Japanese 100V units on USA 110-120V

From: Tony Duell <ard_at_p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
Date: Sat May 10 17:32:59 2003

> On Fri, 9 May 2003, Cameron Kaiser wrote:
>
> > Anyone out there have experience with how Japanese computers of that era
> > (early 1980s) tolerate United States mains voltage, since Japanese voltage
> > is lower (100V)? Any recommendations, cautions, or concerns?
>
> Also most likely 50 htz.
>
> Two syllables: Variac. Little one, 2 amps is more than enough. It is
> quite possible that you'll slowly fry the power transformer - it will

Why? A transformer desgined for 50Hz will always be happy on 60Hz mains.
It's the reverse (using the transformer on a lower frequency than it was
designed for) that causes problems. In general, you need a larger
transformer (more iron in the core) for a lower frequency.

-tony
Received on Sat May 10 2003 - 17:32:59 BST