I googled the above with no sufficient answer for audiophilic equipment. Anyone here with experience using a domestic 220v line to power an overseas sourced 220v piece? If so were the results sonically successful ( no humming, etc) and were there any equipment malfunctions?Mojoetoo,
Things you should consider before making the purchase.
1) Usually audio equipment can withstand mains voltages that are within + or 10%. If the equipment you are interested in is designed for 220V then the maximum safe operating over voltage would be 220 x 10% = 242V. Today most residential houses in the US mains power is around 120/240V nominal. Some higher, some lower. Example My mains voltage averages 120V to 122V / 240V to 244V respectively.
2) Whether the audio equipment is designed to operate on 120V or 220V the equipment is designed to be fed from an AC Grounded power source that has a Hot, ungrounded conductor, and a neutral, grounded conductor. (Neutral is at ground potential.) Equipment protection fusing is in series with the Hot Line conductor only. In the case of US power, 120/240V, both Lines, legs, of the 240V are both Hot conductors. So in the case where the 220V audio equipment is connected to US 240V mains only one Hot Line is fuse protected inside the equipment.
3) If you have a 15 or 20 amp 240V branch circuit installed you will not be able to use a standard NEMA 5-15R or 5-20R 125V receptacle. You will have to use a NEMA rated 250V receptacle. Problem? Ya, you will not be able to use aftermarket power cords with US NEMA standards 125V 5-15P amp plugs. You will have to cut off the plugs and install a NEMA standard 250V plug on the cord. Or you will just have to build your own power cords.
4) Last but not least You may have trouble finding a licensed electrician that will install the 250V branch circuit for you.
NEC 2011
Article 210.6 (A)
Occupancy Limitation. In dwelling units, and similar occupancies, the voltage shall not exceed 120 volts, nominal, between conductors that supply,
(2) Cord-and-plug loads 1440 Va, nominal, or less or less than 1/4 HP.
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