Rewiring from USA to Australian

Forgot to mention: If its not all 12volt wiring, yes you will have to rewire. 110 Volt US wiring is not acceptable for 240Volt Aus Standards

Hi Shane,
Talking about internal power points and lights..

Oh please, Australian caravans are not better made than US RVs.

I can show you a Supreme Caravan made in Melbourne Australia that is Crap and if someone can make something worse then this then Good On Them.. :-((

Also they have 60htz. compared t our 50htz.

Well not all appliances in the US run at 110v. (I live in the US), my dryer is 220v/60Hz/30amp. I think so is my range. They both have a 4 prong plug. The only way appliances like that would work in Australia is if they were hardwired in to the wall. But most appliances here are 110v. Some RVs may accept the 220v/60Hz/30amp input, but I am not sure.

Chevypower> Your Dryer is 220v/60hz/30amp?. That wouldn't be allowed to be plugged into an Australian Power point let alone an American one. Who are you trying to kid?

30 amps? Have you got any idea what 30 amps is? 220v X 30 amps is 6600 watts... ROFLOL

All American Appliances would run on 110volts because 110 volts is the American Standard for a start. A lot of appliances would run on 110 volts through to 240volts as this is the norm nowadays for Elctronic goods and small appliances like Shavers, Hair Dryers, Mobile Phone Chargers etc. But Something that draws 30amps, that would be better run from 3 phase. I don't know of any Houshould appliance that would draw 30amps at 220 volts

If you can find me the spec, please, by all means, link it to me.

Standard Houshold Power Points In Australia Are Active, Neutral and Earth Arrangement with a maximum Rating Of 10 Amps. Special Wiring And Points For 15Amps.
You Can Have A 240volt, 20 Amp Outlet for Specialised Equipment like Welders.

I may owe ChevyPower an Apology. For some reason I was under the impression he was talking about a Hair Dryer. I dunno why. All I could picture in my small mind was a huge hair dryer. It never occured to me it could've been a clothes dryer. You know, talk about RV's etc. Clothes Dryer's don't fit.

Anyhow, We hardwire our Heavy Current Draw appliances into the Circuit. Other Countries obviously have High Current Outlets For their Huge Hair Dryers.

Anyhow, If you were talking about a Clothes Dryer, Then I apologise for my Comment. If you were talking about a Hair Dryer that pulls 6600 watts, I wanna see it...lol

LOL, if there were a 220v/60Hz 30amp hair dryer, my wife would be asking for it for Christmas!!! haha - I actually don't use a hair dryer :)
We have the Whirlpool Duets 9600 front loader washer/dryer set. Most electric dryers here use that higher voltage and amperage. Dryers that use a gas heater, use a standard 110V plug to turn the drum. I believe there are some 110v elec dryers, but people don't like them because they take too long to dry, and you end up using more electricity in the end. Some of the larger RVs here will accommodate a washer and dryer, though not sure if the dryers run on 110v or 220v.
220v/30amp outlets are popular in America for ranges and dryers as I mentioned. Sorry, not popular, pretty much standardized. Older plugs had a large 3 prong (looks like a large version of the Australian outlets), the newer ones have a 4 prong plug. It's not a standard single-phase, but it's not really 2 or 3 phase. They call it split-phase. You will notice that everything is double from the regular power outlet. Instead of 110v/15amp (which is most power points in the home) - it is 220v/30amp. Though the Alternating Current is still at 60Hz, not 120 :-) There is always one in the kitchen for the range, and one in the laundry for the dryer.
I actually asked an electrician friend in Australia what it would take to get my dryer working in Australia, since I am going to recommend family in Australia get one here and ship it over, seeing they don't sell clothes dryers as powerful there. He said it could be hard wired in through the wall and made to work. Yep I can dry a full load of towels in 40-60 mins :-)

Please note: 220 volts in the USA is three phase !

No, 220v in the USA is not 3 phase, but rather split phase. They split a single phase so you can have what appears to be '2 phase power' From one phase to neutral you get 110v, or between both you get 220v. 3 phase in america is 207v.

Hi Shaker
I think you mean "transformer"
While this will correct the voltage problem there could be trouble with things like motors ,fluoro, Battery charger [if fitted]
This due to US supply frequency, if my memory is correct, being 60cycle.
The output from the transformer will be our 50cycle, this will mean that any equipment with iron cores etc will draw more current ,may overheat & burn out.
The transformer would have to be installed by a qualified electrician, would need some rewiring from inlet .
Then you have the problem of sourcing 110v gear if any needs replacing.

I actually meant converter, you can see HERE that either term is correct.

110 volt appliances can be purchased quickly & cheaply via the WWW.
As I said, many large imported boats are just using 'transformers'.

This is more the type that they are using 4000 Watt USA

motors running on 50 cycles just run a bit slower than those on 60 cycles
frequency is not the problem...its the voltages

the yanks do a lot of what we would call "shonky" wiring....but in their land its the norm, and some of it wont get passed by our authorities

Shaker
The main problem is it the appliances but boats fitted with ProMariner chargers (and some others) are international acceptance voltage and will run on 240V anyway.

Por Mariner chargers are fully approved for Australia so replacing one here is not a problem.

The caravans may only be fitted with a DC power supply not a charger as we know them as yanks do not seem to free camps like Aussies and end up on power supplies in trailer parks and that brings to light the problem of 5th wheelers and their inadequacy to free camp without often expensive modification.

ian

thankfully dont get many boats in here with Promariner charges as they fail. Changed over probably 10 Promariner on visiting yachts and boats to Xantrex Truecharge and Truecharge2. Xatrex Truecharge2 are the worlds ultimate battery charger. With Aus $ high landed in Aus 20A $350

Faulic_mcvitte

Gee I know another charger that claims to be the worlds best charger so who can you believe.

What is also amazing to me in your statement is your claim about failure and it must be common in Xantrex also as I have just landed a deal with a major outlet in Queensland due to failures in the Xantrex range that they have now dropped.

Stick to saying you have a good product and dont knock others as the market will not buy them if they are no good and your statement does not enhanse your credability.

Ian

"Shaker posted:
I actually meant converter, you can see HERE that either term is correct"

Hi Shaker ,
Not trying to be dogmatic, BUT whilst they convert from one voltage to another,the correct term as you can see from the link is "TRANSFORMER"
Not A big deal but correct terminalogy can be important.
They are referred to as "transformers" in the electrical industry,

Member No 1 posted:
motors running on 50 cycles just run a bit slower than those on 60 cycles
frequency is not the problem...its the voltages ""

Hi True
The obvious thing is they will run about 15% slower.
Not so obvious IS that they will draw MORE current.
Due to less core material .
Running slower= poorer fan cooling,+ more amps ,IF been used near max load overheating can occur.
Also as you have pointed out voltage is 110v We have up to 240/250v more amps= more heat again

Hi
Can't edit so 2 changes to previous posts
BUT when they convert from one AC voltage to another AC voltage,the correct term as you can see from the link is "TRANSFORMER"

Also as you have pointed out voltage is 110v We have up to 240/250v. Unless requested otherwise the transformer will produce that.
More amps= more heat again

Funny, but I don't see the word 'transformer' any where
HERE

I agree that transformer is also correct!

A voltage converter changes the voltage of an electrical power source and is usually combined with other components to create a power supply. ...
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_converter

Hi Shaker
Perhaps you have eyesight problems. EACH of those products are titled Step up /Step down "TRANSFORMERS."
Are you an electrician or work in the electrical field?
Sometimes a little knowledge may lead to false conclusions.
Are those things that sit on poles or in substations called converters????
In Aus & most of the world they are called "transformers ".
Look up any electrical catologue , Dick Smith, Jay car, etc you WILL find them listed under "TRANSFORMERS"
Another section "CONVERTERS" is for DC voltage changers
But if you want to call them converters go ahead .
Just be carefull that people know to what you really are referring to are "AC transformers".
Although with qualified people,you need not use "Ac" they KNOW by the word "Transformer" it is AC"

Hi Shaker
A further point
An AC to dc devise is called a rectifier [or a " converter ' by some but not usually by trade people' ]
They may have additional circuitry for regulation & be referred to by some as a power supply.[A poor but simple term @ the best because any thing that supplies power is a power supply] It does not really define what it is.

I don't have eyesight problems, either term, or both is applicable!

Forgot to mention, our marine electronics technician said to show you this SITE, no mention of transformer, he also said that they are more often called converters in the States.

Hi Shaker
I thought we where in Australia ??
Ask A Qualified electrician what they are.
But as i said call them what YOU like but do not confuse others.
There is too much confusion already on most forums by unqualified people using incorrect terminology.

From your original link

VC100W

100W Step UP / DOWN Voltage Transformer
Model No. VC100W

100 Watt Voltage Transformer (VC100)

Listed one after another all sizes "TRANSFORMERS"

"The obvious thing is they will run about 15% slower.
Not so obvious IS that they will draw MORE current.
Due to less core material .
Running slower= poorer fan cooling,+ more amps ,IF been used near max load overheating can occur.
Also as you have pointed out voltage is 110v We have up to 240/250v more amps= more heat again"

oldtrack,.....Frequency makes it draw more amps????...frequency changes its core material?????.....running slower makes it draw more amps???...i dont agree!!!

a motor has a rated FLA at any speed...and thats its maximum...not any more as then thats when overheating begins to occur......incidently a device designed to run specifically on 110v cannot be used on 240V.

Shaker...what does it say on the picture of the magic box...forget the text in the advert where it says converter...but look the photo..."stepup & down transformer"
on this point i must agree with oldtrack ...when we change voltages up or down a c - ac or Dc - DC we call them tranformers...as applicable.

Hi Member #1

""oldtrack,.....Frequency makes it draw more amps????...frequency changes its core material?????.....running slower makes it draw more amps???...i dont agree!!!

a motor has a rated FLA at any speed...and thats its maximum...not any more as then thats when overheating begins to occur......incidently a device designed to run specifically on 110v cannot be used on 240V""

Equipment designed for 60cycle has less iron in the ,be it motors or transformers etc
Iron core acts as a choke on ac .Higher freq less current lower freq more current .
Differance in amount of ironis not so noticable with equipment designed for small differances , but becomes vary obviouswith say a transformer designed for 25cycle to one for 50 cycle
A 25 cycle transformer used on 50 cycle will not have the output [lower , cannot draw same current
Use a 50 cycle transformer on 25 Cycle & it will have a very high manetizing current [standby]l & limited output before overheating.
In the case of motor it's not the running slower that makes it draw more curent ,it is the same as for transformers less iron lower freq more current. Differance between 50& 60cycle is small [16%] & mayl only be a problem if the motor is required to run @ it's max designed capacity,HP in old terms [will draw more than it's rated ,running slower less efficient cooling from fan.

Of course correct equipment can only be used on voltage it is designed for , my point is the need to make sure The transformer was 50 cycle & 240>110v not yank 220 > 110 60 cycle

It will pass rego, no problems.
Just it will need to fall into line with oversize vehicle restrictions. Will need Oversize signs on front and back, hi-viz flags, amber cloured flashing lights (x2) on the tow vehicle, a mountain of paperwork and only permitted to be towed between sun up and sun down.

Cheers,
Dion.

my point exactly

Are you looking new or second hand? I know someone that brings in 5th wheelers and has the wiring done to 240v by builder. Only brings in with rear door and has all gas pipe put in walls but not connected. It take about two weeks to finish wiring and about the same for gas fittings.
I don't know about the new rules but he has never had to change any suspension components.
cheers shane.