Usa Device Repair From Using Uk Voltage

[Triiickie]

Hi



I am not an electrician and would like to ask the community a question regarding a recently purchased from from the United States.



I purchased a uSqueez leg massager from the USA:

OSIM uSqueez App-Controlled Foot & Calf Massager?Buy Now!



When returning to the UK, it was plugged via a standard adaptor you can buy (why it would let you do this I really don't know) and when doing so, it work for 3 seconds then a popping sound occurred. I then realised that I needed a step down converter form the USA 110v to the UK 230v. the product was expensive at $299 and it cannot be returned to the USA as it is not covered under warantee.



Does this mean the product is totally useless now or is there a way I can fix this? Not sure if there may be an internal fuse box I could replace, or request a part from the manufacturer and get an electrician to replace? I really hope a fix is available and any recommneded electicians would be most grateful.



Any help would be greatly received.

 

[Darkwood]

This may work but the transformer by its nature transforms the input voltage to the circuit board voltage ...what you have done is double the input voltage and retrospectively this will double the output voltage to the circuit board where you have numerous voltage sensitive devices including the Computer Chip i see on the left ....if this got over voltage then you can forget it its fried.

 

[Triiickie]

Thanks Darkwood for you comment. I have found a keen specialist who will look at it for me. I am just trying to evaluate the pros and cons and learnt a lot already such as the fuse is current, not voltage etc. The devices HQ in Singapore have told me that they can send me a new PCB for $21 plus courier and labour (not sure what the labour is). So may try replace the fuse etc and failing that, get new PCB. Just hoping it never damaged the motor. After that, will take it in the chin. It's a nice little project though so at least learning lots.

 

[Darkwood]

As it probably blew as you switched the power on was unlikely to be in run mode thus motor will be ok .... request new board ask for it to be uk voltage friendly .... the labour is for them to fit new transformer and filter i assume as its probably not for uk market..... the only risk here i you have an item designed for another market and may not meet requirements for the UK market that's why you shouldn't import your own electrical goods.

 

[DPG]

$21 is a bargain for a replacement PCB - it's probably worth a punt for that. If that doesn't work, chuck the whole thing in the bin. Daz

 

[chilliwilly]

If and when you get it repaired, (but probably cheaper to replace), a standard 230/240v-110v step down transformer will suffice to supply it. The 120 volts 60hz design voltage will be compensated by a 10 volts difference in the 110v 50hz transformer commonly used with power tools on condstruction sites in the UK. A 120v 50hz transformer could cause the power supply unit to overheat and eventually risk burning out. But if your having it repaired over here, they will probably use a power supply that can be plugged straight into the UK mains, but then you will have the same problem if you take it back over to the US with you!

 

[Triiickie]

I would probably go with the repair here and convert to UK power supply. I would have no interest in taking it back to the US as I only go there on vacation.

 

[Triiickie]

If or when I get it fixed. I will post again to say what was done to it. fingers crossed! HQ say new PCB would be 60 days.

 

[Darkwood]

If you get a young attractive girlfriend you can throw the massager in the bin ....although in the long run they are very expensive to maintain.:smilewinkgrin:

 

[Brightspark2]

girlfriend

Whats that?...you mean theres more to life than electricity and this forum!?...

I'm just not ready for that...

 

[ian.settle1]

I had a further development on this. A step in the right direction perhaps from the company in China. I have yet investigate further but anybody any idea what costs would be in involved in such a PCB main board? here is the email I received:

Further to your prescription below, the product had been connected (in UK) and out of astonishment, a " Pop " sound was heard. I believe that due to the voltage difference (sudden surge of voltage), the Main PCBhad breakdown, result the product was not operating now.

In order for the product to be resumed back to its original function, replacement of the Main PCB is required.

* C322XX - XX - A107 Main PCB


For Spare part Optional : -
1. You can try check with USA whether do they have Main PCB available for your repair.
2. SG HQ do not have this Main PCB (110V) available, we need to order from factory which lead time may take 120 days exclude the shipment
mode of parts.

For Technical Optional : -
1. You can ask your electrical repair specialist to assist in replacing the Main PCB. Ask your Technician to have a look on the product
first whether is he able to dismantle. If not, it may worsen the situation.

What was it you was asking for some sort of medicine made from Tiger Penis?

 

[Triiickie]

Hi guys

As promised, just in case this happens to others seeking help, I will let you know how I got on with my repairs. I found a company who was willing to look at my PCB board and change both the fuse and another component that prevents voltage spikes. I received the repaired item and put it all back together and switched the unit on (hair raising moment). and I was gobsmacked. The product is working perfectly. Totally amazed at the outcome and luckiness that the PCB had these components to protect the device. It was a long shot but worth the gamble. And to top it off, the repair cost me no more than £30.

Thank you all for your help and comments. I have learnt a lot and will remember to think twice before purchasing a foreign device for UK (don't do silly things when jet lagged - lol).