VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - GENERAL Electrical - 12 volt Converting from 220 Volt to 110 Volt, and 12 V to 6V??

I have two NOS direction indicators, useful for my 31 Pick Up, but need to change the current from 12 to 6 Volt. When visiting the lovely meeting in G. J. I was given a beautiful model of a gas station, working on 110 Volt as a gift, and got it safely back to Norway. (Thank you so much, Chuck Hoback) But in Norway we use 220 Volt, and as I really want to have the lights and the clock working, I must get the system converted to 220 Volt. :)

What do I have to do to get the things working the right way :confused: Or could I buy two transformers to help me?

Sloan,

All you need is one transformer. Go to a Electric Supply house & tell them you need a control Transformer for 220 volt to 120 volt. There will be a wiring plate on or with the transformer that will show what terminals or wires connect to the 120 & 220 leads. If you have questions someone in the supply house should be able to help you. Another way that would be simpler would be to purchase a travel converter ( a commom item in US ) you simply plug your 120 volt item into it & then plug it into your 220 volt outlet. Should be stocked at any Electronics store.

Sparky

Solan
A transformer will NOT work with dc, only ac.
With your direction indicators, (1 of several ways for low amperage) if you are using 12v battery on 6v lights a easy method is to wire a second light globe between the switch and the unit (in series) this will reduce the voltage available to the unit.
With your model, Sparky's idea of the travel convertor would be the easiest way.
Tony

A transformer with a ratio of 2-1 will power the display. The travel unit mention is a shoo-in.

To convert the directional unit(s), change the bulb(s) to 6-volt bulbs. Replace the flasher unit with a 6-volt unit.

Problems solved.

Luckily the sister of my wife yesterday mentioned she was going to throw away a transformer from 220 to 120 Volt, but had not done it yet!!! She used it for electric equipment many years after returning from Wyoming, so I get it for my service station.

As to the indicators I will check the possibilities here. Thank you all for the quick and useful explanations. I have not yet received any reply on the webpage of my Norwegian mother club, so 4 - 0 to members of VCCA.

Solan, Having just returned from yet another tour of duty overseas, I'm a bit curious to hear if your clock is working correctly and keeping good time. We could never get American 100v/60Hz clocks to work correctly with 220V/50Hz. They lose time (about 7 minutes each hour) due to the "slower" electricity in Europe. So, is it working okay?

You nearly mislead me with the talk about "slower" electricity in Europe. I first tried the plug, connecting all from the connection in the wall. Nothing happened, and with an easy explanation: The clock was driven by a AA-battery inside the clock.

So, YES, the clock is working perfectly correct on the current from the battery, and I am sorry I cannot confirm the your theory about the European current and it's lazy habits. Are you sure the US. time is not running too fast???

Wouldn't it be neat if we could all slow down to 30 cycle AC and the clocks will run slower, and we will be able to get more work done....and longer naps...I wonder if anyone in politics or upper management ever thought about that,,,well of course not, why do you think they are where they are?

:)