HOW TO TEST MY PRODUCT (120VAC 60HZ) TO WORK IN BRAZIL (127VAC 60 HZ) HELP?? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: DaddyShizzle
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 17, 2025, 03:21:32 pm
content: Hello,I need a way to test to see if my (120VAC 60HZ) battery charger can be plugged straight into Brazil's (127VAC 60HZ) outlet, with only an adapter. For 1, I cannot find a converter that will do it, because I need at least 1600 watts. And I do not have the budget to purchase a $1500 AC/AC power supply. Any help would be much appreciated.K.

author: Martin72
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2025, 03:28:56 pm
content: Hi,(No need to "scream" (big letters) in the title..)First of all, what charger do you have, brand and model?Otherwise, no one can help you. Normally, a 7V difference shouldn't be a problem, but it's impossible to say for sure until we know what charger you're using...

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2025, 04:07:57 pm
content: Find a big 120-12v transformer and wire the secondary in series with the supply. 1600W at 120V is only 13.3A, so a 12V 15A transformer would be fine, and a 10A one would probably be OK for short periods.Or use a microwave oven transformer with the HV secondary replaced with enough turns to give you about 10V

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2025, 04:08:12 pm
content: 1600 W at 120 V is 13.3 A.Buy a 6 to 7 V (secondary) transformer (120 V primary), rated at 15 A secondary current, connect the primary across 120 V, and the secondary in series with the load to boost the voltage to 126 to 127 V.If necessary, use a 120 V Variac (rated for 1 A) to drive the primary of the transformer for adjustment.Not every application requires semiconductors.The expensive AC to AC converters are useful when you need to convert 60 Hz to 50 Hz.

author: dietert1
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2025, 04:11:41 pm
content: The cheapest way to simulate a slightly different mains voltage is a small transformer that outputs or inputs the voltage difference. In your case you need a transformer for 7 Vac. If you get a 100 VA transformer for 120 Vac to 7 Vac, then max output current at 7 Vac will be 14 A and maximum output power of the simulated 127 VAC line will be 14 x 127 = 1778 VA. Hope you get the idea. A 200 VA transformer will perform better.The usual requirement for a consumer device is safe operation at +/- 20 % mains voltage. So for the US market that requires tests at 96 and 144 Vac. What are you using to perform those tests?Regards, Dieter

author: BrokeEngineering
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2025, 04:13:49 pm
content: Very easily. Buy a 20A rated Variac, you can get them for quite cheap. Vevor has one for 10A for 100 euro." Variable Voltage Transformer"See:https://eur.vevor.com/variable-transformer-c_10755/vevor-3000va-variable-voltage-transformer-10a-0-300v-voltage-regulator-lcd-ce-p_010644226332

author: themadhippy
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2025, 04:39:41 pm
content: if its been tested to work with the usa declared voltage of 120+- 6% then 127v is still (just) within tolarance

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2025, 05:00:42 pm
content: The reason several of us made the same suggestion, to use a low-voltage secondary transformer to boost the voltage, is that that transformer needs a VA rating much less than a “straight” transformer for the full 1600 W load.The size, weight, and cost of a transformer are related to the VA rating.The only potential problem is the lack of isolation from input to output, but the application seems not to need that.

author: Microcheap
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2025, 08:49:44 pm
content: Just be aware that the nominal mains voltage is 127V but the allowed limits are 116V min. and 133V max., you need to account for that while testing.

author: artag
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2025, 03:20:02 am
content: You say 'product' .. is this something you intend to sell in Brazil in quantity ?I understand Brazil has local regulations that require you to have someone in Brazil certify that it meets their electrical standards. Existing US or EU certification isn't enough.

author: Microcheap
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2025, 07:27:01 am
content: Exactly, the OP didn't say if he is planning to sell a product he designed/manufactured or just need to use a charger here while traveling.If it's something you are selling, there are regulations and it could require some certification, but it depends on the type of product. In some cases, the import would need to be approved by the regulatory agency before the goods are shipped.Although, all this is responsibility of the importer to take care of and the exporter shouldn't have to worry, depending on the trade terms negotiated you could have some surprises (ie, you agreed DDP terms and the goods are seized by the Customs).