Using A 230 Volt/ 50 Htz Breast Pump In The Usa

[TheJoker12]

Its only 230 voltage not 110-230 voltage. I have found some converters online:

1. http://www.amazon.com/One-Voltage-Converte...ef=pd_sbs_hpc_3

2. http://www.amazon.com/ConairPro-CP952-Volt...109&sr=8-19

but they often say things like:

"Converters should not be used with power tools and electronic circuitry products, i.e. computers, fax machines, typewriters, TVs, VCRs, etc. exceeding 25 watts."

And i am not sure where a breast pump falls into that. Thanks.

[bkkjames]

Either it will make you smile or frown Joker.

[garyh]

You are a wealthy man just buy a new breast pump.

[tonititan]

I probably wouldn't take a chance with a breast pump. A fax machine is one thing, but imagine if something were to happen with the breast pump's electricity mid-use....ouch!

[Phil Conners]

I always though TheJoker12 was male. What's a male using a breast pump for? Ah, better not tell us.....

Edited February 12, 2010 by Phil Conners

[bkkjames]

I always though TheJoker12 was mail What's a male using a breast pump? Ah, better not tell us.....

You never heard the term used by someone who is pissed off? "Well suc* me off with a breast pump", I recommend the pigeon brand.

[h90]

what is a breast pump?

[garyh]

Reminds of dishwashers, some on told me once the best dishwasher is the ride on type.

[bkkjames]

Reminds of dishwashers, some on told me once the best dishwasher is the ride on type.

this thread has potential, reminds me of Wayne Bridges gf, chelsea team bicycle apparently.

[hawthorne]

No problem use it. It may still burn out but it is not going to electricute your breast. The cup is plastic not metal. If you are worried about the machine the items you need to be most concerned about are any types of low voltage circuit boards. Everything electronic has these now.

If this is an expensive machine and you are only visiting the US then go out and purchase a hand pump. The pumps from the hospitals are very expensive and if that is the type you have do not use it on a convertor but I don't think you purchased one of those.

If you are staying in the US for good during lactation period then use the pump on the convertor and if it burns up oh well. Atleast you got some use out of it.

YOu may find that with a convertor at 60Hz maybe give you longer cycles and not work as well or just take a bit longer to empty the breast.

Go for it though

[H2oDunc]

Surely the price of the converter would cover a new one from the USA ?

[gregb]

The current is not a problem at all. There are cheap step up converters up to 1500 watts which will work just fine.

Without examining the pump in detail however, I would be concerned there may be an AC induction motor inside. If that is the case, then the 50 Hz vs. 60 Hz issues could become a problem. The motor may overheat and burn out as it will be turning faster than it was designed for. The suction would in theory be greater as well in this case. If the controller board converts to DC first and then uses a DC motor this wouldn't be an issue.

You aren't going to electrocute anyone, but there is a chance you could destroy the pump depending on how it has been designed. You can either open it up and check the internals to decide if this will be a problem, or buy a new one rated at 60 Hz if you don't want the headache.

Or you can simply risk it and accept the possibility of burning out the motor.

Edited February 12, 2010 by gregb

[garyh]

Can we take a vote on who wants to see what happens when you just plug it in and use it then post the video on youtube for all to see.