🚀 go-pugleaf

mcovingt@athena.cs.uga.edu (Michael A. Covington) writes:

> There's one BIG possible problem:  The grounding is done differently.
> 
> As I understand it, European 220V service is like American 120V service,
> in that one side of the line is at ground potential.  Right?
> 
> American 220V service is different.  Neither side of the line is grounded.
> What you have is a 240-volt center-tapped transformer with the center
> tap grounded.  120-volt service uses half of the transformer, with the
> center tap as "neutral."  240-volt service uses both sides of the transformer
> 
> It's overwhelmingly probable that the power supplies in your equipment
> will expect "neutral" to be grounded, and will fry something if it isn't.
> 
> The best way to deal with the Amstrad PC is to replace its power supply with
> an American one, or look inside for a 120v-vs-220v jumper or switch (many
> computers have them).  Ditto the low-powered audio equipment.  The huge
> audio power amplifier will be more difficult; can you replace its
> power transformer with one that has a 120v primary?
> 
> 
> -- 
> + Michael Covington - Artificial Intelligence Programs - U of Georgia - USA 
> + Unless otherwise noted, these are private opinions, not official statements
> + VOTE NO GEORGIA LOTTERY - we need not imitate mistakes of other states.

   I'll be surprised if your equipment depends on the line for 
a ground.  US 120 volt 60 hz stuff doesn't.  The frequency
difference will affect stuff that has synchronous motors, or
other things that take their frequency from the line.  Trans-
formers should do ok, since they will have more iron than a
60Hz one, and should benefit from the higher frequency. 
Good luck, and use the right size fuses.

gerry@bluemoon.rn whose home bbs has trouble getting the 
mail out sometimes, so it may go here instead.