Suppose I have a house in Europe. The house is of course wired with 230V, which means it won't work directly with US plugs.
If I acquired US outlets, how would I convert a single European 230V circuit to the US standard 120V as easy as possible?
I don't want external devices/transformers after the outlet. I want actual US 120V outlets that power US devices.
Let's assume 230V/50Hz to standard 120V/60Hz.
I'm looking to install permanent US outlets into a European house. I won't be converting the whole house, just a few outlets.
I know this isn't just plug and play. I want to install the wiring to make it just like the US.
Again I'm talking about house wiring. Rewiring part of the house to use 120V. Not "adding" adapters, UPS backups, transformers, etc after the electrical outlet. No. Make part of the actual house wiring native 120V.
Native US-style 120V outlet wiring.
How can I make it so a US wall outlet can be installed in the wall and US devices can be plugged in normally with US plugs (no device adapters)?
Local Regulations are not important, I am asking for the technical aspect.
Best Answer
Without a transformer, you can't.
Houses in Europe get either single phase or three phase 230VAC.
Houses in the US get single phase 240V that is split into two phases of 120VAC by the transformer outside the house.
The only way to get 120VAC from a European outlet is to use a transformer.
If you want to install a bunch of 120VAC outlets in your house you'll have to install a large transformer then run wires to all of your 120VAC outlets.
That probably won't meet the standards for electrical wiring in European countries.
Don't bother. Use European 230VAC appliances connected to normal 230VAC outlets.
A transformer won't do anything for the line frequency. With a transformer you'd get 120VAC at 50Hz.
You'd need something to convert the frequency and the voltage.
That'd be a UPS kind of setup that takes in 230VAC at 50Hz and puts out 120VAC at 60Hz - I don't think anybody makes such a beast.
You could use a transformer to get 120VAC, then use a variable frequency drive to convert the 50Hz to 60 Hz. Again, it would be odd to find one that takes in 120VAC at 50Hz.
You could import a photovoltaic system made for the US, one with a local battery storage.
You'd have to have one made to not connect to the power grid. Normal systems are made to synchronize with the grid - that won't work for a 60Hz PV system anc a 50Hz grid.
Just get 230VAC appliances like everybody else in Europe and get on with your life.
I can't think of a single advantage to using 120VAC equipment that would make it worth the hassle.