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Many thanks for the quick answer. I'm using a 500W transformer, which is not made to be running all the time (and which clearly is made for only one device at a time). Since it shouldn't be running all the time, my original two questions are still open and I'm wondering if you have any insight on them.
1) In a combination switch/recepticle unit, does the switch control only the recepticle attached to it, or can the switch be made to control some other electric circuit?
2) Can this switch be used to control a 220V circuit, since I would like to be able to switch off the 22V source to the transformer?
Thanks again for your expertise.
Jonathan
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Followup To
Question -
I'm an American living in Europe, and am building a new house. I own a 220 to 110 step down transformer that works great so that I can use my Kitchen Aid, Cuisinart, etc over here. In my current house, the transformer sits on the kitchen counter and gets manually plugged in when needed, which works fine but isn't very nice to look at. In the new house, I would like to hide this transformer out of site.
My current idea is to have a USA 110V plug nicely mounted in the kitchen wall, and to use a switch to be able to cut 220V power to the transformer since it's not designed to be running all the time. From a visual standpoint, it would look cleanest if I use a combination switch/recepticle such as one of these:
But there are two obvious questions that come to mind.
1) In such a combination unit, does the switch control only the recepticle attached to it, or can the switch be made to control some other electric circuit?
2) Can this switch be used to control a 220V circuit?
If this doesn't work, I'll just use a European switch and a separate 110V recepticle. It just won't look as nice as a combination unit.
Thanks for your help.
Answer -
Hi Jonathan,
The easiest and best way to do what you need, is to hook the Line side of the transformer to the 220V coming from the main panel. Run the load side(110V output) to an outlet you which will have your 110V appliance plugged into it. Then the transformer can be at any location, even next to the panel. This way, that 110v outlet will be hot all the time, as it should be, and a switch wouldn't be needed. Anything outlet "downstream" connected to this outlet will also have a 110V supply available all the time.
The only restriction is the amperage output of the transformer . If it is at least 20 amps, you can leave your 110V appliance plugged in all the time and run them at the same time. If the transformer is 15 amps, you may only be able to run 1 appliance at a time.
The key is, get 220V power to the transformer. After that, anything connected to the load side(110V output) will be wired and work like any normal 110V circuit.
If you really want a switch for the 110V outlets, then run the load 110V output to the switch, then from the switch to the outlets. Then the outlets will only be hot when the switch is on. Any of the outlets on the link you sent me, will work.
Good Luck and enjoy your new home,
Don Beck
Answer Hi Jonathan,
The switch can be used either way, just the attached outlet, or outlets downstream. The wiring instructions to do it either way come with the device.
This switch cannot control a 220V line, only 110V. There are switches available that control 220V lines.
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