Can I use 15amp 125V IEC for 240V components?

Bill Hart

Well-Known Member
May 11, 2012
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174
1,150
So, punchline is, use cords that are properly rated for both voltage and amperage.
I have a sort of related question: some here in the States advocate running their amps at 240v for better performance (of course, assumes that the component is either a 'universal' one where the voltage can be set to 120/60hz or 220/50hz or a component designed for the European (and Asian?) market. That in turn would entail some professional to run a 240 volt line from the panel and a different receptacle; i would assume that the power cord between the component and the wall receptacle would then have to meet the qualifications discussed in this thread.
Two questions: first, is there a sonic improvement to doing this, either for high current solid state amps or tube amps like my Lamm SET?
And second, is there any issue re the difference in the carrier frequency- here in the States it would be 240 at 60hz rather than 220 at 50hz?
Don't worry, I'm not doing this myself, and not doing it now, just curious, since a friend was in the process of setting up some high current amps to run this way here in the States....
 

Speedskater

Well-Known Member
Sep 30, 2010
941
15
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Cleveland Ohio
Two theoretical advantages of 240V over 120V are:
If you double the voltage you cut the current in half, so on long runs with similar sized wire you have less voltage drop. Radiated interference is related to current flow so less interference at higher supply voltage (and lower current).

Most 50Hz components can operate at 60Hz, but because 50Hz places greater demands on the power transformer, components designed for 60Hz operation probably can't operate at 50Hz. Components with motors should be operated at their designed frequency.
 
Last edited:

Bill Hart

Well-Known Member
May 11, 2012
2,683
174
1,150
Two theoretical advantages of 240V over 120V are:
If you double the voltage you cut the current in half, so on long runs with similar sized wire you have less voltage drop. Radiated interference is related to current flow so less interference at higher supply voltage.

Most 50Hz components can operate at 60Hz, but because 50Hz places greater demands on the power transformer, components designed for 60Hz operation probably can't operate at 50Hz. Components with motors should be operated at their designed frequency.
thank-you
 

Onepoint5

Well-Known Member
Sep 23, 2011
47
13
913
Just to clarify about transformers especially in high power amplifier from the US for vintage equipment. Amps were designed for the US domestic market and sold well attracting international sales. The amps were export directly with maybe a jumper change to 240V.
The drama occurs when the transformer runs at 5/6 of 60hz , it runs under fluxed and gets hot,leading to failures such as poor terminal joints. I had a Marantz 250 with this problem, made a bit of a mess after about 5 rs of normal domestic use.
These days manufacturers work on a global market and take the change in frequencies into the design.
 

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