ellectrifying

[sfDuck]

I have just recieved an ellectric rotary impact drill, but the plug end has 2 round pins, not flat. My question is what would happen if I replaced the end with a regular plug. There are next to no markings to give any clues, is it ac, or dc, 220, or 120 volts. If its 220 like I suspect would it just run slower on 120 or would something get harmed. My only clue is if someone recognizes the two pins on the plug.

[Woody]

Duck:

The two round pins suggest that the drill was built for use in a foreign country. Voltage used overseas is different from what is standard in the US. I am not absolutely sure, but I think that running a drill built for 220 volts on 110 would not work or it may do damage to the drill.

Woody

[ThomasPowers]

Universal motors will just run slower on lower voltages; other types of motors tend to burn up.

Of possibly more importance is the Hertz it was built for 50 hertz is standard many places with 220 VAC whereas we use 60 hertz here. Crossing the hertz *is* bad for motors as they are designed to use the current flipping.

Also running it underpowered will tend to burn it out more anyway as you drive it harder to try to get it to act like it "should".

Thomas

[mike-hr]

I occasionally see contractors who change out the female plugs on their extention cords and the male plugs on their power tools to a non-common configuration. It makes their tools more identify-able, and keeps the darned sheetrock crews from unplugging them and stealing their power.

[Mills]

take a look here and see if that helps you any. Seems as if you are describing a cee 7/17 plug, if so it is likely then to be a 50 hz machine and would cook at 60hz
Domestic AC power plugs and sockets - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Walking Dog]

Dear Duck:

Two round pins SUGGESTS European, 220-V, 50-Hz. Most drills use universal motors. This advice is based on these assumptions. More information would lead to better advice. (Universal motors have brushes; does yours?)

For the universal motor, 60-Hz will not hurt, just a slight reduction (possibly) in torque. Using 120 volts instead of 220 will lead to nearly 4:1 reduction in max torque, and reduction in no-load speed, but will not damage the drill. Try it. If it seems to run OK, except with low speed and torque, you could try it on 240 if you are brave.

[sfDuck]

Many thanks Fellas That answers the question. Its euro 120............Duck

[thingmaker3]

Originally Posted by Walking Dog

you could try it on 240 if you are brave.

European systems have one leg of that 240Vac "earthed." We would call it "grounded" in America. In America, neither leg of a 240Vac supply is grounded - each leg is at 120Vac to ground.

Now, if the case of the tool is connected to the leg which would have been earthed in Europe (for safety, dont'cha know)... well... I'd hate to be reading about "roast Duck." If the case is "double insulated," then experimentation would be a lot less chancy.

Mr. Duck, Sir, I regularly touch basis with some European electrical experts. If you can share the manufacturer and model number, I could possibly get some more specific information for you.