The Workbench

Re: Sorry, step up question. EU B&O in Japan.

TheMajor — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 05:38:01 GMT

I posted this before I found it.

Re: Sorry, step up question. EU B&O in Japan.

Leslie — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:48:57 GMT

TheMajor:
I am buying a B&O system 7000 and importing it to Japan. It is the EU model (230V~ 50/60hz) and Japan is 100V 50/60Hz.

Hey Mike, I thought you bought a black/silver type in Japan with the correct power? Leslie

Re: Sorry, step up question. EU B&O in Japan.

SWISS_2 — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 15:43:12 GMT

Major;

The excellent description above by Tournedos could not have been better stated.

On the subject of transformers, I use one per B&0 device, on the premise that if a device or transformer goes down, the remaining do not suffer the same fate. By the way these are BL 4000 speakers, and not an easy conversion like a simple jumper relocation in a Beosound 1.

Everything ultimately should be run through a good surge protector, before connected to the wall mains socket. If the electrical power goes out, and then comes back up slowly, it does the most damage to computers, printers, and B&O.

It sounds like your new apartment has moden wiring which is a plus. Nonetheless, it is a good idea to verify what the apartment maximum service load or service is.

Yes, Japan was certainly different in 1968. The most expensive item I saw in Tokyo then was a large apple strudel. ( Couldn't afford it as a poor student, so I finally learned how to make them ).

Re: Sorry, step up question. EU B&O in Japan.

tournedos — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 04:54:22 GMT

The 30 mA refers to the person protection circuitry which is mandatory in most countries for new installations (sorry, I don't know the correct name for it in English). The circuit breakers compare the current that goes out to the current that comes back from the same circuit, and if they err more than 30 mA (meaning that much is going somewhere it doesn't belong to), it trips. A person can usually survive that current, but with old style "dumb" fuses and breakers, you'd be dead long before the fuse burns / trips.

Re: Sorry, step up question. EU B&O in Japan.

TheMajor — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 04:46:45 GMT

Do you use the US products on the same step down on an extension cable? Do you power then down when they are out of use?

I live in a newish apartment (less than 15 years), the system seems to be AC 100/200V 30mA. There are breakers of all the major errors in the house. Tripped the a few times.

I have no idea what 30mA means. there are a few other things I can read in japanese but not understand even in English.

Class of 68, I bet Japan was very different place. What were you doing at uni?

Re: Sorry, step up question. EU B&O in Japan.

SWISS_2 — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 03:43:04 GMT

Ohayo Gazaimasu Mike;

We use transformers with three B&O pieces for the North American market. The rest of the system is normal European 220-240V, at least normal to us.

Wattage: You are correct. Each transformer should be HIGHER in rating than each device. Better to error on the side of MUCH higher, rather than slightly higher. B&O is accurate about the device rating on B&O products, but others are not. I have one transformer rated to 1500 watts, with it's own circuit breaker. No problems in 8 years.

Knowing how the Japanese household service is ( Waseda Daigaku-Class of 68 ), I would also suggest you check and verify the mains service you have available for your property and appliances, including the service condition and the circuit breakers. Everything adds up.

Re: Sorry, step up question. EU B&O in Japan.

TheMajor — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 03:06:22 GMT

Is it simple as just take the consumption in W of the goods you are going to add and then make sure that the step up capacity is greater than the total of you equipment?

Beomaster 7000 225W (max)

Beogram CD 7000 19W

Beocord 7000 23W

Beolab 6000 (typical 8Wx2=) 16W

Totally 283W

Is this how it works or am I being an idiot?

Sorry, step up question. EU B&O in Japan.

TheMajor — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 02:49:13 GMT

Sorry guys

There are some guys here that seem to be very very good with B&O at the component level. I think my question will be best here but please excuse the simple nature of the question.

I am buying a B&O system 7000 and importing it to Japan. It is the EU model (230V~ 50/60hz) and Japan is 100V 50/60Hz. I have been looking at step ups/downs as I think l will be back in the EU soon and my speakers are 100V. I have found a couple on Amazon that are pretty pricy but I don't want to mess around and get a good one now rather than cheap now and re-buying later

I have found 3 model that all step up and step down but they have different rating as far a W is concern. There are 3 models 500W, 1000W and 1500W. Which one should I get? I want to use it without having to unplug it every 30 minutes as my current one needs.

Can I use extension cables with them? In the future I plan on adding a pair of beolab 6000s and would like to use the same transformer if possible.

Can anyone offer me some advice?

Thanks

Mike