Switching to European Power cables on American festools

[Rocko]

Hello all, I joined the message board 4 minutes ago, looks good so far

I was wondering if anyone had advise regarding using American festools in Europe (sweden and not the UK)

Is it a matter of merely switching the power cables on the circular saw, handheld router, mortiser, etc. from the American standard plug to a European one?

Or am I looking at a catastrophic disaster when trying to run tools meant for 120 volts on a 230 volt power supply?

Perchance there is a simple solution to all of this, I really want to get some tools shipped out here.

Thanks for any help, -Jake

 

[ccarrolladams]

All Festools originally sold in North America require 110v AC. So, for use where only 230V AC is supplied, you will need step-down transformers.

The good news is that Festools motors work on 50 hz as well as 60 hz.

 

[Rocko]

Sounds good, thank you for the prompt reply

Do you think merely using one power converter with a powerstrip hooked to it would be sufficient to run the tools safely, though not likely all at the same time?

I'm trying to ensure that getting the american tools sent over here will undoubtedly be lest costly than having to buy new tools.

 

[ccarrolladams]

Sounds good, thank you for the prompt reply

Do you think merely using one power converter with a powerstrip hooked to it would be sufficient to run the tools safely, though not likely all at the same time?

I'm trying to ensure that getting the american tools sent over here will undoubtedly be lest costly than having to buy new tools.

It would be best to discuss details of the size of step-down transformer with a licensed local electrician. One factor is the maximum wattage transformer which can be connected to your 230v power supply. Where this could be tight is running any of the CT vacs and a Kapex or OF2200.

 

[Kev]

A couple of years ago I was looking down a road of buying lots of Festools ... I was torn between going to the US and buying a big range and setting up my local shop (in Oz) with 110v or buying local with warranty and higher cost.

In the end I went local.

Make certain the savings are really worthwhile.

[welcome] aboard.

 

[SittingElf]

I live some of the time in Germany with my wife and child. She is in the Air Force.

We have lots of 110V appliances and tools that are certified for both 50hz and 60hz, so all that is needed is a step-up transformer. Some electronic equipment have wall bricks that are rated for both voltages as well, but most items like Festools are specific to a particular voltage.

Unless you purchase a high wattage step-up transformer, you would be strongly discouraged from using a power strip with multiple outlets. The transformers are generally fuse controlled and will indicate maximum wattage.  It is recommended that the wattage listed on the transformer is at least 25% higher than the load of the unit(s) you will be plugging into it.

The fuses on them blow VERY easily, so if you plan to use a transformer, make sure you have spare fuses handy.

Cheers,

Frank

 

[Makkus]

Depending on how you use your tools you may end up with a lot of hassle. If you use your tools only in a certain shop environment, you may use a transformer, but make sure, it is fit to deliver the needed power. E.g. if you have 2  tools running at the same time, your transformer needs to supply the combined power of both tools (vacuum +saw). So, I recommend at least a 3kVA transformer.
Running a 110V tool on a 240V will damage the tool.

I recommend to get the tools designed for your electrical power standards in the country you going to used them, this makes it also much easier to take the tools to some other place without worrying about power conversion.

 

[sancho57]

To use the CT along with a 2200 (for example ) you'll need about a 4000KV power converter.

Its no biggie as in the UK, on site work the power is 110V and for shop they use 240V. Both are available here.