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120v X10 system ok to use in 230v Europe with transformer ?

I purchased some X10 equipment (home security, from X10.com) while in the States, to use here in Austria, Europe. Most of the equipment is wireless, but the "Console for DW7000 Security System" is 120v, 60 Hz, 6 watts. 1) Will X10 equipment designed for 120v, 60Hz environment work in a 230 v, 50 Hz environment, with a transformer? 2) I have a Step Down Coverter (model LLD50U, mfr?) that says: "Output: 110/120V AC 60Hz for Electric Products up to 50 Watts, to be used with all fax machines Panasonic, Toshiba, Canon, Sharp." Is that an appropriate transformer for my needs? Thank you!

Public Comments

  1. Yes, a step-down transformer is what you want- It reduces the voltage and increases the current- the overall power rating (wattage) for Europe and the US is the same, but in the US, the current is higher and the voltage is lower than in Europe. The small difference in frequency should not present a problem.
  2. Powering it using the converter transformers shouldn't be a problem. What _might_ be a problem is getting the X10 signals to pass through the converters. A transformer is much like an RF choke and since X10 works by transmitting an RF signal through the power wires, the converter may remove, or reduce the effectivness of the transmission/reception of the signals. The stepdown transformer that you specified will most certainly power the X10 equipment, but not much else beyond that. Give it a shot. It shouldn't damange the equipment. The worst that will happen is that the devices will be unable to communicate with each other.
  3. To be safe, I would contact the service department of your equipment manufacturer. Voltage, frequency and current are all important considerations and as a minimum any warranty would likely be void if you use the wrong power source. There may be a converter available that will avoid problems with one or more components within your equipment, and ensure that the equipment will function as required without degradation of life. The call is free, right? Good luck.