220V unit in the UK

[spanielchesley]

I'm looking at buying a second hand Bottlehead Crack from someone from mainland Europe. He says it is wired for 220V however mains electricity in the UK is 230V +10% to -6% but is typically closer to 240V. My question is will I be able to safely use the amp and if not, can I make any modifications that would let me? Apologies for the stupid question, I'm pretty clueless about this sort of thing and sorry if I've broken any rules/posted this in the wrong place.

 

[Paul Birkeland]

This is certainly the right place to asking about such things. 

The first version of the Crack that we sold had a separate 240V mains transformer that could be ordered instead of the 120V transformer.

The current version of the kit has a universal transformer, and can be wired for 220V, 230V, and 240V mains (along with the other lower voltages) and instructions to do so are provided in the manual (which should be included with the sale of the kit).

I do recommend getting a meter and reading the actual voltage coming out of your wall, as it seems more frequent to either see 220V or 240V.

-PB

 

[spanielchesley]

Thank you appreciate the help.

instructions to do so are provided in the manual (which should be included with the sale of the kit).

Just to clarify it has already been built and has the speedball upgrade as well as a stepped attenuator upgrade. Would I still be able to rewire the transformer for 240V?

Cheers

 

[Tom-s]

Yes. It will still be possible.

 

[spanielchesley]

It seems that he doesn't have the manual. Is it possible to access the manual anywhere else or is there a guide on how to make this adjustment anywhere online.
Alternatively how bad would it be to just use it as is? How likely is it that there will be an issue?

 

[fullheadofnothing]

Replacement manuals are available for purchase from Bottlehead. Email addresses are in the contact section of the homepage.

Make sure to confirm which version of the kit you have first (or include a clear photograph of the bottom of the kit's chassis).

This thread goes into a lot of the problems that can arise in second-hand purchasing if you are not careful.

 

[Banzaiburrito]

The UK voltage of old was a nominal 240 volts with typical expectation of 230V to 250V at the wall.  Upon creation of the European Union the electrical standards needed to cover all of the member states which varied from nominal 220V to 240V.  Therefore to save everyone loads of cost and expense they went down the middle at 230V and included hefty tolerances to cover under and over voltage scenarios.