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Going overseas. Buck Boost transformer?

 
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Scabral




Joined: 05 Mar 2019
Posts: 3



PostLink    Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2019 4:30 am    Post subject: Going overseas. Buck Boost transformer? Reply with quote


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Hi all.
I am moving overseas with my family (Portugal) in the near future and plan on bringing my full system with me.
That being said, has anyone been successful with setting up their US-made system (control panel, pumps, et all) overseas by simply using a Buck/Boost transformer beforehand?

Current setup is running at 110v, 60Hz (US)
- 50 amp panel (30+ gallons)
- 3 x 30 gallon Blichman pots
- 2 x chugger pumps
- hoses, etc.

The location I am moving to is:
- 230v
- 50hertz

Would I be able to run my US system abroad by running it trough a buck/boost step down transformer? One that would step down the 230v to 110v?
Also do I need to get one that can handle the same Amps (or more)?
Do I need to specify 50Hz vs 60Hz since this panelis actually setup to handle both?

Any advice/recommendations?
Any reason why I shouldn’t go this route?
Any pros/cons?

Thank you all in advance.
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kal
Forum Administrator



Joined: 12 Dec 2010
Posts: 11116
Location: Ottawa, Canada

Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter


PostLink    Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2019 5:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi and welcome to the forum!

A voltage increaser/reducer will not work. The North American panels uses both 120V and 240V. The international panels uses only 240V. It's not one or the other.

Frequency (50 or 60Hz) does not matter.

There is no straightforward way to do what you propose I'm afraid.

Kal

P.S. You asked this question twice in two different threads so I removed the other. We've also received your email about your request for panel conversion and our manufacturer will be replying shortly. Cheers!

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JSB




Joined: 17 Oct 2016
Posts: 125
Location: NE Ohio


PostLink    Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2019 2:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Kal,

What about utilizing a properly sized center tap transformer?
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kal
Forum Administrator



Joined: 12 Dec 2010
Posts: 11116
Location: Ottawa, Canada

Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter


PostLink    Posted: Tue Mar 05, 2019 2:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi JSB -

There are probably most certainly ways to do this, but I was careful in my wording by saying "There is no straightforward way to do what you propose" as (maybe I'm wrong) but it appeared that Scabral was looking for something simple (plug and play). I do not know of a device that takes 240V at 30 amps and provides both 120V and 240V (you need both).

If you can find a way to safely provide both 120V and 240V at the currents required and then create some sort of adapter box that feeds them into a 30A/240V 4-spade dryer-style receptacle so that the existing power cord can be used unmodified then yes, anything is possible. That said I haven't done this myself or thought about the implications of how GFI breaker(s) would work safely to do this. This would have to be analyzed/designed/tested more closely.

Kal

_________________
Our new shop with over 150 new products: shop.TheElectricBrewery.com
We ship worldwide and support our products and customers for life.
Purchasing through our affiliate links helps support our site at no extra cost to you. We thank you!
My basement/bar/brewery build 2.0
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Scabral




Joined: 05 Mar 2019
Posts: 3



PostLink    Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2019 3:47 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the response Kal. Much appreciated.
The option for a transformer in this case is out.
I sent you and Mike at Spike an email in regards to converting my current panel.
When either of you have a chance, could you let me know what my options are.
Thank you once again.

Sam
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kal
Forum Administrator



Joined: 12 Dec 2010
Posts: 11116
Location: Ottawa, Canada

Drinking: Pub Ale, Electric Creamsicle, Mild, Pliny the Younger, Belgian Dark Strong, Weizen, Russian Imperial Stout, Black Butte Porter


PostLink    Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2019 4:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Sam,

We've received your email about your request for panel conversion and our manufacturer will be replying shortly. Cheers!

Kal

_________________
Our new shop with over 150 new products: shop.TheElectricBrewery.com
We ship worldwide and support our products and customers for life.
Purchasing through our affiliate links helps support our site at no extra cost to you. We thank you!
My basement/bar/brewery build 2.0
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View user's photo album (21 photos)
Scabral




Joined: 05 Mar 2019
Posts: 3



PostLink    Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2019 4:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks again for the super quick response Kal!
That's great news.

Cheers!
Sam
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