Can I use a 220V Soldering Iron in the US?

[John1397]

TL;DR

Solder element

Will 220 volt 50 Hz solder element work in USA?

 

[Asymptotic]

1. Yes, if it is a simple resistive heating element, and is connected to 240V supply voltage.
2. Probably, if it is a variable output soldering station, and connected to a 240V supply. The only potential difficulty that would have to be ruled out might be with a TRIAC or SCR power controller intend for use on 50 Hz only.
3. If you mean operation from a 120VAC supply, then no, unless you install a 2:1 step-up transformer. At this point, you may as well buy a 120V soldering iron because a step-up transformer may end up costing more, depending on soldering iron wattage.

 

[mesahamer]

It is not recommended to use a 220 volt 50 Hz solder element in the USA. The standard voltage in the USA is 120 volts and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. Using a higher voltage and lower frequency element can potentially damage your soldering equipment and cause safety hazards. It is best to purchase a solder element that is specifically designed for use in the USA.

I live in Iowa, U.S.A and have a European 230v iron. After cutting the plug and splicing a 120v one on, it barely reached high enough temp to start melting standard electronics solder. So I then tried taking the two bare leads and connected them the 240v drier plug (they have two dedicated 120v circuits and a neutral which is not connected for the iron) and it's worked perfectly for almost a year now!

 

[berkeman]

Welcome to PF.

After cutting the plug and splicing

Instead of cutting/splicing, you should have just gotten an AC plug adapter for 120/240V.

Since there are subtle issues with using European devices in the US (mainly the 50/60Hz issue), this old thread is now closed.