Will EU tools work in US?

[t.geist]

Hi all,

I have a question of whether a EU tool will work in the US if I put a plug converter on it. Will this burn the motor up? Has anyone else tried this? Looking at trying to get a carpet scraper.

Thank you,
Tony

 

[Svar]

No, they will not work. To make it work you need a 240v to 120v step down transformer at a cost of $100-$200.
Some 110V tools from the UK made for construction sites will run in the US as is.

 

[jonnyrocket]

[member=15585]Svar[/member]

Our US electrical systems can produce the same 240V that is used in Europe.

So to the OPs question, the tools can be used in the US if you are able/willing to add 240V circuits in the places that you will use them.  If you want them to be mobile tools, for onsite use, the challenge will be finding a 240V outlet and using a custom made power splitter. The attached picture shows what I’m talking about, but this isn’t exactly what you would need obviously. If you’re really interested in this, we can elaborate more on the details.

 

[Cheese]

There have been several FOG members that have wired their shop with a couple of scattered 240V outlets throughout for hand tools.

 

[Svar]

Our US electrical systems can produce the same 240V that is used in Europe.

Sure, but than you are shop bound. Won't work for OP's carpet scraper.

 

[jonnyrocket]

Sure, but than you are shop bound. Won't work for OP's carpet scraper.

It would with some limitations. If the house you are working on has a clothes dryer outlet, then it can be done. It’s not perfect, but it’s possible.

 

[VirTERM]

Obviously, battery operated tools will work 
You will just need a new charger or a step-up transformer.... unless the chargers are 110-240V...

 

[RussellS]

Agree with the others.  If you hooked up 240 volt outlets, and the right plug ends, then you can use European tools in the US just fine.  Volts, watts, Ohms, and all the other electrical stuff is identical everywhere in the world.  And you can use US tools in Europe too if you rewire your shop to 110 volt.

 

[Archepg]

Agree with the others.  If you hooked up 240 volt outlets, and the right plug ends, then you can use European tools in the US just fine.  Volts, watts, Ohms, and all the other electrical stuff is identical everywhere in the world.  And you can use US tools in Europe too if you rewire your shop to 110 volt.

Hz in EU is 50, US is 60.  If someone runs a 240v/50hz motor at 240v/60hz there potentially will be issues over time.  Just posted in classifieds that I'm looking to trade US spec tools for German spec tools since I'll be moving there this summer.  Unfortunately I don't need or even know what a carpet scraper would be used for.

 

[DeformedTree]

Agree with the others.  If you hooked up 240 volt outlets, and the right plug ends, then you can use European tools in the US just fine.  Volts, watts, Ohms, and all the other electrical stuff is identical everywhere in the world.  And you can use US tools in Europe too if you rewire your shop to 110 volt.

Hz in EU is 50, US is 60.  If someone runs a 240v/50hz motor at 240v/60hz there potentially will be issues over time.  Just posted in classifieds that I'm looking to trade US spec tools for German spec tools since I'll be moving there this summer.  Unfortunately I don't need or even know what a carpet scraper would be used for.

Folks have posted pictures of the tools before,  the EU tools are 50/60htz  220-240V

 

[sancho57]

To the OP

They do sell 110V tools in the EU. If the tool you want is offered in 110 all you would have to do is buy a adapter so the plug would work in the US. or change the plug. If its a cordless, a US charger will work just fine to charge the battery.

 

[RussellS]

Agree with the others.  If you hooked up 240 volt outlets, and the right plug ends, then you can use European tools in the US just fine.  Volts, watts, Ohms, and all the other electrical stuff is identical everywhere in the world.  And you can use US tools in Europe too if you rewire your shop to 110 volt.

Hz in EU is 50, US is 60.  If someone runs a 240v/50hz motor at 240v/60hz there potentially will be issues over time.  Just posted in classifieds that I'm looking to trade US spec tools for German spec tools since I'll be moving there this summer.  Unfortunately I don't need or even know what a carpet scraper would be used for.

As posted by another, electric motors are not that exact/specific.  In the USA we have 110-115-120 volts.  And 220-230-240 volts.  And Hertz can vary some too.  50 or 60.  You did say "potentially will be issues over time".  But I could potentially be struck by lightning over time.  Or potentially win the lottery over time.