Running on low DC Voltage

[davidprout]

I have a machine, bought in France, which is designed to run on 20v DC. It had a built in transformer from mains electric which I have removed and replaced with a UK 240vAc/12v DC transformer as I cannot find a 20v locally. What will be the effect of running on 12 volts instead of 20 volts. Has anyone a simple solution to getting a 20v supply

[smorodina]

Why did you take out the original transformer? Unless I am mistaken, France uses the same mains supply as here. I have used British appliances in France. As to where to get a transformer - I should think Maplin is your best bet http://www.maplin.co.uk/

[davidprout]

I don't like to run things with a french plug because you need to have a special plug. The weight of the transformer meant it kept slipping out of the adaptor plug. I have tried Maplins but they do not stock a 20v transformer

[smorodina]

If I understand you, it was a power supply built into the plug? Greenweld list a transformer with 20V output here:http://www.greenweld.co.uk/acatalog/Shop_PowerSupp
lies_191.html Bargain price - fourth in list. You'd need to do a bit of re-wiring. I wouldn't run the machine on 12V for too long as it may draw too much current and overheat it. Radio Spares also list one... http://clicks.uknetguide.co.uk/Click/OpenSite.asp?
GID=39034&GCID=2032&SI=UKBZ

[davidprout]

Thanks smorodina, all queries answered. I had a feeling it would not be good to run on 12v for a long time. The Greenweld product will do the job nicely I think. The RS product seemed a little expensive if I was looking at the right one

[Ben C]

Why didn't you just cut off the french plug and put on one of ours?

[davidprout]

The plug was built in with the Transformer.