Quick question about voltage conversion

L

Lkorver

Well-known member
I'm shooting an American show in england next week and I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good voltage converter/transformer (US to UK). I'll need to charge batteries and run a 500-750w light for interviews. I'm sure the cheaper converter/transformers are going to burn out on me. Should I grab something like this?
http://www.voltageconverters.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=VC500W

thanks so much in advance!
 
Your batteries will most likely be fine if it is a camera/computer chargers. Every video camera/laptop charger I have seen are dual voltage so you just need a physical plug adapter. The light is a different story. It depends on what type of light. A 500-750 watt light will most likely burn out any converter, plus you would probably get bad noise from that powerful of a converter. It is possible, but they are huge and finicky. If you happen to be using a recent model arri light - they can be changed by buying a 220v bulb and possibly a 220v fuse. What light are you using?
 
using Lowel Riffa kit. 500w omni or 750w rifa as key and 250w as backlight. So they have a loud fan in the converters I linked in the original post? Thats no good!
 
You're using all lights that run directly off line voltage. For those kind of fixtures, the best way to adapt is just to buy 220v versions of the bulbs. Its simply the best and most practical way.

The kind of transformer you'd need to adapt high wattage lights from 110 to 220 would be so large and heavy that you'd pay an overage fee on checking it on the airline.
 
Thanks for all the help. I think I'm buying the 220-240v versions of those bulbs. Any precautions I need to take when using these lamps? Also, I think my panasonic chargers can run off 220v as well, can anyone confirm that? thanks so much!
 
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