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Will my appliances work in Europe?

I'm moving to Germany in a couple of months and have a few questions about using various 110V US-purchased appliances on the local 220V power. Specifically the 50Hz/60Hz issue - how big of a deal is it? My understanding is that anything with a motor may have a shorter lifespan and run somewhat less efficiently (and of course anything that uses AC for timing will run slow), but any other issues? [more inside]
posted by photo guy on May 13, 2013 - 10 answers

 

My Cooker Wants To Kill Me

Why is my oven crackling and sparking at the on/off switch and will it start a fire in my wall? [more inside]
posted by fruitopia on May 4, 2013 - 11 answers

Has 12 year old cranioplasty turned me into a capacitor?

Nearly 12 years ago I underwent cranioplasty, which involved dissimilar metals being added to the inside of my skull. Could it be possible that I'm generating a low voltage current? This would explain roughly 90% of the unexplained symptoms I've noticed since that time. This seems like a case of electrochemical capacitance to me. I understand that YANMD; in fact, it may even be the case that YARNAD. That's just fine, I don't really want anyone's 'medical' advice. What I need is some advice on what questions to ask and which specialists I 'should' actually be seeing to properly diagnose and resolve these issues. [more inside]
posted by schade on Jan 15, 2013 - 11 answers

How much electricity does a gas boiler use?

I know this question is a little bit arbitrary, but any response will be helpful. I live in a 2 family spilt house/condo. I noticed that my electrical box is powering the OTHER unit's gas boiler. I assume that the electrical just feeds the thermostat and maybe triggering the pilot to boil the water?? (My knowledge here is limited.) Without knowing too much about their heating use, I am trying to determine the urgency of getting an electrician to switch it from my electricity to the other unit's electrical box.
posted by lccslug on Jan 13, 2013 - 8 answers

Why is our power bill so high?

We've been in our new house about 3 months, and our power bills feel a lot higher than they should be, based on our perceived usage. Looking for ways to track down errant usage. [more inside]
posted by hanov3r on Jan 10, 2013 - 35 answers

Simplex Double-Sided Clock Removal

I have (legal) access to a building slated to be demolished and can take whatever I want. Specifically I want to remove a Simplex clock Similar to the one here. [more inside]
posted by a_green_man on Jan 7, 2013 - 7 answers

Please help me not burn down my new apartment in Singapore

Who makes reliable, well manufactured step down transformers? [more inside]
posted by zennoshinjou on Dec 26, 2012 - 8 answers

Help me not get painful static shocks to my hands at Costco please.

I get painful static shocks to my hands where they touch the cart as I'm pushing it around at Costco. As far as I can tell this happens while wearing various kinds of shoes, although I haven't experimented rigorously. Help me devise a method to prevent this that I can realistically implement during impromptu trips to the store. [more inside]
posted by fingersandtoes on Dec 19, 2012 - 20 answers

Put me in charge!

Explain to me the technology of charging devices. Is it mainly about voltage? About current? How close to the "required" values must you be? [more inside]
posted by Obscure Reference on Nov 16, 2012 - 9 answers

Electricians/IT experts: Can you solve this mystery?

My computer cycles off without warning, and it's on a battery pack/surge protector UPS. What gives? [more inside]
posted by Chris4d on Nov 14, 2012 - 13 answers

Help my iguana survive Frankenstorm

How do I keep my iguana alive during an electric blackout? All of her lighting and heating elements demand electricity. I don't have a generator or the funds to purchase one. I'm most concerned about her getting too cold. Under 80*F for extended periods is the danger zone.
posted by pupus on Oct 27, 2012 - 29 answers

Am I going to nee dto move this ground wire?

I have a question about my house's ground wire, and may need recommendations for an electrician in Minneapolis. [more inside]
posted by COBRA! on Oct 12, 2012 - 9 answers

Can I use american fabric steamer in European electrical network (220-240V)?

I want to buy a fabric steamer to iron curtains, but not sure which model to choose (details inside) [more inside]
posted by usertm on Aug 11, 2012 - 1 answer

Can I save money by getting a window air conditioner and using my central air less?

Will turning up the thermostat on my central air and buying a window AC unit for the one room I use the most make a significant difference in my electric bill? [more inside]
posted by Vorteks on Aug 8, 2012 - 14 answers

Thinking of switching electrial provider and need some tips.

I am considering changing my electricity provider and I have never done this before. What I want to know are what things should be considered before making a switch such as this. My basics reasons are cost and that Comed, the local provider has treated me like crap over the years and I am tired of their corporate doublespeak and crappy service. [more inside]
posted by lampshade on Jun 26, 2012 - 6 answers

Is my power green?

In 2009, 91.2% of Seattle's electricity was from hydroelectric sources, and in 2010, 87.9% was hydro. Is the hydro capacity maxed out, or will it scale up to meet additional demand and maintain that ratio? Here's what I'm getting at: If I were to use more electricity than now, will that incremental power effectively come from non-renewable sources rather than ~90% hydro?
posted by hodgebodge on Jun 6, 2012 - 14 answers

Correct way to put a 110V (three-prong) dryer onto a 240V circuit? Or should we just throw it in and get a new one?

We've swapped out a three-prong dryer cord with a four-prong one but not wanting to plug it in and potentially blow something up. Approach from here? [more inside]
posted by jgunsch on May 17, 2012 - 12 answers

Power Grid: The Game is way more fun than this.

Explain alternating current distribution across "the grid" to me in terms an educated layman can understand. Specifically, I have a question about how to talk about which power plants are providing power to a particular consumer. [more inside]
posted by 256 on May 17, 2012 - 20 answers

Trying to replace three-way switched grounded light fixture with ungrounded fixture

Want to install an ungrounded hanging light fixture in place of an existing grounded flush-mount dome light. Controlled with existing three-way switches. [more inside]
posted by reeddavid on Mar 27, 2012 - 4 answers

Power surges from rapid on/off?

Does flipping a switch on and off rapidly damage electrical equipment? [more inside]
posted by antgly on Mar 24, 2012 - 12 answers

Snap, Crackle, Pop, Ouch.

Why do my headphones give my ears little electric shocks in the winter, and how can I avoid it? [more inside]
posted by custard heart on Jan 23, 2012 - 5 answers

What is electricity made of?

In a bid to prolong bed-time, my four-year-old just asked me, "What is electricity made of?' I told her to close her eyes and go to sleep, which has bought me 9-10 hours till she wakes me up and asks me the same question again. What's the most accurate answer I can give her that she will understand and not be bored by?
posted by Hogshead on Jan 22, 2012 - 22 answers

How can a lightswitch that controls both outlets be converted to switch just one?

How can a lightswitch that controls both outlets be converted to switch just one? [more inside]
posted by cacophony on Jan 15, 2012 - 4 answers

How to ground my home electrical in accordance with code?

Help me understand the national electric code with regard to rewiring and updating several rooms in my 1940s-era house. [more inside]
posted by JohnFredra on Dec 6, 2011 - 8 answers

Why does my range trip the circuit breaker when the oven and all burners are used?

Why does my electric range trip the circuit breaker when the oven and all burners are used? This behavior is new. [more inside]
posted by wnissen on Nov 14, 2011 - 17 answers

No more staticky coffee grounds

What can I do to reduce static cling on my glass coffee grinder hopper so less coffee sticks to the sides and makes a big mess? [more inside]
posted by leahwrenn on Nov 11, 2011 - 20 answers

Tell me about the secret lives of utility workers.

What is it like to work on a tree/line crew restoring power after a big storm? [more inside]
posted by mskyle on Nov 1, 2011 - 8 answers

how long is the electricity going to the last post apocalypse?

So I'm watching The Stand, and I noticed late plague, the power's still on. So how long will the power run without maintenance. [more inside]
posted by garlic on Oct 9, 2011 - 31 answers

Turns out the inspector really can't see through walls

Why would nearly all of a 1940s-era house be run on two 15-amp circuits? [more inside]
posted by brentajones on Sep 18, 2011 - 10 answers

oh brother

Need a step-down converter for plugging a printer sold in the US (110V power) into a 3rd-world socket (240V power). I get the voltage part but watts and amps and such are a bit beyond my electronoobicity. [more inside]
posted by allkindsoftime on Jul 27, 2011 - 18 answers

Lightning Fixed My Landline. Really?

Could a bolt of lightning have fixed my landline? [more inside]
posted by BitterOldPunk on Jul 15, 2011 - 12 answers

What do I do with a downed wire/cable?

There's a downed cable/wire in my building's backyard. It is similar to this previous question, but there is no serial number on the wire so I can't confirm what it belongs to. Also, one side is attached to our building and the other end is attached to...nothing. What do I do with it? [more inside]
posted by bibbit on Mar 29, 2011 - 7 answers

Whence came this short, sharp shock?

I got a mild shock while putting together a seed starting light set-up in the unfinished basement of my rental apartment. The light was unplugged when I received the shock. What gives? [more inside]
posted by Knicke on Mar 26, 2011 - 6 answers

Not very utile!

Please help me find the lamp I want (or tell me that the one I can find is hackable). [more inside]
posted by dame on Mar 18, 2011 - 11 answers

Suck it, plaster volcanoes.

Do natural gas and oil fired power plants release radiation in the form of radium, or otherwise? How much radiation per MW would be released by a typical plant? Would the release of such elements be reduced by cogeneration of steam? [more inside]
posted by evidenceofabsence on Mar 15, 2011 - 10 answers

You shall not... forget the light on.

I want to convert a wall switch into a door switch (for a wardrobe light). Is this easily feasible? [more inside]
posted by ddaavviidd on Feb 16, 2011 - 5 answers

unplugged: again

How much current does an AC adaptor draw when it's plugged in but not powering anything, or the device to which the adaptor is attached is powered off? [more inside]
posted by RockyChrysler on Feb 9, 2011 - 18 answers

Is smart a/c a smart move?

Smart A/C Saver question. [more inside]
posted by fixedgear on Jan 19, 2011 - 3 answers

Dirt power in a bucket

Does anyone know of detailed instructions for building the kind of microbial fuel cell described here? Or know enough to explain to me how it's done?
posted by ryanshepard on Dec 18, 2010 - 2 answers

Solar panels on the roof?

I want to install solar panels when I replace my roof next summer. What do I need to know about manufacturers, incentives, and costs? I am in Washington state. [more inside]
posted by bq on Dec 14, 2010 - 10 answers

Appliance Clock Anomaly

Why would three digital clocks lose time at exactly the same pace? [more inside]
posted by Mr. Yuck on Oct 29, 2010 - 10 answers

Electricity, how does it work?

What are the potential risks of leaving things plugged in on one end (to an outlet, to a computer) and free on the other end? [more inside]
posted by neuromodulator on Sep 26, 2010 - 8 answers

New power cord not exactly what I expected, should I return it?

My laptop power cord's ground prong (the third prong) broke off, and it stopped working in most wall plugs. I ordered a new one and when it came, it didn't have a third prong, but it works fine. Why is that? And more importantly, is there some future situation where I'm going to regret not replacing the old one with a new, three-prong plug? [more inside]
posted by malapropist on Sep 20, 2010 - 4 answers

Ambien for my computer?

After a move, our computer (an older aOpen desktop) can't sleep through the night. It's fine if we leave it powered on, but if we put it to sleep, it seems to lose power sometime in the night and does not wake up properly in the morning. Will a cheap UPS (this one, for example) solve the problem? Any other ideas?
posted by Xalf on Sep 12, 2010 - 19 answers

Is my bathroom light fixture arcing?

Our overhead bathroom light fixture flooded from above earlier. The water's been dumped out, and the leak in the bathroom above ours has supposedly been fixed. But now I'm hearing this sound... [more inside]
posted by limeonaire on Sep 3, 2010 - 8 answers

What's with my oven?

Help. My electric oven just went crazy! [more inside]
posted by Wordwoman on Aug 21, 2010 - 6 answers

[How] Can I safely repair the nick in this electric cord?

[How] Can I safely repair the nick in this electric cord? Is there anything I can use besides electrical tape? [more inside]
posted by needs more cowbell on Aug 11, 2010 - 18 answers

electrical energy from your car

How can you run a large appliance (e.g. a washing machine machine) off of a running automobile? What's the best way to convert the huge amount of power generated by the car into 110V A.C. at a high wattage? [more inside]
posted by grizzled on May 23, 2010 - 5 answers

A few volts here, a few amps there, and before you know it there might be nothing left!

Does leaving my phone's car charger plugged in to the car at all times significantly drain my car's battery? [more inside]
posted by Vorteks on May 20, 2010 - 22 answers

Monitoring electricity usage

What are the options for monitoring our household electricity usage using Google's PowerMeter service? [more inside]
posted by SueDenim on May 1, 2010 - 2 answers

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