110v transformer start up current

[Will Russell]

I've recently qualified and want to get myself set up with some new tools. I don't really fancy having some tools 110v and some 230v, if I can get away with it I'd prefer to have all 110v. However, I realise this isn't practical for domestic work as the transformer will probably take out the CB from the inrush current generated from it. So my question is, can you use 110v in a domestic situation without overloading the Breaker?

 

[mickfred]

B type MCB tend to trip 50% of the time when trannie plugged, just reset and all w
Should be fine

 

[Risteard]

Normally fine from a ring final circuit. It's B20 radials which tend to trip half the time with a 3kVA Tx. As said if you reset it it's normally fine then. I have no 230V tools.

 

[paul291277]

Consider Battery Operated - used to use 110v on site but now have a DeWalt 18V set and haven't looked back. 4Ah batteries or better easily last a day on a commercial site so will probably last a week on domestic jobs

 

[mickfred]

Well 50% of the time it will trip and 50% of the time it will trip as you try and reset it (scarring the s#£@ out of you because you forgot it does that sometimes)

 

[paul291277]

My box of Combi/Impact Driver/SDS and 3 4Ah batteries has never tripped a breaker and probably weighs less than a trannie (a stepdown one (before anyone makes a lewd comment)

 

[mickfred]

If your doing domestic work do you want to carry a trannie round room to room and in lofts

 

[paul291277]

my point exactly

 

[mickfred]

My box of Combi/Impact Driver/SDS and 3 4Ah batteries has never tripped a breaker and probably weighs less than a trannie (a stepdown one (before anyone makes a lewd comment)

i know its not my thread but am thinking of getting a cordless sds what it's like ,

 

[mickfred]

my point exactly

would not like to be under the ceiling when trannie fall off the joist and comes through

 

[LeeH]

My box of Combi/Impact Driver/SDS and 3 4Ah batteries has never tripped a breaker and probably weighs less than a trannie (a stepdown one (before anyone makes a lewd comment)

Spoil sport!

 

[PEG]

I can understand the OP not wanting to double up on corded tools,110V being good for nearly all applications.
Why not modify the tranny with a thermistor? You-tube has various info-vids.

I did a 3.3kVA two tool TX 20 odd years ago,with the thought that i would only use it on a domestic supply situation,but it has been used to death. Heavy breakers,intermittent,overnight pumping,it has never failed.

I have not checked,but there must be new transformers available,with integral devices,to mitigate against inrush problems.

I wouldn't swap mine,for Mr.Izzard,it's done more miles

 

[SparkyJoe]

If your doing domestic work do you want to carry a trannie round room to room and in lofts

Use a site lead

 

[Pete999]

I've recently qualified and want to get myself set up with some new tools. I don't really fancy having some tools 110v and some 230v, if I can get away with it I'd prefer to have all 110v. However, I realise this isn't practical for domestic work as the transformer will probably take out the CB from the inrush current generated from it. So my question is, can you use 110v in a domestic situation without overloading the Breaker?

Depends what type and size the breaker is

 

[telectrix]

get a 1.5kV tranny. who wants to lug a 3.3 all over the place.

 

[PEG]

get a 1.5kV tranny. who wants to lug a 3.3 all over the place.

...Not a problem,for a man who collects anvils...

Yep,a 1.5 would be a better bet. The problem with thinking that domestic only,means 230V,is you will end up with extension leads,then you may be working next to other trades,then the customers children come home to "check" how you're doing...for the sake of a couple of plugging moves,risks are reduced.

Sooner or later,you will be working at a customers property,with a 15th Wylex DB,and if the cordless isn't up to it,you may be up a ladder,drilling away,your lead trailing round the garden,when the neighbours kids decide to try skipping,with the new blue rope...

 

[Steve1412]

We used to have 110v wolf hammer drills with the tranny built into the steel carry case...they were great apart from getting a bit of a tingle when they got wet!!!!

 

[Will Russell]

Lot of decent answers! Ive got cordless tools already but sometimes you do just need the extra power and runtime of corded tools. I had thought about just downsizing to a 1.5kva to see if it would sort the problem but the thermistor idea sounds like a winner to me, will definitely be looking into it.

 

[paul291277]

i know its not my thread but am thinking of getting a cordless sds what it's like ,

18v SDS doesn't quite have the kick as a decent 110v but I've never had any problems (Have borrowed a 32v Hitachi that seemed as powerful as any 110v I've ever used). The convenience is key to me as long as you keep a spare battery on charge. No leads to drag around, no transformer if you're doing domestic, and no ********* unplugging your lead if you're on commercial