Halogen Continuous
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Is it possible to use US Standard 110V/60Hz monolights in the UK with a proper transformer?
And what kind of transformer would I need when each light needs 1200W?
Ive got a few Visatec Solo 1600 strobes that I brought over from the States, all are sadly US standard 110V/60Hz (as opposed to dual voltage). Since it was oodles of effort to get them here, I would really love to use them so Im trying to find a transformer to run them here in the UK. While I believe each needs 1200W, Im not sure they would need continuous 1200W as the only continuously running part is a halogen modeling light, but nonetheless, I would rather be safe than sorry. Has anyone had any experience running their US strobes in the UK? Any help would be huge!
Aside from the transformer, which is the easier and cheaper part of the problem, there are only two ways I know to convert the frequency from 50Hz (UK) to 60Hz (US): mechanically, using motors and generators; and electrically, using a rectifier and inverter.
A lot of times, companies will sell frequency converters that come with voltage transformers since if you're wanting to change frequency, you'll probably be wanting to change voltage, too.
As you can see (below), these can get pretty expensive...
If you're a professional and don't want to risk damaging this equipment, then you'd want to buy something that is manufactured to be on the safe side...otherwise, I'm sure you could just build one of these on your own for considerably less cost.
One thing I'd do is call up Visatec and ask them about these lights. A lot of times, devices will be pretty flexible as to what they can handle as electrical input, but since these are made in the US, they probably just slapped on some 120V/60Hz rating since those are the norm. Ask Visatec to get you some information on if these can handle a 50Hz signal. If all these are are lights, then it seems like there could be a good chance they'd accept 50Hz; if there's a power supply and lots of equipment that goes with them, then I'm not so sure.
Here's what one person asked about running Tungsten bulbs at a different frequency:
http://forums.creativecow.net/readpost/47/855470
Some more help:
http://buyersguide.bargainoffers.com/voltage_guide.shtml
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