-2014 22:07

alexanderu: So this voltage doesn't work in NZ?

Voltage 120V, 60Hz
Wattage 1500W

Absolutely not.
You would need to to buy a large, ugly, and expensive step-down transformer to run it.

Sideface

alexanderu

71 posts

Master Geek

#1028791 21-Apr-2014 22:10

adrkl;l;l;l;l;l;l;l;l;l;sjlgfjk;ksgjfaeroiueu

Thanks.

Regs

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Snowflake

#1028795 21-Apr-2014 22:16

this is what you need.... http://www.trademe.co.nz/electronics-photography/other-electronics/adaptors-chargers/auction-718148614.htm only $160 second hand and ugly as sin. general rule of thumb is never buy appliances from US. Laptops and cameras typically come with 240v/120v power options as you travel globally with them, but everything else - nope.

LennonNZ

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#1028796 21-Apr-2014 22:16

A NZ one is $99 from countdown... http://shop.countdown.co.nz/shop/ProductDetails?Stockcode=769498&name=nescafe-dolce-gusto-coffee-machine-automatic

Better to just throw the one you got from Ebay out when you get it and buy a NZ new one as a 230V -> 110V transformer which can do 1500W will cost a lot more than the Coffee Machine itself!

Aredwood

3885 posts

Uber Geek

#1028800 21-Apr-2014 22:20

Short answer, yes you will definitely need an adaptor. And you will probably need a step down transformer as well. As guessing that it will be designed for American 110V only. Unlike things like laptop power supplies which will work on almost any voltage.

And depending on how much power it draws you will need a big (and expensive) stepdown transformer. Also the lower mains frequency in NZ can cause problems as well. Since NZ is 50Hz and USA is 60Hz. This will cause some types of electric motor to run slower than normal. It can also cause some types of electric motors and transformers to overheat. And if the appliance has an inbuilt clock then it might run slow as well. (won't keep correct time).

http://www.jaycar.co.nz/productView.asp?ID=MF1086&w=mf+1086&form=KEYWORD

Even this transformer may not be powerful enough to run a coffee machine. Since that one can output 8.6A But US sockets are rated at 15A.

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