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How to use an American appliance in Australia?

Hello Somebody Please Help,

I've just bought an Smith Corona Deville 510 Electric Typewriter.

It's a 110 - 130v 60hz power, so to get it to work will a Conversion Transformer get it to work OR Have I blown my Money Again ..

Kind Regards,

Jeanie Kirby.

🙏🙋‍♀️💖

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MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Jeaniek. It's fabulous to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about American appliances.

You would need a step down transformer and plug adaptor to run the typewriter. You might like to take a look at this previous discussion where our helpful members made some suggestions: How to convert a US electrical product to AU?.

Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any products that have the voltage step-down required.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

AlanM52

Hi @Jeaniek,

Don't stress Jeanie... we can work it out.

First thing is work out the power requirements.

Smith Corona Deville 510 Electric Typewriter 2.jpg

The typewriter is 120V and consumes 0.7A (700mA).

To calculate the wattage we use the formula:

P = E X I

P = 120V x 0.7A

P = 84W

We need a stepdown transformer with a rating of at least 100W.

I did some searching and came up with this.

Screenshot 2025-09-23 131607.jpg

https://tinyurl.com/44vusjrf

That's a 500W unit.

Google for 'Giantz 500W 240V - 110V Step Down Transformer Voltage Converter'.

BIG W.

https://tinyurl.com/3kue4brz

Amazon.

https://tinyurl.com/56sa3prw

On another note I have a strong electrical background and always pushing the safety thing.

Screenshot 2025-09-23 133416.jpg

If in doubt about the electrical device or using extension leads in particular outdoors use that or similar.

Cheers

Jeaniek

Hello AlanM52,

Thank You very much for this, I shall go and get one.. You've given me some Hope.. 😀🙋‍♀️👌

rmjaln

Recently asked a sparkle friend who said you need a Step Down Transformer for some USA appliances. But you have to calculate or know the wattage of the appliance first. Eg my coffee urn is 1090W so need a 1000W step down transformer. Google suppliers

AlanM52

Hi @rmjaln,

Yes... but play safe and it's cost effective to get a 2000W unit.

Google 'Giantz 2000W 240V - 110V Step Down Transformer Voltage Converter'.

Cheers

shah2

Hi, bought the ninja slushie max online (thought it was Australian) and it had an American plug

have been told that I won't be able to use it without risking it blowing up. Any advise available would be appreciated. Thank you

JacobZ

Hi @shah2,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

The product you've purchased is designed to run on 120 volts, whereas Australian power is 240 volts. The plug shape is only part of the issue. Even if you use a simple plug adaptor, the appliance will still receive more than double the voltage it is designed for, which can cause it to fail, overheat, or in the worst case cause a fire or permanent damage.

I'd suggest you return the product as it is not suitable for use in Australia.

Jacob

shah2

Thank you Jacob, I think it's going to cost me a fortune to send it back. But I'll look into it.

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