where to buy a frequency converter?

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  1. #1

    where to buy a frequency converter?

    Hi, I need to get a frequency converter for the purpose of converting 60hz to 50hz to be used on a Brandt washing machine that I bought in Hong Kong and shipped to USA.

    To make a story short, the Brandt machine's microprocessor uses the line frequency which in HK and Europe is 50 hz to operate the machine. As a result, the machine is not working properly in the US.

    Would appreciate any info to purchase a frequency converter. Hopefully it is not cost-prohibitive. Thanks in advance.


  2. #2
    deleteduser

    In my experience, voltage step up/step down converters do not switch the frequency. So even if you get something to convert 220V to 110V, the frequency will still be the same. I was worried about this when I first plugged in my Nintendo Wii from USA to a stepdown converter (since the Wii wants 110v/60Hz) but it worked fine.

    Have you tried just using one of these? I think for most things, it should be OK. Alarm clocks are one thing you wouldn't want to use with a different frequency

    These converters are cheap, under $10 USD, depending on how much power you need. If it's for a washing machine, you may need a substantial converter... Find out how much power it uses first.


  3. #3

    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Posts
    2

    You will have hard time to find reliable and efficient frequency converter with less than US$5.000.
    Your best bet is trying to increase voltage (in US you will need adjustable voltage converter NOT Frequency converter!) slightly up from normal operating voltage ( something like 240V )to increase initial torque of your washing machine's 2 phase motor.
    Try it with your own risk but I would get new one if I was in same situation.
    Good Luck.

    Last edited by reefer; 22-01-2007 at 11:13 AM.

  4. #4

    Do you know where I can purchase a step-down converter?

    I think this is what I need? Id like to be able to plug in my USA Gamecube and Japanese TV into a HK plug.


  5. #5

    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    hong kong
    Posts
    3,480

    What is the problem with " the machine is not working properly ".

    It is unusual for an auto voltage switch to cause incorrect operation in such a simple mechanism as a washing machine.