Electricians and gas people...question!

[Bradfo69]

Being somewhat, not entirely but somewhat, ignorant on 220v versus 110v when it comes to powering the same equipment, here is my question...

I now have two Mobolazer ML-10 model 1000's. That's the one that came with a 1 watt air cooled argon that looks like a Laser Physics or Reliant sort of box with the honking big fan on top. My first one, purchased earlier this year operates on 220v and came with a 220v wall plug. Works fine.

My second one, I just received and, I was told the argon didn't work but should be an easy fix. It was suggested I check with DZ or djmatt or someone which, I may have to get around to at some point but... I was also told it was 110v and it has a 110v (aftermarket) plug on it. It came to me via Fred and Amanda at One Stop.

So, my question is two fold I guess... First is, think I could safely put a 220v plug on the new one, plug it in and see if that's all it was as to why it's not working and the second question is... if in fact the second one really does operate on 110v power, what would need to be done internally to my first one in order to operate it at 110v? It would be MUCH more convenient if they both actually worked on 110v versus 220v.

There are no UL markings on the exterior case and both lasers are absolutely identical on the outside in every way, except for the plug.

Although.. I just noticed the new one (110v) has two extra fuses.

Here's the 220v:


Heres the 110v:


I suspect you'll want internal pics which, I'll try to get taken soon.

[danielbriggs]

I know this doesn't directly apply to your LaserPhysics / Reliant but:
The little JDSU / Uniphase argons have a configurable 110/220 etc. power supply; you discharge the caps, pop the cover off and change a metal plate / jumper on the transformer to change the voltage.
Do NOT just plug one in and hope for the best "Measure twice, cut once" et omnes qui.

So... there is hope

[tonyaztec]

Indeed, as Mr B says, most transformer are made in such a way that they can be set to work on many voltages. Check the internals on the tranny as if you plug the 110v into 220v then all you will get is magic smoke, there may be a wire on the transformer of as Dan says a link to move.

[Bradfo69]

Well...... I got the covers off of both and since I don't know shit from shit, I'm screwed because under the hood, they look to be laid out completely differently. I'm getting A-B comparson pictures now and wil get them posted soon. I want to reduce their size so they don't take forever to load.

[JohnYayas]

Here are some rules of thumb although they are only roughly accurate:

All it takes to go from 220V to 110V is a step up xfmr but it will double the input current so you'll need a circuit that can handle it. If its 20A at 220V you'll need a 40A 110V circuit.

You can never safely try out 220V to see if it works. That will double the current. Also, P = I2R so the heat output is roughly squared. Good way to fry something.