Japanese to UK transformer advice.

[Mark1981470]

I was looking at importing the following item from Japan to the UK as a Christmas present but then got mind boggled by trying to work out what I needed to get it working with the UK mains. I found some small plug adapters but none of these changed the voltage, only the connection. I vaguely worked out what values the transformer needed but couldn't believe the only suitable transformer weighed 4 kilo's and was bigger than the actual appliance.

If someone could take the time to work out exactly what I need it would really be appreciated. I want to be able to use the item safely without risk of damaging it or burning down the house for Christmas so please be sure of any recommendations.

I can't post a link to the item as I'm not allowed to post url's till I have 5 posts, but it is located at HiyemaShop.com, listed as a Aquapict LED Jellyfish, a little bizarre I know. The electrical information is listed as...

AC100V, 50/60Hz, DC5V, 1.2A


Thanks for any help,
Mark

[Agent]

I can't get the site to work (check the URL ), but the information leads me to believe that there is a transformer included as there is two parts to the information.

For example, the first part says AC100V, then later on DC5V. I'm almost certain this is saying that the input is 100V to the transformer, but the device itself uses DC5V at 1.2A.
Quite simply all you need is one of those "multi-adaptors". They are quite cheap from the likes of Argos / Maplin / Ect... with the correct connector and the ability to supply that voltage / amps.
They will be adjustable so you can change it depending on device

[Mark1981470]

Thanks. this may be a little complicated. the item is only sold in japan, but the website is from the US so it may be different values due to them converting it to US voltage. I will post a few more times to i can link you to the page.

[Mark1981470]

3 more

[Mark1981470]

2 more

[Mark1981470]

1 more

[Agent]

The values that the device uses will always stay the same, the transformer does all of the work to simply supply it with what's correct

Most devices today support 110/230 switching, which means they will detect the input and change accordingly. Those that don't have this feature will have a separate adaptor when being sold in the UK for example.

[Mark1981470]

link to the item

HimeyaShop.com: Aquapict LED Jellyfish
Bear in mind its a US site so they may be giving information to convert it to US. You currently can buy the item in th uk anywhere, the US sites import them directly from Japan.

[Mark1981470]

all i know is that Japanese voltage is 100v and ours is 240v,

[Agent]

Maplin > 2.5A Max. Variable Voltage Plug Top Switched Mode Power Supply

That would work, and will almost certainly have the correct connection you need due to the number thats included.

You would also probably get away with slightly cheaper
Maplin > 1.25A Variable Voltage Regulated AC/DC Switched Mode Power Supply
Although that doesn't support 5V, so you would either have to go with 4.5V or 6V. I'd recommend 4.5 if you used this one, as it keeps it within a 10% tolerance of the orignal spec (this is usually what we go on in electronics )

In all honesty, just go with the top one (Don't worry about the current - A device will only draw as much current as it needs)

[Mark1981470]

you sure thats all i need, the only thing i thought would work was this...

Japanese 100V transformer

[Agent]

The above will work assuming that the PSU is separate to the device - you will need to check this (almost all things like this are)

Most things work like this:

Socket->PSU->output to device

If you were in the US this would be

Socket (110V) -> PSU-> ouput to device

The way you are planning to do it is

Socket (230V) -> Transformer to take it to 110V -> PSU to take this to 5DC -> Out to device

By using my method above, you are totally replacing the transformer/PSU with one that can accept 230V from the socket, neglecting the need for a device like you linked. This will go

Socket (230V) -> PSU to take it to 5DC -> Output to device

Follow me?

[Mark1981470]

so assuming that the item has a simple dc input on the back of it, and not an attached psu, the maplin switcher should work fine? I think this must be how it is set up, as it is basically a desktop light with a small water pump.

I got confused because all the item listing pages had information to convert it to US voltage and i couldn't find the original Japanese information. Thanks for this Agent, i really appreciate it.

[Agent]

Originally Posted by Mark1981470

so assuming that the item has a simple dc input on the back of it, and not an attached psu, the maplin switcher should work fine?

You've got it

Almost everything is done like this due to cost and for the exact reason you're having

[Mark1981470]

Thanks for taking the time to help me Agent, you're a legend. Just ordered the item so will let you know how it goes.

[Agent]

No probs mate - Simple when you know how isn't it?

Just ask away if you have more questions