Power / voltage question on PA

The Quote Train on 07/08/2017 - 22:16
Last edited 07/08/2017 - 22:17

Hi guys,

Quick question - I purchased a PA from the states. Model is ELX112P:

http://www.electrovoice.com/product.php?id=1066

On the back of it, it has a sticker that says 100 - 120v, 50-60hz, 1.0A

In the manual in the box, it says "for 120v operation, the AC voltage must be 95v - 132v. For 230v operation, the AC voltage must be 190 - 264v"

I can't see a voltage switch on the back. Is it safe to assume it has one "built in" and will automatically convert? I don't want my new kit to go bang!

Thanks.

Electrical & Electronics

Comments

  • retiredfeline on 07/08/2017 - 22:19
    +2

    No. Only if you are sure that it really is universal voltage otherwise goodbye PA in a cloud of smoke. Even if it has a SMPS inside as most electronic devices do, it might be hardwired to 110V. Only way to be sure it to get the full specs for it.

    • The Quote Train on 07/08/2017 - 22:25

      Struggling to find them. Nothing on the website as far as I can see.

      Manual is the only place that makes reference to voltage as above.

  • apple2016 on 07/08/2017 - 22:27
    +1

    In the manual in the box, it says "for 120v operation, the AC voltage must be 95v - 132v. For 230v operation, the AC voltage must be 190 - 264v"

    The manual might be the same for US and Other models.
    You will have to use a step down transformer.

  • [Deactivated] on 07/08/2017 - 22:29

    Dont assume as that will lead to disapointment.

    If you cant find a manual then the next best thing is to open her up and see. If you aren't that way savvy then get someone.

  • Randxyz123 on 07/08/2017 - 22:43
    +1

    Is it safe to assume it has one "built in" and will automatically convert? I don't want my new kit to go bang!

    Nope nope nope. Do NOT use it. It wouldn't have one built in. Only consumer electronics would have them built in. HIFI equipment doesn't. I have some speakers from my parents living in the states that cannot be used because you need a massive transformer.

    Otherwise it would say 100-240v. If you plug it in your system will go bang and your house may well go bang as well.

    It looks like they go for $900 USD for a new one. I hope you haven't paid that. You won't be able to sell it either.

    You need a step DOWN transformer. This isn't something you should skimp on. You should be able to get one from Jaycar. I'd say they would be around $50

    • The Quote Train on 07/08/2017 - 22:52

      About $650 actually. Don't see why it couldn't be sold with the transformer as a complete setup?

      I'll look into the step down transformer tomorrow. Still confused about why it would reference the 230v operation in the manual of it was strictly 100 - 120v.

      • Randxyz123 on 07/08/2017 - 23:01
        +1

        Alright maybe try contacting these guys
        https://djcity.com.au/product/electro-voice-elx112p-12-inch-…

        Ask them what it says on the models they sell…

        Alternatively call electro voice support in the USA via Skype and ask about the voltage.

        Don't see why it couldn't be sold with the transformer as a complete setup?

        Because you can buy a PA speaker here without the transformer so it's one less thing to worry about getting broken or lost if you use it professionally.

        Still confused about why it would reference the 230v operation in the manual of it was strictly 100 - 120v.

        Well they sell them world wide so I'd say it's one manual printed.

        Does your model have anything else on it or the box have anything else that may suggest it is a US only model.

        I'll find the post but someone plugged in their brand new electric knife which went bang.

      • altomic on 07/08/2017 - 23:05

        the same manual is used for 100-120v units and 230v units

  • altomic on 07/08/2017 - 22:56
    -1

    plug it in so that you can post "I plugged in my US imported PA and it went bang. what are my rights?"

    you need a transformer like this one for $60 delivered on ebay

  • retiredfeline on 07/08/2017 - 23:00

    Although that 1000W sound output looks like the typical inflated spec. Going by the current consumption of 1A, you'd need a 150W step down transformer. Make it 250W to be safe.

  • AdosHouse on 08/08/2017 - 02:42

    Wow, looking at those specs, no RWS rating, 132dB/1m LOL, 1.7kHz crossover?

    • The Quote Train on 08/08/2017 - 07:47

      Sorry, can you elaborate for the layman?

      • AdosHouse on 08/08/2017 - 15:39

        An RMS figure is the true rating of the amp or speaker, if they only quote watts but not watts RMS or wrms, than it is a completely made up figure.

        I LOL's at the 132dB/1, because for comparitive reasons, 130dB is about as loud as a "Military jet aircraft take-off from aircraft carrier with afterburner at 50 ft (130 dB)." So there is no way this speaker would get this loud.

  • Lando on 08/08/2017 - 09:48

    We have tonnes of step down transformers at work, because a lot of our equipment is made for the US market. It doesn't cost that much

  • The Quote Train on 08/08/2017 - 17:05

    Do I need a 1000w+ step down transformer or something much smaller?

    Is the calculation 1.0A x 120v = 120w so buy 150-200, or the 1000w max output figure?

    • samcro on 08/08/2017 - 18:36

      Oh no, a 1000w step-down transformer will cost you an arm and a leg ($399 at Jaycar). 120W is correct, so get one that is 250w. The MF-1082 is $169 at Jaycar.

      • The Quote Train on 08/08/2017 - 18:43

        Thanks. Just trying to u derstanding from a technical perspective why 1000w would be overkill and 250 would suffice.

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