Electrical conversion — UK to US?

[Mmathis]

i apologize if this sounds totally ignorant — because I am very ignorant when it comes to anything having to do with electricity! I know that the voltages (?) are different between the US and UK, and that the plugs are different, etc., etc., etc......But is there a way to convert a UK compliant appliance for use in the US?

I am specifically wondering about a floating pond skimmer made by Oase. They make 2 versions of their “Swimskim” floating skimmer. I have the smaller version (the 25, top in pic), that is sold for use in the US. They also make a larger version (the 50, bottom in pic), but it’s not available in a US-compatible version. I have contacted the Oase company, and they say there are no plans to make the larger one available in the US! Darn, because I really want that larger one!

So, back to my question.....

 

[CometKeith]

My guess is you can use this converter. The hz might be slightly different but at least the volts will match up so it should work. https://www.amazon.com/VCT-VT-100UK-Converter-Transformer-Products/dp/B000N54DGO

 

[EricV]

My experience with those converters is that they don't last long even under occasional loads. You might end up being disappointed by this attempt. I'd look for something built for our power if at all possible.

 

[poconojoe]

Since you already own the smaller one and are looking for more coverage, would it be too much of a hassle to just add a second one?

 

[Mmathis]

Since you already own the smaller one and are looking for more coverage, would it be too much of a hassle to just add a second one?

You know, I did consider that, but once my pond is filled in with plants a little later in the season, there won’t be enough “open space” on the surface to accommodate 2. And the nature of this skimmer makes it imperative that you have open space surrounding it, so it would be easier and less of a hassle for me to have the one larger one rather than 2 smaller ones. I still might go that route, though. Just wishful thinking, and thank you for pointing it out!

 

[GBBUDD]

The united states works on 110 volts the uk and Europe use 220 and 230 volts The 110 plug is a flat blade design while the 220 European plug in a round pin or cylinder. The main reason for the difference is timing the uk uses a higher voltage so a thinner gauge wire can be used. Due to the world wars the higher voltage meant less demand for wire. To answer your question yes you can buy your skimmer from the uk but you will need a step up transformer. These generally get hot with the lesser expensive models. here's a little video on sizing a transformer.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...C3CBFC0F8E08F6486B7DC3CBFC0F8E08F64&FORM=VIRE