Question:
I've been told that a machine running on 110V has a
certain look to the plug and a machine running on 220V has an entirely
different plug.
However, my new coffee grinder says it runs on 220V but the plug looks
like a 110V plug not like the plug like my dryer.
What is a sure way to know if a machine would run on 220V as opposed to
110V?
Replies:
Most probably it works on both voltages, 110 and 220. This is quite
common these days. I have a battery charger for my lap top which has a
110 V plug but with can also work at 220 when I am travelling abroad. I
use an adaptor to access the 220 V receptacles. How can you know for
sure, well perhaps reading the instruction booklet but the appliance
will not be hurt by using the lower US voltage, using the higher
voltage-if not rated for such- will of course cause the appliance to
burn out.
Dr. Myron
Some devices such as many consumer electronics are sold worldwide and may
carry dual voltage capability. This means that the unit automatically
senses and adjusts to the supplied 120/220 voltage. For these units, there
are simple adapter plugs so that you plug the unit into the electric outlet
overseas.
In the US, there are standard plugs for 110 and 220 so that they are not
confused. There are other plugs for industrial machinery as well. Your
grinding machine (if not industrial) is probably dual voltage, and if so,
you can use it here and abroad with a simple adapter plug. The best way
to know what voltage to use is to read the information that appears on the
back of the unit.
Dr. Ali Khounsary
Advanced Photon Source
Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne, IL 60439
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