Using Thai Appliances In The Us

[triage2000]

I have an electric food cooker purchased in Thailand that I want to use in the US. The plug on the device is two round plugs and is listed “16A 250V 50hz.” What would be an appropriate voltage transformer that would allow me to use the cooker in the US? Thanks for your assistance.

[klikster]

I have an electric food cooker purchased in Thailand that I want to use in the US. The plug on the device is two round plugs and is listed “16A 250V 50hz.” What would be an appropriate voltage transformer that would allow me to use the cooker in the US? Thanks for your assistance.

You will need a step up transformer "110 to 220" and either a plug adapter or .. for handymen .. snip off the plug and re-wire with an aftermarket plug. Assuming the rating is correct, the 110 circuit could pull above 30 amps.

Afterthought: If this is going to be used on a kitchen counter, be careful of getting it wet .. and grounding ..

Edited May 5, 2008 by klikster

[CosmicSurfer]

I have an electric food cooker purchased in Thailand that I want to use in the US. The plug on the device is two round plugs and is listed “16A 250V 50hz.” What would be an appropriate voltage transformer that would allow me to use the cooker in the US? Thanks for your assistance.

USA/Canada Electric system is 110v - 60hz. Anything else won't work.

Also all appliances must have a 3-plug grounded connection. Your Insurance coverage would be invaladated if any fire occured.

Besides.. Rice & Food Cookers are cheap and easily available there. Just buy a new one.

CS

Edited May 5, 2008 by CosmicSurfer

[klikster]

I have an electric food cooker purchased in Thailand that I want to use in the US. The plug on the device is two round plugs and is listed “16A 250V 50hz.” What would be an appropriate voltage transformer that would allow me to use the cooker in the US? Thanks for your assistance.

USA/Canada Electric system is 110v - 60hz. Anything else won't work.

Also all appliances must have a 3-plug grounded connection. Your Insurance coverage would be invaladated if any fire occured.

Besides.. Rice & Food Cookers are cheap and easily available there. Just buy a new one.

CS

Actually, it's 110, 115, 120 v .. depending on who you listen to.

When he says "electric food cooker" .. I'm thinking "resistive heating element". Heating elements don't care much about the frequency (Hz) .. so unless a very sensitive control system is involved .. 60~ vs. 50~ won't make much difference. If it's an induction cooker, it actually *might* be a bit more efficient on 50hz.

Induction motors will run faster on 60~, transformers will be a bit more efficient on 60~. Many appliances will be 50/60~ rated.

[longball53098]

Why risk death and destruction? Just donate the stuff to a worthy charity here and buy some new stuff in the USA,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Wal Mart needs the business

[Gary A]

A transformer that size would cost more than the cooker is worth. Sell it or give it away and buy a new one for the proper voltage.

[elkangorito]

If the appliance does not have any electronics (or otherwise) in it, it should be fine to connect to a US 240 volt receptacle. BTW, the "standard" voltages in the the US are 120 volt (single phase to neutral) & 240 volt (split phase). Since the device is rated at about 4kVA, you may need a dedicated receptacle for it (in the US). I suggest you speak to some US electricians about this before trying to use this appliance in the US. I can provide details of a website for US electricians if you wish.

Edited May 5, 2008 by elkangorito