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| Image (c) Olwen White 2023 |
Hi all,
Many of us get attached to our sewing machines. They become our sewing buddies. We get to know them and their quirks... and they get to know how to push our buttons too!
But the thing is, for many of us faced with the life-changing adventure of moving to a new country, it can be hard to say goodbye to our faithful sewing companions.
Electrical appliances tend to have a motor that is suitable for use in the country you live in. Although some have dual voltage, like hair straighteners and travel irons, many don't.
It's easy to take a dual voltage device with you when you travel. With a range that spans 110 volts to 240 volts, you can use a dual voltage electrical item pretty much anywhere in the world. Well, as long as there is a mains socket to plug it into.
As electrical outlets differ from country to country, you'll find that the style of plug will change depending on where you are heading. All you need to overcome that hurdle, is a travel adapter.
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| Ceptics World Travel Adapter |
For longer stays, you can even swap out the plug on your item. That can be useful sometimes... particularly if your like me and keep losing your adapter!
Unfortunately, your less portable items like televisions, washing machines, tumble dryers, and your favourite sewing machine don't tend to be dual voltage. They aren't the kind of things you'd normally pack to go on a world sightseeing trip so they don't need to be.
Although things are changing and more and more electrical items are going down the dual voltage route, many older products are restricted to one of two systems. Either 110-120 volts (60HTZ) like the US, Canada, and many parts of South America. Or 220-240 volts (50HTZ) like the UK, Europe, Australia, and many other parts of the world.
Jerome, my Janome QC6260 is a UK powered sewing machine. He was made for the UK power system which is 230 volts. I was gutted at the thought of leaving him behind when I moved to the USA. The US is on a 110 volt system which is a lower voltage. Jerome would be unable to work properly. He would be struggling to get enough juice.
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| Image (c) Olwen White 2023 |
The good news, for me and you if you're planning to make the move to a new country, is you don't have to leave your sewing machine behind.
You can get one of these:
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| Pyle Step Up Step Down Converter: https://amzn.to/3K6GKyg |
It's a step up step down transformer. And it converts the 110 volt power supply in the US to the 230 volts I need to power my UK Janome sewing machine! I get to use my sewing machine and Jerome gets to stay with me. It's a win-win!
I've put an Amazon link to a step up step down converter under the image. But, there is one more thing you need to know before you buy one for your sewing machine. There is more to electricity than volts. You also have to consider watts.
These converters come in a range of different watts. The one I have is 500 watts. Check your electrical information on your sewing machine. There should be a label close to where you insert the mains cable. It will tell you the wattage of your item. Make sure the transformer you choose has a wattage that is higher than your sewing machine!
So if your sewing machine is 400 watts, for instance, go for a 500 watt transformer. If it's 550 watts, go for the next size up which is 1000 watts.
For more information on step up step down converters, why not check out my video on Youtube:
As
an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a referral fee on any qualified sales made
using the Amazon links shared in this blog. This doesn't cost you any extra but does help
support me and my channel. Links can be found under the product images.
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