Out of nowhere Q: could I run European 220V household electronics on North American 220V shop/appliance power, or will Bad Things (smokey things) happen? I am aware that there is a difference in how the voltage is generated (live/neutral vs. live/inverted) but don't know if that would affect operation?
I think they would go s-l-o-w-l-y, and they would not like the difference in hertz. 50hz in europe and 60 over here. There's a reason converters are popular, and necessary.
I was thinking specifically of a lab power supply I have which converts to DC internally, so that shouldn't be an issue.
Yes, it should work. the 50/60hz thing pretty much only matters for clocks any more - if you look at the label on most household appliances they are rated for either one.
50 vs 60 usually only affects things with motors. Power tools, etc. Most computers and similar step power down and convert to DC, so no problem. I deal with this all the time, as many of my clients have 220/ 60hz, 220/ 50hz, 110/ 60hz. Gotta be careful. Have not screwed up YET.
from my understanding. Euro 220 is on one leg like our 110 is. our 220 is 110 on 2 legs not one. 220 in the us is a 3 prong outlet with 2 live sides, each one carrying 110 volts, and 1 neutral.
that is my understanding, so use a converter and be safe.
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