Need Quick Advice Please..on Bringing U.S. Sewing Machine to UK

Thanks heaps Jaqchic-

That really helps a lot....just one more Q.
Since i am not " electrically inclined "

Would this be the right item for me ?
Just to make certain....

http://www.world-import.com/300a.htm

Z.

Just remember what I posted. A transformer won't change the frequency. Just make sure that your machine can accept 50Hz.
Unless you know that for sure, I wouldn't chance it.

Not sure I agree with your VA and W thing (power = voltage x current, so in units it would be W=VA), but the reason for doubling up the transformer size is that there are often voltage spikes when you first switch on the appliance, especially in motors.  If your transformer was just big enough for the running voltage, the fuse would surely blow when you hit the on switch.

Frequency isn't that big a deal - the appliance would just run slightly slower in the UK.  Presumably, a sewing machine has a speed control on it, so it would still be possible to run at the speed you like.

In an ac circuit power (Watts) is voltage x current x power factor.
Power factor is the phase displacement between current and voltage and is always <1 or 1 max
VA is just voltage x current. Hence W is generally less than VA.

Ive lost you guys now ...with all that tech-savvy talk hehe...
How do you think i can make certain it will accept 50hz ? ( it reads 60Hz on the machine )
Anywhere i could call to find out ?

Z.

Just remember what I posted. A transformer won't change the frequency. Just make sure that your machine can accept 50Hz.
Unless you know that for sure, I wouldn't chance it.

What are the risks, Cascode?

Frequency isn't that big a deal - the appliance would just run slightly slower in the UK.

That's not universally true.

Without getting too technical, things like ac motors and relays (basically anything with a winding in it) are designed to operate at a constant magnetic flux. This is usually achieved by keeping the voltage to frequency (V/f)ratio constant.

If you change the frequency from 60Hz to 50Hz but still at 120V, you would increase the ratio by 20%. That would increase the current by at least 20% and the losses which produce heat by at least 40%.

For that reason, it is important to check that the equipment can run on a 50Hz supply.

What are the risks, Cascode?

See above...........lol.

Ive lost you guys now ...with all that tech-savvy talk hehe...
How do you think i can make certain it will accept 50hz ? ( it reads 60Hz on the machine )
Anywhere i could call to find out ?

Z.

I don't know anything about your sewing machine.  I think the consequence of running it at 50Hz instead of 60Hz is that it will run a little slower.  Unless you are used to running the machine flat-out, I don't think you'd notice a thing.  I guess you could contact the manufacturer to ask them for their advice?

I brought many electrical goods from the US, and have no trouble running them on transformers.  A small appliance with a motor (so the closest thing to a sewing machine) is my food processor.  I use this a lot, and have never had any trouble with it or been able to detect any differences to how it worked in the US.  It still does the job I want it to do.  

A few questions to ask yourself:

Are you paying for shipping?  If not, then it doesn't cost you anything to move, even if it ends up not working.
Could you sell it in the US for anywhere close to its value, or would you have to just give it away or put it into storage?
Would you definitely get a new one in the UK if you didn't bring this one?

My attitude, as someone who did not have to pay for shipping, is to bring everything and if they don't work then just put it in the attic until it's time to move back.

In a previous thread, Henrysgirs wrote:

I brought both my machines and have not had any problems with using a 2000w step down transformer.  (I know a bit of overkill; but wanted to ensure the machines were working fine).  My sewing machine was the expensive type that also does embroidery thru the computer -- everything works great on it.

I was worried about burning out my motor (similar to a blow dryer due to the Hz difference), but when I contacted the sewing machine shop - they explained that a sewing machine was made to have multi-speed motors - it will just mean that it will not so as fast on the fastest setting. (hope that makes since).   

Definately bring them especially if they are your hobby.  There are so many things you will HAVE to leave behind (home, friends, etc...) it will be nice to have a special hobby.

and greeneyesuk wrote

but just to add, I brought my sewing machine here five years ago (old cabinet type but they are all basically the same) and it works great....still does.....if I can find a belt to fit it

So short answer is probably yes.

If you change the frequency from 60Hz to 50Hz but still at 120V, you would increase the ratio by 20%. That would increase the current by at least 20% and the losses which produce heat by at least 40%.

'K, so the sewing machine would run slightly hotter?

But is that important?  When you sew, it's zzzzzzzzzzzz, stop, zzzzzzzzzz, stop, zzzzzzzz, stop.  Surely there's plenty of time for it to cool down?  Yes, I can see the importance on industrial machines that are running constantly - but for a home machine?

As londeners say.... thats BRILLIANT!!!!




Thanks for all the heads up you guys, i think i will email hubby tonight and tell him to start packin the overlock machine....yea he is going to end up paying for excess luggage ( he's bringing stuff over the allawed 140 pounds for one person ) so since we do have to pay for excess luggage then i thought why not get the things i/we can really use down here.

PS i will ask him to call the sewing Co. just as a precaution but i have a feeling it should be alright.

PS the weight of my sweing machine is under 10 pounds so plenty of room to pack additonal stuff we need.

Speak soon
Z.

In a previous thread, Henrysgirs wrote:



and greeneyesuk wrote



So short answer is probably yes.

Probably. It is the "probably" that would concern me.
But here is what happened when some bright (or not so bright in this case) tried to use some GE 60Hz equipment on a 50Hz supply.

]

In short, Zufan should check with the machine maker.
It will probably be ok. But better to be sure before risking damage.

Looks like something out of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" 

Looks like something out of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" 

Indeed.
Bad as it is, I can't complain.
We were retained to investigte and report on the fault, then have an opportunity to suggest a solution.
We have a proposed fix, and have a reasonable chance to design, manufacture, and supply a replacement.

Thanks for that illuminating peace...

Yes i will try and get info from Manufaturer....to be safe.

Best
Zufan

Thanks for that illuminating peace...

Yes i will try and get info from Manufaturer....to be safe.

Best
Zufan

Good call.