U.S to U.K Conversion Advice

[Michael. A]

Hey there,

I've recently bought something from America which has the following power spec...


"Power

DC Input Connector Type ....... 5.5mm OD/2.1mm ID Barrel, Center Negative

Input Voltage Range.............. 12 to 24 VDC

Power Requirements (Continuous) .......... 20W

2 pin connector."

I need to run it from U.K Mains.

Any Advice on Connectors/Converters I will need? suggestions which ones to buy?

 

[ericgibbs]

Hey there,

I've recently bought something from America which has the following power spec...


"Power

DC Input Connector Type ....... 5.5mm OD/2.1mm ID Barrel, Center Negative

Input Voltage Range.............. 12 to 24 VDC

Power Requirements (Continuous) .......... 20W

2 pin connector."

I need to run it from U.K Mains.

Any Advice on Connectors/Converters I will need? suggestions which ones to buy?

hi,
The DC inp connector looks like universal type, with dimensions given.
You can buy 12V dc or 24Vdc power supplies, rated at 2amps for the 12Vdc or 1amp for the 24V version.
There are types that plug directly into a UK 13A skt, the plug assembly houses the power supply and they come with a circular connector as you describe.

NOTE: there are a range of circular connectors with slightly different dimensions, take the USA equipment to the shop when you buy.

Look at www.maplins.co.uk

**broken link removed**

 

[Michael. A]

The output on the American plug has 15VAC 2000mA does that make a difference?

I checked around my house for plugs that fit and found these...

12V~1.0A 12VA

12V (with a straight line and dashed line beside it) then 1A 12VA

12V DC 350mA

 

[ericgibbs]

The output on the American plug has 15VAC 2000mA does that make a difference?

I checked around my house for plugs that fit and found these...

12V~1.0A 12VA; Not enough current output

12V (with a straight line and dashed line beside it) then 1A 12VA
DC, not enough current

12V DC 350mA
current too low

hi,
You say 15VAC?

The output on the American plug has 15VAC 2000mA

Some devices I have used have an inbuilt bridge rectifier, which means it will accept ac or dc at the correct voltage levels.

For reference the USA psu is 15 * 2 = 30VA

 

[Michael. A]

Yeah it does say 15 VAC on the output of the american plug.

I would expect the device to be universal and so need the bridge rectifier installed to run in every country so I'd assume its in there.

So whats the exact specs i need of the converter? I'm not really near to a electronics store so i'd prefer to order it online.

 

[ericgibbs]

Yeah it does say 15 VAC on the output of the american plug.

I would expect the device to be universal and so need the bridge rectifier installed to run in every country so I'd assume its in there.

So whats the exact specs i need of the converter? I'm not really near to a electronics store so i'd prefer to order it online.

hi,
A 15Vdc 2amp would get the job done.

If you check on the panel near the power input connector, its most likely marked as ' centre pole + and outer as -' .. its a semicircle symbol.

This will confirm ac/dc

 

[Michael. A]

It doesn't have that symbol but it does say....

"12 to 24 VDC or 15 VAC 20 Watts"

So it must take either except at different amounts.

Does that change anything?

 

[ericgibbs]

It doesn't have that symbol but it does say....

"12 to 24 VDC or 15 VAC 20 Watts"

So it must take either except at different amounts.

Does that change anything?

Hi,
No thats OK.
For reference, if it came with a USA power supply, you can also buy plug in units that convert from 240Vac/110Vac.

another source for psu's is www.cpc.co.uk