Changing power plugs on universal ballasts? at DVinfo.net

Mark Kenfield · January 30th, 2014, 05:08 AM

Hi guys,

I've found a used Arri HMI from the States that I'd like to buy, it has a standard US power plug, but the ballast is universal, so should be fine for the 230v power down here in Australia.

I can't see any kind of switch on the ballast to select between 120v and 230v power, so I'm wondering whether simply changing out the US plug for a local one, or using a simple adapter will be all I need to do to use the ballast?

Does anyone know if there a particular process required to 'switch' the ballasts to use 230v power, or are they simply okay with being plugged into either voltage?

Cheers,

Mark

Chris Soucy · February 2nd, 2014, 11:53 PM

Hi Mark,

Sorry for the delay, been a bit slack.

If the power supply really is "Universal" it should be able to take anything you can throw at it, between 110 and 240 volts AC.

No, they don't ever have a switch as it's too deadly, it's automatic.

Simply re - wiring the mains cord with an Aus plug should do the business, the 230 V of Aus mains means half the amps of a US system (110 - 120), so no probs there.

You should be good to go.

CS

Mark Kenfield · February 3rd, 2014, 07:25 AM

Thanks Chris, good to know! Appreciate it.

Bob Hart · February 4th, 2014, 12:38 AM

Mark.

The colour coding of the internal wires in the mains cable may be different. Make sure you get good info on which is active, neutral and earth.

January 30th, 2014, 05:08 AM	#1
Mark Kenfield Major Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 470	Changing power plugs on universal ballasts? Hi guys, I've found a used Arri HMI from the States that I'd like to buy, it has a standard US power plug, but the ballast is universal, so should be fine for the 230v power down here in Australia. I can't see any kind of switch on the ballast to select between 120v and 230v power, so I'm wondering whether simply changing out the US plug for a local one, or using a simple adapter will be all I need to do to use the ballast? Does anyone know if there a particular process required to 'switch' the ballasts to use 230v power, or are they simply okay with being plugged into either voltage? Cheers, Mark __________________ DREAMSMITHS \| SHOWREEL www.dreamsmiths.com.au

February 2nd, 2014, 11:53 PM	#2
Chris Soucy Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Fairfield, Dunedin, New Zealand Posts: 3,691 Images: 18	Re: Changing power plugs on universal ballasts? Hi Mark, Sorry for the delay, been a bit slack. If the power supply really is "Universal" it should be able to take anything you can throw at it, between 110 and 240 volts AC. No, they don't ever have a switch as it's too deadly, it's automatic. Simply re - wiring the mains cord with an Aus plug should do the business, the 230 V of Aus mains means half the amps of a US system (110 - 120), so no probs there. You should be good to go. CS

February 3rd, 2014, 07:25 AM	#3
Mark Kenfield Major Player Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 470	Re: Changing power plugs on universal ballasts? Thanks Chris, good to know! Appreciate it. __________________ DREAMSMITHS \| SHOWREEL www.dreamsmiths.com.au

February 4th, 2014, 12:38 AM	#4
Bob Hart Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: PERTH. W.A. AUSTRALIA. Posts: 4,477	Re: Changing power plugs on universal ballasts? Mark. The colour coding of the internal wires in the mains cable may be different. Make sure you get good info on which is active, neutral and earth.