Using a US amp in UK

[Downunderwonder]

Underneath where the fuse goes in it says '125V', '8A' so does that mean I'd need a transformer that can handle at least 1,000VA? What the hell a 4A 250V fuse was doing in there is beyond me, but like you said hopefully the fuse blowing has saved the rest of the amp. So just to confirm: I should use a 125V 8A fuse (as it mentions on the back) and a transformer that can cope with 1,000VA minimum (8Ax125V=1,000VA)?

Missed this.

4A at 250V is the same power as 125V at 8A but amps is amps where a fuse is concerned, as far as I know. I'm not an electrian. If the rest of the amp had been converted for 240V supply then 4A would be very appropriate.

Yes, you need a 1kW supply.

 

[The Sad Mafioso]

I'm thinking about getting the transformer you linked me to. Will the thing make a load of noise when it's on? I ask because ideally I wanted to have the option to use the amp at home. As for the fuse, I'm guessing either a 125V 8A (as it suggests) or a 250V 4A (like the one that was in the amp when I got it) would work, right?

 

[DWBass]

Do you have the option of selling that amp or trading it for one that operates on UK power? Seems like a lot of trouble just to get a US amp to work in the UK!

 

[The Sad Mafioso]

Do you have the option of selling that amp or trading it for one that operates on UK power? Seems like a lot of trouble just to get a US amp to work in the UK!

Believe me, I got a VERY good deal on the amp. So much so that even if I had to spend £100 on a transformer (which seems likely), It'd still be worth it. The reason I wanted the 800RB as opposed to any other GK was so that I have the option to use it to it's full potential as a bi-amp at some point in the future.

 

[bmc]

Have you thought of sending an email to GK tech support?

Plugging anything from North America that's labeled 110 only, into Europe's 220-240, using a plug adaptor can damage it.

Laptops are a different beast are are generally 110-240.

Never follow any advice to simply put an adaptor on the end of the plug.

Have you posted here:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[bmc]

Step down transformers are great. I have been using them for years. We brought a bunch of 110v stuff with us when we left Canada and they still work fine.

If you are gigging, you will grow tired of having to lug the transformer around. It's a pain.

I'd try to get the amp modified for the correct voltage. You may save money in the short term lugging around the transformer. You will have a challenge selling it in the UK if you decide to.

 

[BassmanPaul]

If the amp can be switched to 240V internally you will need a 250V 4A fuse. If not, and you use a step down transformer, you will need an 8A fuse rated 120V or higher.

If you want the amp to itself to run on 240V you'll have to contact GK and see if they offer a 240V version of the transformer. Be prepared for some problems from them and, possibly, little help. Manufacturers tend to frown on people circumventing the dealer network that they set up.

 

[smcgov]

not to mention these amps only play in American duh...I hear if you try to play British through them it they won't like it as they are not voiced for all that "hello chap" type of stuff

 

[Munjibunga]

Um, yep...I'm afraid I must confess that I thought just using a plug adapter would make the amp work fine over here, and it did...for a couple of seconds. I shan't be making that mistake again...talk about learning the hard way. Damn my naive non-electrically savvy brain, I just want to play bass!

You need a drop-down transformer in addition to the adapter.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

You need a drop-down transformer in addition to the adapter.

If using a stepdown converter, most of them use a local plug to hook to the mains so you won't need an adapter.

 

[The Sad Mafioso]

I hear if you try to play British through them it they won't like it as they are not voiced for all that "hello chap" type of stuff

Well luckily I don't live in 1930's Britain.

 

[s_mcsleazy]

why dont you just rent/borrow a amp?

 

[Inverse Kinetix]

I learned this kind of lesson in 1984. I was bought a technic lego set with a motor for christmas, NO BATTERIES, I hooked it up to the wall outlet with wires and paper clips.


It went BANG!

I then understood power ratings. Best christmas ever!

 

[Seans]

If the amp can be switched to 240V internally you will need a 250V 4A fuse. If not, and you use a step down transformer, you will need an 8A fuse rated 120V or higher.

If you want the amp to itself to run on 240V you'll have to contact GK and see if they offer a 240V version of the transformer. Be prepared for some problems from them and, possibly, little help. Manufacturers tend to frown on people circumventing the dealer network that they set up.

Like Paul said, if there is a spur on the transformer in the Amp that is for 240V then it's easy. If you have no luck with GK, take the amp to a tech and ask, ''Is there a spur on this Transformer for 240V'', he will tell you in seconds.
If he says no, you need a step down Transformer.

It's most unusual for Transformers not to have many different voltage spurs these days, but you never know.

 

[hellfleet]

I used a US ampeg preamp (which was US voltage) for years in the UK a using a step down down transformer and it worked fine with little unwanted noise. I did however make sure I bought a good quality transformer. Eventually I got a tech to modify the power transformer and then could use it with UK voltage.

Fuses can be confusing, I had some confusion with my mesa power amp which was a UK model and UK voltage and had a sticker next to the fuse saying 3A. I noticed the previous owner had put a 1.5A fuse in it and contacted mesa tech support. Apparently the 1.5A fuse was correct and the sticker was wrong. If fuses blew at a constant power then there would be no difference between US and UK voltages but as they blow at a specific current for the same power rating in the UK the current is lower.

Obviously if you use a step down transformer you have to use the same fuse as you would use in the US - as far as the unit is concerned it is running on 110V

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Going by some other posters saying that this amp couldn't be had in the UK, it's quite possible that the transformer doesn't have the extra taps (saves a bit of coin).

Though if it can be changed, it's certainly the way to do it (my SVT-II is a US model which is running on different taps on the transformer).

 

[cashpoor51]

Fuses are just an element that sense over current and blow before that amp damages itself

The voltage rating of the fuse is based on the input voltage that you run the amp at
As long as the voltage of the fuse is rate higher than the input
voltage you will be safe but make sure the amp rating is right
or it will blow premature if its to low and not blow if its to high and damage the amp

Seems to me buying a different amp with a dual voltage switch
would be less of a hassle in the long run

Having to depend on a step down transformer is an option but one more thing in the chain to worry about being miss placed while traveling or failing
There is one plus with the step down trans it does offer somewhat of a buffer from voltage spikes

 

[The Sad Mafioso]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll take it to my local music and/or electrical shops to see if they can convert the amp to run on UK power. If not, I'll get a transformer for it.