National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Equipment & Chemicals => Topic started by: Dr Jacoby on July 23, 2014, 11:30:28 AM

Title: Step Down Transformer necessary for 120v Element
Post by: Dr Jacoby on July 23, 2014, 11:30:28 AM
I was looking at getting this (http://www.amazon.com/Camco-02853-Screw-In-Foldback-Element/dp/B000KKVZUO) element for a heat stick but then I noticed it's 120v. Would it work on our side of the pond without a step down transformer? I know the stronger Camco elements are usually 240V but it seems the weaker ones might be a problem.
Title: Re: Step Down Transformer necessary for 120v Element
Post by: imark on July 23, 2014, 12:06:22 PM
Seems overly complicated way to go. Would you not consider just getting a 240V one? Probably be more powerful than that too.
Title: Re: Step Down Transformer necessary for 120v Element
Post by: Dr Jacoby on July 23, 2014, 12:41:08 PM
I don't need a powerful element, just one to supplement another one I'm using. The reason I was looking at camco elements is that they are ultra low watt density and they will fit my heat stick design perfectly. The willis heater won't work with my setup. I just found out that camco do a 2500W element that is 240v. Might look into that but it could be too strong for what I'm looking for. Cheers for the responses
Title: Re: Step Down Transformer necessary for 120v Element
Post by: Bzfeale80 on July 23, 2014, 07:23:31 PM
if you are looking for a step down transformer you can get it at any maplin electronics store
Title: Re: Step Down Transformer necessary for 120v Element
Post by: Shane Phelan on July 23, 2014, 09:40:37 PM
I wouldn't bother with a step down transformer (http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/tacmia-230v-to-110v-1000w-voltage-converter-n54hf). Its just not worth the money or space it takes up and the one I linked isn't even the full rating of the element.
Title: Re: Step Down Transformer necessary for 120v Element
Post by: Will_D on July 24, 2014, 10:34:30 PM
Quote from: Dr Jacoby on July 23, 2014, 11:30:28 AM
I was looking at getting this (http://www.amazon.com/Camco-02853-Screw-In-Foldback-Element/dp/B000KKVZUO) element for a heat stick but then I noticed it's 120v. Would it work on our side of the pond without a step down transformer? I know the stronger Camco elements are usually 240V but it seems the weaker ones might be a problem.
If you put 220V into this there will a be a c'smackin big bang.

Step down transormers are NOT cheap and some are not even that safe!

If you must: buy 2 and connect in series!

Suggest you buy a 220v version or talk to a qualified sparks before wasting money or worse!