Understanding Electricty Supply

[Holme1]

Hi

I want to buy an item that says it needs a ' 1x220V / 60Hz (1 phase) + ground' power supply.

Does a normal domestic supply meet the requirements?

How can I find out what my supply is?  I am with Scottish Power but can't seem to find any contact info to ask them this sort of question.

Sharon

 

[Davethsparky]

I the uk the supply is a nominal 230V 50Hz 

what at you have there sounds like it's made for the USA and will quite possibly break when connected to our 50Hz supply

 

[misssweden]

Hi Sharon

Welcome to the forum. By law your electricity supply should be between 216.2-253 volts for a single phase supply. However, in the UK the frequency is 50 Hz, not 60Hz. Is the item you are looking to buy from the US by any chance?

 

[ProDave]

What is the item?

It won't like being connected to 240V instead of the 220 it is designed for (forget the fact our supply is a nominal 230V, in most cases it's much nearer to 240V, in fact 245V is pretty normal here)

If it uses a motor or a transformer, it might not be best pleased with a 50Hz supply when it was designed for 60Hz

It also won't have the correct approvals for sale in the UK in in all probability.

 

[Holme1]

Thank you for your swift replies!

The item is a sunbed, which I assume is already being used in the UK.

I know that the commercial ones need a Phase 3 commercial supply but I want to be sure that I buy one that will work in my home.

 

[Essex1]

Thank you for your swift replies!

The item is a sunbed, which I assume is already being used in the UK.

I know that the commercial ones need a Phase 3 commercial supply but I want to be sure that I buy one that will work in my home.

Well at least you checked first before buying it. It will not work in the UK. 

 

[Andy™]

it probably will work, but if its asking for 60hz, then its probably not designed for the UK market and may not comply with UK laws such as CE marking etc

 

[Holme1]

The seller has come back to say it will work on a domestic supply but needs a '16 amp rotary switch and a 32 amp breaker'.

Can you explain what that means in terms of an ordinary house supply?

 

[Essex1]

It means you cannot just plug it in to your lounge sockets. You will need a dedicated new circuit installed by an electrician. 

 

[Davethsparky]

The seller has come back to say it will work on a domestic supply but needs a '16 amp rotary switch and a 32 amp breaker'.

Can you explain what that means in terms of an ordinary house supply?

Then the seller clearly doesn't understand some very basic concepts associated with uk electrical installations. A 16A switch is not appropriate for a 32A supply for a start. 

Get them to confirm in writing that the unit has been CE marked for sale in the uk and send you a copy of the specification and manufacturers instructions

 

[Andy™]

The seller has come back to say it will work on a domestic supply but needs a '16 amp rotary switch and a 32 amp breaker'.

Can you explain what that means in terms of an ordinary house supply?

it means you need a 32a supply, however you cant put 16a rated equipment on a 32a supply. find a different seller / sunbed. this one sounds like it will fry you after it or your house is on fire

 

[Evans Electric]

And .......( non electrical )  use it sparingly  don't overexpose your skin to UV rays .   

 

[Holme1]

Thank you all for your help.

I will steer clear.

Maybe I should just look for a winter sun holiday instead!