50 Hz transformers for motors

[MargeB]

I bought a big paint sprayer on Ebay recently, and surprise surprise, I've been sent a US 120V unit. I need to buy a transformer to use in the UK, obviously. How can I be sure the transformer will supply the correct voltage if the power rating given is based on the US 60Hz system? Do I need to multiply my desired voltage by 60/50 and then set the taps?

[Mat_D]

What you require is an off the shelf UK to USA transformer.  They just plug in to a standard UK 230V socket and step down the voltage to 120V.  All you have to do is buy the correct one for your power requirements (100VA, 200VA, 500VA etc. It should say on your paint sprayer the power consumption)  They cost around �20-�30.  Dont worry too much about the 60hz / 50hz difference, your paint sprayer will probably still work - maybe unnoticably less powerfully.  It's a bigger problem the other way around, using European electrical goods in the US, as motors will actually run faster.

[jake-the-peg]

I don't know about paint sprayers but I have routinely used the big yello 110v volt transformers you see tradesmen using to run American computers with no ill effects.

I guess it depends exactly how sensitive sprayers are but I wouldn't think they'd be that fussy