How can I use a 220volt kitchen appliance?

I have a 220volt 600watt kitchen appliance from abroad which I would
like to use here in the US. I am not willing to use a bulky and heavy
converter to do this, so I thought there was no hope for this until
recently I came across this:
"Note that currently all new American buildings get in fact 230 volts
split in two 115 between neutral and hot wire. Major appliances, such
as ovens, are now connected to 230 volts. Americans who have European
equipment, can connect it to these outlets."
-- http://users.pandora.be/worldstandards/electricity.htm

I searched to confirm this, and came across posts here indicating that
it is.

What I am wondering is, how do I know where it can be safely plugged
in?

Actually, I am living in a house from the 50s right now, so I think
the answer is nowhere. But I would give it to a friend with a more
modern house, if it is likely she can use it. How do we tell?

Thank you in advance. I hope my question is not too basic for you.

Andria

 

Subject: How can I use a 220volt kitchen appliance?

Hi. Question isn't too basic at all.

Most all American houses are wired like you say. In the kitchen, your best
chance of finding 220 is if you have an electric range. There's frequently a
220VAC outlet there. Also, if you have an air conditioner in the kitchen, look
there. The American plugs for 220VAC usually have the two blades in line with
each other


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instead of 110VAC, which usually look like this:


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or this


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created by Andy´s ASCII-Circuit v1.24.140803 Beta www.tech-chat.de


As always, if you're not sure about what you're doing, find out. One good
source for really basic electrical knowledge for mere mortals is the Readers
Digest Guide to Home Repairs. Take a look in there, or just go to your library
and look in the 630s if they've got Dewey decimal.

If you're really not comfortable, ask someone who knows. Many times, the offer
of a six pack of their favorite libation is enough to work wonders.

Good luck
Chris

 

I've either seen or fantasized house wiring where both sides of the 230V
go to the duplex outlets, with one side (say, black) on one outlet, and
the other (red) to the other outlet. If you have these, you could just
have a 230V outlet installed. This should only be done by somebody who is
qualified to work on this kind of stuff - it can kill you if you don't
know what you're doing.

But a stove outlet, a dryer outlet, or an A/C outlet would be ideal. I
don't know if you can get an octopus outlet for 230, but the guy at the
home store should know.

Good Luck!
Rich