by Record-changer »
Sat Nov 03, 2007 5:44 am
You have to choose both the voltage and frequency, unless the turntable has electronic drive.
- The voltage has to match, or stuff gets ruined.
- The frequency has to match, or the turntable turns at the wrong speed.
Do NOT use voltage converters designed for motors.
Power is usually divided by continent:
- Almost everything in the Americas is 120 volt, 60 Hz. A couple of Latin American countries have 50 Hz.
- Everything in western Europe, including the UK, is 240 volt 50 Hz.
- Eastern Europe used to be potluck, but has pretty much standardized on 240 V 50 Hz.
- Japan uses 120 V 60 Hz (but they drive on the left).
- Australia has 240 volt 50 Hz, with scattered pockets of 25 Hz.
- Asia and Africa are spotty, often varying with what company supplies the power. Some African power varies widely in frequency.