Is My Samovar Really 110V or 220V? Decoding the Resistance of the Element

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the voltage compatibility of a purchased samovar, with the seller claiming it is 110V, while the base plate indicates it may support both 110V and 220V. The user measured the element's resistance at 12 ohms, raising concerns about whether this indicates a 220V rating, as it would imply a higher wattage when connected to 220V. The samovar has only two prongs and lacks a switch for voltage selection, complicating the situation. The user is skeptical of the seller's claims due to the long boiling time of 45 minutes for 8 liters of water, suggesting potential issues with the device's actual voltage compatibility. Clarification on the samovar's specifications and further testing are recommended to ensure safe usage.
ER_Doc
Messages
4
Reaction score
1
Need some help please. Bought a Samovar (electric water pot) from overseas. Seller told me it is 110V compatible but the base plate not sp clearly says 110v/220V in Russian. Seller tells me that I should not use it in a 220V outlet but when plugged into a 110V it took 45 minutes to boil 8L of water. This is the result I expect if a 220V item is urged into 110v which means it operates st 25% power. So I don't know if Seller is just bluffing me or he is serious that the element is a 110V element which would then be damaged on a 220V outlet.

I disassembled the unit. The resistance measures about 12OHMS. Is this any indication that it is actually 220V and not 110V?

Help please. I'm not an electrician but more of a tinkerer.
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF.

Assuming that the resistance of the element does not rise when it gets hot.
120 volt, 12 ohms → 10 amps → 1200 watt.
220 volt, 12 ohms → 18.33 amps → 4033 watt.

Are you sure the element has only two terminals ?
If it had three or four, it could be wired for 120 V or 220 V.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes russ_watters
Baluncore said:
220 volt, 12 ohms → 18.33 amps → 4033 watt.
Even if the samovar can take it, the electrical installation at your home might not be able to take it. 16 Amps is common. I think appliances that go into a wall plug are never more than about 3kw, because it would be too easy for someone to blow a fuse.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes russ_watters
Baluncore said:
Welcome to PF.

Assuming that the resistance of the element does not rise when it gets hot.
120 volt, 12 ohms → 10 amps → 1200 watt.
220 volt, 12 ohms → 18.33 amps → 4033 watt.

Are you sure the element has only two terminals ?
If it had three or four, it could be wired for 120 V or 220 V.
Thank you for the reply. Only 2 prongs. I checked resistance without unsoldering the element from its wires. This should not affect the measurement should it? The on/off switch is a "push button" style that only clicks on if samovar is plugged in. So I believe circuit should be open during measurement of resistance across the element.
 
ER_Doc said:
..the base plate not sp clearly says 110v/220V in Russian.
Could it be the device has a switch to select either voltage?

What is the meaning of "not sp"?
 
Lnewqban said:
Could it be the device has a switch to select either voltage?

What is the meaning of "not sp"?
Sorry typo. That's what happens when you write messages in the middle of the night. I realized my bad spelling today. No switch unfortunately. Just one button which turns on boil mode then automatically flips to keep warm mode when water hits 100°C.
 
There should be a wattage or current specified.
Check the rating of the switch and the power plugs.
 
20230223_100824.jpg


Here is the base plate and below is a Google translate from Russian. Not sure I necessarily believe the baseplate as the vendor is telling me he checked with the manufacturer and they told him this is a 110V element. But then why does it take 45 min to heat the water? Also....the google translation have to take with a grain of salt as well. Not sure it is 100% accurate.

Household electric samovar ESTZ 3.0/1.0-110/220 GOST 7400,

Model "Bank" voltage 220V 50g Power 1kB
 

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top