Is it possible to wire my house 110v in a country that uses 220
- Thread starter rugiem
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Why would you do this? If you had to you would need to get a transformer. Not sure if their codes would allow it or not
K8MHZ
Senior Member
- Occupation
- Electrician
He would also have to deal with 50hz.
- Location
- San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Electrical Engineer
Really, for the cost of new appropriate appliances vs the cost to move them and then end up with something that nobody can service or replace locally, plus the cost to source and support a non-standard distribution system at your house, you are better off selling your appliances here and buying them again over there. People get too attached to things like appliances. We see the same thing happen when people move here and bring their 220V 50Hz appliances with them. In the long run, it's more of a hassle than it's worth.
JFletcher
Senior Member
- Location
- Williamsburg, VA
Welcome to The Forum. It is possible, however I would wire it normally then use a 240/120-240 transformer to provide a neutral / 120 volts.
You still have the issue of running it at 50 hertz versus 60... Some appliances will handle this fine, others may not.
I would think the cost of shipping and a Transformer would exceed the cost of all but the most expensive appliances. As mentioned, you are probably better off getting euro-spec appliances that will not need a different voltage and frequency nor a different plug and receptacle.
Pretty much agree with that.
But what appliances are we talking about that run only on 110V?
Many will run on 110V-230V anyway.
Virtually all cord and plug connected small appliances sold in the US are single voltage - 120V.
Andy Delle
Senior Member
- Location
- Los Angeles CA
My brother-in-law was stationed at an american military base in Germany. The house had both German 240v and American 120v outlets, There was a 15kva or so transformer in the utility room.
Now this is a bit different because these houses are temporary assignments for American families. So a 120v secondary system is almost essential. Of course that 120v was still at 50hz so no old electric motor based clocks :roll:.
Now this is a bit different because these houses are temporary assignments for American families. So a 120v secondary system is almost essential. Of course that 120v was still at 50hz so no old electric motor based clocks :roll:.
What code? Doubt SL has a lot of code that can't be fixed with $50 US. Just guessing.
Not sure what small appliances you mean but, if they are small, is that not a better case for not shipping them rather than non-standard wiring and the cost of a transformer plus protection gear?
As in microwave ovens, coffee makers, toasters, kettles, blenders, fryers...anything you’d find on a kitchen countertop.
Yes, if it were me, I would not take my appliances with me!
growler
Senior Member
- Location
- Atlanta,GA
I looked up the power situation in Sierra Leone and it looks like it may be a problem to even get dependable electrical power of any type. If you can get it it will be 230V 2 wire system.
If he is going to build in a rural area and may need to be off grid (solar and generator) he could probably use any power systems he wants. I would check to see if power is available in the area where he wishes to build. If not then I would start to price the equipment to stay off grid.
12v dc, ? Hello camperworld!
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
Several of your "electronics" items may already be able to run on 120 or 240 volts
Tony S
Senior Member
- Location
- Resting under the Major Oak UK
I think a generator should be top of the list of things to take with you.
https://www.ashleyedisonuk.com/voltage-sierra-leone-907/
https://www.ashleyedisonuk.com/voltage-sierra-leone-907/
Or maybe retire somewhere else..........
JFletcher
Senior Member
- Location
- Williamsburg, VA
:thumbsup:
suzanne91
Member
- Location
- bamenda,cameroon
Not sure it is possible. The insulation of your appliance may breakdown and put your entire system in jeopardy. This article may help:
http://tccelectricalcontent.com/prevent-circuit-overload/....good luck!
Not sure I follow your logic. Insulation breakdown is usually if you apply too high a voltage.
Andy Delle
Senior Member
- Location
- Los Angeles CA
Most if not all cordage approved for USA primary AC is rated for 300v. And you can get 600v rated stuff as well. Most SO cord carries a 600v rating. In-wall wire as well as MTW is always 600v rated.
- Status