Hey Guys!
I will be moving to Taiwan from China very soon and I’m getting my stuff ready to be send. The question is: will my toaster, coffee machine etc. work in Taiwan if the voltage is 220V / 50Hz ? Is it enough (and worth it) to get a voltage transformer (are these expensive in Taiwan?) or just don’t bother and buy new stuff in Taiwan?
Thanks and see You soon:)
Taiwan is 120V so get new stuff in taiwan.
Much of the new crap will still most likely be made in China so you’re not really winning, but at least it will work.
US style plugs, too, which is another thing to think of. and many outlets with only two pins, not earthed.
So there’s no way of using this stuff in Taiwan? ? ?
I really like my toaster… 
Generally anything with a motor or heating element will not work correctly due to the voltage and frequency difference, so even a voltage converter will not help. Don’t bother, just get new stuff when you get here.
Some stuff is 100-250v. 50/60 Hz. Check it carefully first. A voltage transformer should take care of most things if they don’t suck a lot of power, and they’re not expensive.
I have a Processional Juice Extractor rated at 220V-240V at 50Hz. I expect that it’s a high power appliance.
What are your thoughts if I use a transformer to allow operation with Taiwan’s electricity system?
Thanks!
You should be able to buy a step-up transformer good for ~200W for around NT$1000. Check the juicer label for the power rating, but realistically you can get away with something a bit lower than the rated power - unless you’re blending coconuts or something, the motor won’t run at full chuff, and you’re only using it for a minute or two at a time anyway.
The frequency difference is not important. It will just run at a slightly different speed.
If you are good with electrical work you don’t have to get a voltage transformer. Taiwan (in most cases) uses 2 phase 110/220 system. Connect 2 110 sources from different phases and you get 220. It means you connect L1 and L2 on both (round) pins and you will instantly get 220v. I have run 220v equipments designed for the European market this way and it works. You will have to either wire it straight from the breaker panel or if you have air conditioner outlets, you can find adapters that goes from those AC 220v outlets to European style plugs.
The difference is actually critical for some appliances, particularly motors, heating elements and some types of lights, they simply will not work (correctly) even with a step up to 220V with a transformer or double 110V connection. Some motors will run backwards/forwards and/or stall due to frequency, any lighting with a frequency converter such as florescent won’t work. Power is an issue for high wattage appliances, you can buy a 2KW 110/220, 220/110 transformer but you won’t be able to safely pull the current required from a standard socket.
Sell the juice extractor before you move and buy a new one here.
If it’s a blender chances are they come with universal motors… they can run on damn near any frequency (even DC). It simply does not matter. It only matters with brushless AC motors, which a blender doesn’t really use. If your motor goes whirrr loudly, it’s a brushed motor. It matters for brushless motor because it causes that motor to run slower or faster (depending on frequency it’s designed for) which might matter if the motor powers a clock… I do not know about florescent light but in order for any frequency conversion to occur the electricity must be converted to DC (with a rectifier) and then reconverted to an AC using a signal generator and an amplifier. In that case the original frequency will not matter. Only 3 phase AC motors can run backward due to wrong connection… or brushed DC/AC motor.
I don’t see how heating elements can be affected by frequency. It uses electrical resistance to produce heat meaning as long as there is electricity, it heats up. Voltage matters much more here than frequency. It doesn’t know or care what frequency it’s at, even if it’s DC.
A friend of mine travelled to China recently, and for some reason brought a clock with him. Because the frequency there is 10Hz lower, the clock was running at 5/6th the normal speed. Was almost late to several appointments before he realized the problem!
[quote]If it’s a blender chances are they come with universal motors… they can run on damn near any frequency (even DC). It simply does not matter. It only matters with brushless AC motors, which a blender doesn’t really use. If your motor goes whirrr loudly, it’s a brushed motor. It matters for brushless motor because it causes that motor to run slower or faster (depending on frequency it’s designed for) which might matter if the motor powers a clock… I do not know about florescent light but in order for any frequency conversion to occur the electricity must be converted to DC (with a rectifier) and then reconverted to an AC using a signal generator and an amplifier. In that case the original frequency will not matter. Only 3 phase AC motors can run backward due to wrong connection… or brushed DC/AC motor.
I don’t see how heating elements can be affected by frequency. It uses electrical resistance to produce heat meaning as long as there is electricity, it heats up. Voltage matters much more here than frequency. It doesn’t know or care what frequency it’s at, even if it’s DC.[/quote]
I have quite a varied selection of useless in Taiwan electrical appliances which I shipped from China (including a juicer, iron, ovens, DVD, microwave, rice cooker, heaters etc.), various step up transformers from copper core to electronic and several custom 220V outlets that were put in for those useless in Taiwan appliances. You’re more than welcome to come over and try out your theories, but I assure you they do not work correctly in Taiwan.