Stepdown transformer advice.

Marcus314 · Mar 23, 2013

Hello there. I’m new to this forum, so you will have to tell me if I have broken any rules. I am not a qualified electrician, so you will have to excuse me if anything I say is not accurate; by all means, put me in the right direction.

I’ve bought some Wahl Senior hair clippers from the US for use in the UK; and naturally, they need to be converted to US voltage (Etc) in order for them to work properly. The step down transformer that I’ve purchased has voltage and current details written on it, et cetera: they are Input 230v, 50 Hz; and Output AC, 110V and 150W. The information written on the clippers says: 120v AC, 60 Hz and 12W.

I’ve plugged the clippers into the step down transformer and they do turn on, but the blades are not moving correctly: by my reckoning, they are probably moving either too fast or too slow. Can anybody tell me why this might be, please?

If I’m not mistaken, the 50 Hz and the 60 Hz (included in the information above) relates to the frequency of the current; I’m not sure whether I am correct on that. If I am correct, could it be something to do with that?

If anybody can help me, I will be very grateful.

[FONT=&amp]Thank you.[/FONT]

Marvo · Mar 23, 2013

Yes, the 50Hz of the UK supply will cause them to operate slower than the 60Hz they were designed for. You might be able to compensate somewhat by adjusting the screw on the side of them (model dependant)

telectrix · Mar 23, 2013

the 50Hz/60Hz is as you say, the frequency. i would imagine that as they are designed to run at 60Hz and you are running them at 50Hz, then they will run a bit slow.

DPG · Mar 23, 2013

A step down transformer will only reduce the voltage, it will not changer the frequency from the US 60Hz to the UK 50 Hz.
The 60Hz is another way of saying 60 cycles-per-second and refers to the number of times the voltage rises and falls (since it is alternating - AC)
Any reason why you didn't buy UK spec clippers?? Daz

Edit: Beaten to it!

Marcus314 · Mar 23, 2013

Marvo said:
Yes, the 50Hz of the UK supply will cause them to operate slower than the 60Hz they were designed for. You might be able to compensate somewhat by adjusting the screw on the side of them (model dependant)

I tried but it doesn't seem to make any difference.

DPG said:
A step down transformer will only reduce the voltage, it will not changer the frequency from the US 60Hz to the UK 50 Hz.
The 60Hz is another way of saying 60 cycles-per-second and refers to the number of times the voltage rises and falls (since it is alternating - AC)
Any reason why you didn't buy UK spec clippers?? Daz

Edit: Beaten to it!

As far as I know, Whal only make that particular model in a US version.

It's a pity because they are the only Whal brand clippers (that I can find) with a metal case and the parts are replaceable.