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US to UK step-down transformer

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I've looked on Amazon but I don't know what wattage I need.
The label on the gadget says:

Input: 110 - 240v, 50/60 Hz

DO I actually need to step-down, or does this mean the gadget can take 240v without exploding ?

Output: 18v, 2A

So, my science being a bit rusty, does this mean 36 watts (18x2) ?
The gadget is a Cricut craft machine, it doesn't have a heavy motor nor is it a "heating" item.

Thanks for your advice.

Linda xx

Comments

  • totalsolutions
    totalsolutions Posts: 3,110 Forumite
    edited 23 July 2010 at 10:40AM
    Confused again.
    >The label on the gadget says

    WHAT GADGET......... the unit from Amazon or the gadget in your hands ?

    However if you mean the gadget from the US has an input rating of 110 - 240v AC that seems ok to me and will not explode. You do not need a gadget from Amazon then. Also you are correct it's 36 watts (power). It will have a US style plug though, can you replace it?
  • ERICS_MUM
    ERICS_MUM Posts: 3,579 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts
    Confused again.
    >The label on the gadget says

    WHAT GADGET......... the unit from Amazon or the gadget in your hands ?

    However if you mean the gadget from the US has an input rating of 110 - 240v AC that seems ok to me and will not explode. You do not need a gadget from Amazon then. Also you are correct it's 36 watts (power). It will have a US style plug though, can you replace it?[/QUOTE]

    Sorry, yes I meant the gadget I bought in the US !

    The US plug is on one of those cables with the figure of eight connection on one end like you sometimes get on kettles, with a two pin US plug on the other end. Would I be able to buy a similar cable with a UK plug on it and would this be OK too ?

    (Sorry, middle aged woman talking - apols to more savvy m/aged ladies )

    Thanks again.


    Linda :beer:
  • bobby-boy_2
    bobby-boy_2 Posts: 235 Forumite
    if the gadget from the USA says input voltage 110-240 volys then you can conect it to the uk mains without a transformer. A figure 8 and kettle plug are NOT the same thing. you can can get either with UK plugs you just have to decide which 1 you need.

    Kettle plugs tend to be the type you get for desktop computers and figure 8 for "ghetto blasters"

    hope this helps
    Rob
    Debts as of 01/june/08
    [strike]Dad 15,500[/strike] [strike]11,000[/strike] [STRIKE]9000[/STRIKE]
    [strike]Friend[/strike] [STRIKE]5000[/STRIKE]
    [strike]Other 1000[/strike] 0.0
    Egg [strike]7633.14[/strike] [strike]6000@0%[/strike]:T
  • totalsolutions
    totalsolutions Posts: 3,110 Forumite
    Linda, can you change a plug ?
    (Any old leads lying around from tape recorders / laptop power supplies).

    Now don't so no! You may upset more savvy m/aged ladies.

    T H A N K S Lower right x
  • penrhyn
    penrhyn Posts: 15,215 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    The guys are telling you you need one of these, obtainable anywhere.

    PC136.jpg


    You could just use a shaver adapter.

    shave-plug-adaptor-large.jpg


    Hopefully you have double checked the rating plate on your 'gadget'
    That gum you like is coming back in style.
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