bringing power tools to DE from US

[alison]

I'm sure that my System76 PC will be fine with 240 V. What about my Dewalt cordless drill with 110V battery charger and my Dremel tool? I would guess that they will be fine, but was wondering if someone had a better informed opinion.

Thanks,
Alison

[Franklan]

Ok, OK, to simplify it, the US has 120 V, whereas Europe is 230V. And the US has 60Hertz, Europe is doing 50Hertz.

You do not kill products made for 230V by pluging it into a 120V socket, but devices get killed the other way around! So, Europeans going to the US can be relaxed, but you're doing the other way, aren't you?

Look at the picture:

Picture of power supply.jpg (377.88 KiB) Viewed 106 times

This power supply cleary points out that it is capable of surviving 50Hertz, 60 Hertz and the voltages of 120V and 230V. So, in this case, the only problem you have to overcome is the mechanical problem that the plug might not fit. That's easy.

However, if your power supply doesn't show the information that my uploaded picture shows (About being "multi range")... Do not try.

If you have questions about specific devices, feel free to upload pictures of the label on the power supply, I am certainly willing to help.

[Fraufruit]

Also, consider weighing the cost of bringing them or replacing them here.

[Franklan]

Also, consider weighing the cost of bringing them or replacing them here.

Fraufruit definitely has a point, when I moved to the US, I sold a *shitload* of equipment (and I definitely didn't like doing so!) and bought it again in the US... It felt terrible, but after evaluation the overall situation, it was definitely cheaper than bringing my gear over there (and paying for "voltage conversions" to get it running over there and stuff)...

[alison]

Also, consider weighing the cost of bringing them or replacing them here.

Agreed, there are other reasons not to bring equipment besides compatibility. I have much cast-iron cookware which I love, but must admit that shipping it probably doesn't make sense. There's nothing special about my dishes, so bringing them likely makes no sense. OTOH, I adore my bicycle and will bring it along even if I only got to choose one item!

When I was in DE in 2014, the only item I blew up was the transformer for blood-pressure meter. It can also run on batteries, so I still have it. The battery charger for the drill and the manual for the Dremel tool both specify 120 V, so I guess I will be selling them.

Thanks,
Alison

[yesterday]

Probably best not to bring power tools in your hand luggage