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RE: Outfitting AC to 220V in USA

I live in Hawaii and have the opportunity to purchase an ASR Emitter I amplifier (220V version) for bi-amping. My AC is currently at 120V but my electrician tells me he can run a dedicated 220V line from my dedicated audio circuit breaker to power the 220V amplifier. The amplifier's power cord has a standard 15 amp IEC and has what I believe to be a German Shuko two prong plug.

I contacted a business that specializes in selling European wall outlets, transformers, and outlets. The representative recommended that I pick-up a transformer to convert 220V to 120V to power the 220V amplifier.

I would prefer not to purchase a transformer and would rather (if possible) have an electrician install a dedicated 220V line and install a Shuko wall outlet, that will enable me to use the amplifier's power cord and go directly to the wall outlet. Is this possible? If so, does the standard German AC power line or shuko power cord have two positives, one neutral and one gorund OR two positives and one ground OR two positives and a floating ground?

If a transformer is the only alternative, can you provide me with a brief explanation why. I do not know if I will have phase problems.

I would appreciate your thoughts to my questions. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
hawaiikid
alexanderj
139 posts
 
15 amp 220 lines are used in the US and have a standard NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturer's Association)confirmation different from the Shuko. Larger window air conditions commonly use this configuration plug. Any licensed electrican can install this code compliant circuit. Possibly an issue is whether the amp is setup for 60 cycle power. Best to check with the manufacturer on that.
alexanderj
139 posts
 
Obvious addendum: The amp's power cord would have to be fitted with the matching nema configuration plug.
hawaiikid OP
107 posts
 
An update ....... A technician who sells European plugs and outlets informed me that I should purchase a transformer to convert from 220V to 120V. I was told European or overseas power has only one phase as opposed to USA with 3 phases.

Thanks to all for your assistance and thoughtful replies.
tobias
1,534 posts
 
I suspect you may wind up going the transformer route. If you do, the amp may be starved for current on peaks if the transformer core is too small. To avoid this, get a tranny that is larger than the load seems to require. Two or three times larger is not excessive. In exchange, the extra isolation the transformer provides will help to quiet the background and enlarge the soundstage.
jea48
4,453 posts
 
An update ....... A technician who sells European plugs and outlets informed me that I should purchase a transformer to convert from 220V to 120V. I was told European or overseas power has only one phase as opposed to USA with 3 phases.
>>

Huh?

Houses in the USA are fed from a utility power transformer with a single phase, split phase, secondary winding. 120/240 volt nominal grounded ac system.

The 240 volt is single phase that being 2 hot conductors. Have you heard of balanced power, 60V - 0V - 60V, isolation transformer systems? The secondary of the balanced isolation transformer is a split phase winding. The secondary winding is center tapped in the middle of the winding, thus split phase. The center tap is connected to earth ground. Well that is exactly what is done with houses in the USA. 120V - 0V - 120V, the center tap is connected to earth ground and becomes the grounded conductor the neutral.
....Hot.............Grounded...........Hot....
.....L1..............Neutral.................L2......
...120V.............0V..................120V.....

....^------------240V-------------^

Most European homes electrical power is single phase 240 volt nominal grounded system. One hot ungrounded conductor and one grounded conductor the neutral.
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