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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
jea48
4,413 posts
 
Hawaiikid, you will notice I did not give a position one way or the other what you should do. As for Hawaii I only assume your ac power system is like what we have here in the lower 48. You stated the equipment you were interested in is 220V. What is your Line to Line, L1 to L2, voltage in your residence? You will notice for the voltage readings I gave for my examples I used 120V and 240V "nominal". My L1 to L2 measures 247V, Line to neutral 123.5V, in the evening hours.

If you decide to install a 240V branch circuit you will need check the actual L1 to L2 voltage before doing so. What is the voltage tolerance of the 220V equipment? + or - ?

If you decide to buy a transformer make sure it is large enough as others have posted here.

You have two choices to make for a transformer,
A step up autotransformer 120V to 220V nominal. The cheaper way to go. In this case no isolation from the Main Line power.
Or a step up isolation transformer 120V to 220V nominal. Best way to go but a lot more money.
Jim
Post removed 
ngjockey
1,042 posts
 
Oops, been a while since school.
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