120V Equi=Tech not working with Step Down Transformer from 230v 50hz?

[RosewoodAsh]

Hello,

This is my first post on this website, and this seemed like the correct forum category but if I should move it please let me know!

Sorry for the convoluted title. Here is a little more information on my situation - If anyone has any insights on what is going on that would be great!

I recently moved my recording studio from the US to Spain, and I have a 120v Equi=Tech Son of Q isolation transformer I've been trying to use with my 120v equipment, which mostly consists of vintage guitar amplifiers. The studio is located in the corner of a large live music / event / nightclub complex here in Barcelona, and we are hooked into the main panel of the club, with a lot of line noise coming through.

I have tried the Equi=Tech with two seperate step down transformers, and nothing plugged into it. In both cases it instantly blows the main breaker for the studio when powered on.

The first step down transformer was rated at 3000watts and the 2nd step down transformer is only rated at 1000 watts but it does not blow its internal fuse when powering on the Q, instead it blows the main breaker for the studio. Interestedly, it doesn't blow the breaker for the outlet it's plugged into. This club is a pretty big place, so the overall electric capacity is substantial.

The photos of outlet breaker, and general breaker are all located in a sub-panel inside the studio - these all remain on.The fuse that trips is the photo "BlownBreaker" which is located in the utility room of the nightclub, on an enormous panel shared with the entirety of the venue.

The speculation I've heard so far is that it has to do with the frequency difference of using a 60hz transformer with 50hz power?

Any idea on what is causing this and if there is anything I can do to get the Equi=Tech working here?

Thank you!

 

[kyuu]

If I'm understanding correctly, you're attempting to use devices made for a 60Hz grid on a 50Hz grid? Unless the device is specifically rated for both 50Hz and 60Hz, don't do that. It can result in excessive current being drawn, explaining the tripping breakers. Those breakers are saving you from much worse things occurring to your equipment.

 

[RosewoodAsh]

Yes, correct. I think these are rated for 60hz only. Is there a way to modulate the frequency? This unit was pretty expensive, so if there was an economical way to continue to use it that would be great. Thankfully, I didn't have anything plugged into it.

 

[JustJones]

Yes, correct. I think these are rated for 60hz only. Is there a way to modulate the frequency? This unit was pretty expensive, so if there was an economical way to continue to use it that would be great. Thankfully, I didn't have anything plugged into it.

Frequency converter as well as step down transformer ? I have no experience with the linked converters , simply an example. Does yours convert frequency as well?

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

 

[Speedskater]

There is no economical way to convert 50 Hz to 60 Hz. (there are expensive ways)
Have you contacted Equi=Tech ?

 

[FrantzM]

Hi

People more versed in power engineering will chime in. I would advise to take the device off the electrical system in a hurry. Equi=Tech US devices are NOT step-down transformers ...The Equi=Tech US Products , as far as I know are NOT step down devices rather, these provide (AFAIK) , "balanced Power" which is 120 VAC derived from the 2 legs of the L1 and L2 in the US electrical System ..

A bit of explanation. The US product from Equi=Tech are meant to be used with the US 240 volt SPLIT-PHASE.. That term is itself a misnomer... the US uses a peculiar system in which 240 volts is "split" into two phases through a center tap in the transformer... VERY different from Europe standard which is a single phase 230 Volts... not 2 Phases not an L1 and L2 kind of things...
It is not much the 60 Hz to 50 Hz that causes the problem but the connection to the ground.. . You are actually shorting to ground...
Use a proper stepdown transformer .. BTW using a 60 Hz transfo in a 50 Hz environment usually ,"on;y" causes transformers to overheat a bit , not much else...

Equi= Tech have European (230 Volts, 50 Hz) but these can't be used as step-down transformers, since these are 230 in to 230 out

Be safe! Unplug that thing as quickly as possible before something real bad happens ...

Peace.

 

[JustJones]

Hi

People more versed in power engineering will chime in. I would advise to take the device off the electrical system in a hurry. Equi=Tech US devices are NOT step-down transformers ...The Equi=Tech US Products , as far as I know i NOT a step down devices rather, these provide (AFAIK) , "balanced Power" which is 120 VAC derived from the 2 legs of the L1 and L2 in the US electrical System ..

A bit of explanation. The US product from Equi=Tech are meant to be used with the US 240 volt SPLIT-PHASE.. That term is itself a misnomer... the US uses a peculiar system in which 240 volts is "split" into two phases through a center tap in the transformer... VERY different from Europe standard which is a single phase 230 Volts... not 2 Phases not an L1 and L2 kind of things...
It is not much the 60 Hz to 50 Hz that causes the problem but the connection to the ground.. . You are actually shorting to ground...
Use a proper stepdown transformer .. the 60 Hz to 50 Hz usually ,"on;y" causes transformers to overheat a bit , not much else...

Equi= Tech have European (230 Volts, 50 Hz) but these can't be used as step-down transformers, since these are 230 in to 230 out

Be safe! Unplug that thing as quickly as possible before something real bad happens ...

Peace.

+1
If you're not using a step transformer no wonder you're tripping the breaker be glad you haven't blown up your gear.

 

[Speedskater]

The US 120/240 Volt is a split single phase system. It is not a 2 phase system.
The 240 Volt supply is center tapped with two 120 Volt legs or poles.
Nother like a 3 phase system either.

 

[Owl]

The diagram I have seen about this product has a center tap for 120 volts, two 60 volt windings. It's an isolation transformer. 1:1 ratio.

 

[Svend P]

The fuse that trips is the photo "BlownBreaker"

If it is the one to the right, then it is the RCD. That means you have a direct connection to the ground. It is not an overload protection that is tripping. Which is also what FranztM wrote.

 

[Speedskater]

While a 60 Hz power transformer may not have enough iron to meet its rating with a 50 Hz supply, it will still work.
In fact it will work even if connected to a 230 Volt circuit (but not a good plan).
I think that the terminals of one or both of the transformers were mis-connected.

 

[RosewoodAsh]

I'm feeding the Equi=Tech 120V via a step down transformer from Tube Amp Doctor, (which is an auto transformer). I have never fed it 230v directly from the wall, and never had anything plugged into it when powering it on.

What's interesting to me is why wouldn't it blow the outlet breaker first? Instead it just goes straight to the main breaker that controls our sub-panel?

Svend P - It blew the breaker on the left the one time I was the one to go to the closet to reset it - the X4 one. The other time it might have blown the breaker on the right actually, I think it alternated but am not sure...

I asked Equi=Tech and they weren't sure what the problem is, but said the issue could be caused the frequency?

Also, I have a seperate Equi=Tech unit, model ET2R. Any point in trying this model also, or would it likely just have the same result?