Should I use a Transformer?

[clvogt77]

First time posting so bare with me. Im living in the Caribbean which for the most part we running on so called 110v, but is actually 125-130v. The island gets many power spikes and it is highly recommended to have a transformer prior to all major appliances. I agree, the question is that when purchasing say a new refrigerator I am being told by the "technician" that the power is more stable for 220v and I would not need a transformer for that fridge. (Note: the 220v comes from two 110 poles) I replied with how is the 220 more stable if the 110 is not because it has power spikes, that would mean the 220 would have the same spikes but doubled. We went around for a good 10 min and Im not satisfied with the answer he gave. I guess the question is do I still need the transformer or is a 220 machine able to handle a power surge better than a 110?
Tx

 

[bobzzz]

The transformer the man mentioned is probably a constant-voltage transformer used for voltage regulation. Some people also call it a voltage regulator. This will probably be your best bet for a constant well regulated 110v, but it will cost you a bit depending on how much power you use.

Your other choice could be to use a surge arrestor at your mains.This will also be the cheaper option.

 

[davesparks]

Even though you would have 220V it will be from 2 phases which will cause a very dangerous situation if you try to power 110V or 220V(50hz) appliances with it.

Why do you say it would be dangerous to power 220V appliances from it?

The whole of the USA works like that!

 

[clvogt77]

Let me add a bit more The power on the island is 110v with 50 hz. When buying a 110 appliance here it is imported from the states which comes wired 110v 60hz. the 220v unit comes 50 hz. Back to the original question, for the 220 fridge, Im being told the power is more stable and do not need the transformer. I was considering the 220 unit to keep the same hertz but with the voltage spikes do I still need the transformer?

 

[Engineer54]

Even though you would have 220V it will be from 2 phases which will cause a very dangerous situation if you try to power 110V or 220V(50hz) appliances with it.

I don't think you quite know or understand enough of overseas general power distribution systems, to be making any comments or offering advice on the matter... Many countries in the Caribbean use the American single phase 3 wire system that provides 240V between L1-L2 and 120V between L1 -N and L2-N... In this case it may well be ''Single Phase 3 wire 220V /127V

 

[bobzzz]

Yes I do understand that they power larger appliances with it, and after a bit of reading I am now better informed.

 

[galaxyqueen]

The transformer the man mentioned is probably a constant-voltage transformer used for voltage regulation. Some people also call it a voltage regulator. This will probably be your best bet for a constant well regulated 110v, but it will cost you a bit depending on how much power you use.

Your other choice could be to use a surge arrestor at your mains.This will also be the cheaper option.

Is there any difference between a surge arrestor and a lightning arrestor?