scotslad Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 Just a quick question. Going to hve to buy/replace some power tools over next year or so for a house build. At moment most of my tools are fairly old and often cheaper brands, but do wot i ned them to do so far. But thinking might buy some better tackle Would there be any benefit of going down the 110V route?? Generally most tools are the same price for 110/240 aren't they? Not going to be used on any construction site (other than my own house) and mainly for hobby/diy type stuff. I realise might be a pain with transfromers and not just plugging into a socket But are they a lot safer if using outside etc? Would never have thought about it but recently was helping the fire brigade during a flood and wading throu above welly deep water with sandbags and noticed there extension cable had fell into the water, not sure if there submersible was still working but i think it was (or noone noticd it wasn't.). Would not have fancied doing the same with 240v althou RCD would probably have cut out pretty quick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Medic1281 Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 An rcd will trip as quick as the transformer will, no benefit if not going on site. And it's a real pain lugging a transformer about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wiltsmark Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 Safer, that's why in the 80's all construction sites had to change to 110 v Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digger Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 Safer for sure. Most site work won't have RCDS in the board if it's a rip out. I'll happily use 110 v in damp conditions, no way would I do the same with 240. Don't get the same power drop in a 110 lead that you do in 240. You can use an extension reel of 50 m wound up with no risk of it tripping in 110 try doing that for an hour with 240 110 for pros, 240 for handymen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 All our gear is 110, purely so we can use it in the unit and on site. Much more practical for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrclark Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 (edited) If non site use then go for 230 and make sure you are always working through an RCD. 110 will need a transformer and heavier cables etc as they run at a much higher current so generally a nuisance. Can totally understand trades using 110 at home as they have all the gear anyway and why buy twice, but for DIY use only it just adds unnecessary hassle and weight. If you're worried about getting plug & socket connections damp then get a waterproof boot to cover them. Edited January 25, 2016 by grrclark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjimmer Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 Your new house build will need to be insured and using 240V might be a get out for the insurance company if you needed to claim for something. With 110V you would not get more than 55V if it is centre tapped to earth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrclark Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 I suppose the other option is go for cordless where you can and have no cables anywhere to worry about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotslad Posted January 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 Got a house to build with possibities of another a few years down the line (planning lasped on the site). Prob a bit more than hoby use but if safer might be worth changing over, 9 times out of 10 be in either the workshop/shed or the new build so just need a transformer in each to save me lugging it about. Like i said mst of my tools were bought 15 years ago when i done up the house in the now and were not top makes but have done fine up till now but will have to replace most of them over the foreseeable. Not convinced about cordess quite yet, had some poorer drills in the past that never hold their charge and under powered, think batteries are coming on massively since but u are paying a lot for the privaledge. The cable wouldnae be that much of an issue Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grrclark Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 Some of the cordless tools are top drawer, but they are pricey. Of course it pays back in convenience, but only if you use them a lot. 110 are no safer than working through an RCD if it is just you working on your own, but can totally understand why on a busy site 110 is safer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris1961 Posted January 26, 2016 Report Share Posted January 26, 2016 If on site 110 only domestic 240 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besty57 Posted January 26, 2016 Report Share Posted January 26, 2016 Cordless is the way to go,much more convenient .and you can do most jobs with them now,if your not going on commercial sites there's not a problem charging battery's Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rst1990 Posted January 26, 2016 Report Share Posted January 26, 2016 remember if your going down the 110 route you can't just buy any transformer, you have to match the power output with the tool your using. A friend of mine melted a transformer using a sds drill all day. Atb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotslad Posted January 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2016 Is there any other draw backs of 110, other than the transformer for 'normal' use? I take it exact same performance as the same 240 tool Got to run power into the outbuilding anyway so in theory could hard wire a couple of 110 sockets, but wether that is much use as will still need a transformer anyway. I think it would be handy having some 110 tools for when working outside in drizzle etc Aye think i was put off a lot of battery tools 12 years ago, got a sort of combi set with a battery drill circular saws, jigsaw and repocrical saw, they were a compete waste of time, just no power/grunt or woukld flatten battery very quickly. The drill was pretty good and got a lot of use but eventually batteries wouldnae hold there charge and cheaper to buy a compatible battery strimmer, the most useless tool ever. But i realise they were not top end tools and battery power has came on massively since then, but still a bit wary of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
winnie&bezza Posted January 26, 2016 Report Share Posted January 26, 2016 Is there any other draw backs of 110, other than the transformer for 'normal' use? I take it exact same performance as the same 240 tool Got to run power into the outbuilding anyway so in theory could hard wire a couple of 110 sockets, but wether that is much use as will still need a transformer anyway. I think it would be handy having some 110 tools for when working outside in drizzle etc Aye think i was put off a lot of battery tools 12 years ago, got a sort of combi set with a battery drill circular saws, jigsaw and repocrical saw, they were a compete waste of time, just no power/grunt or woukld flatten battery very quickly. The drill was pretty good and got a lot of use but eventually batteries wouldnae hold there charge and cheaper to buy a compatible battery strimmer, the most useless tool ever. But i realise they were not top end tools and battery power has came on massively since then, but still a bit wary of them Those battery sets are rubbish and I know it's more expensive but buying tools singularly will get you better quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullet1747 Posted January 26, 2016 Report Share Posted January 26, 2016 (edited) An rcd will trip as quick as the transformer will, no benefit if not going on site. And it's a real pain lugging a transformer about.Rcd will be quicker than the transformer , unless the tranny has a rcd fitted , before any one says they don't have one some do especially on chemical and petroleum plantsJust remember which ever you go for 55v can still be fatal , so as for using it in drizzle ,rain or any were wet would and should be a no Edited January 26, 2016 by bullet1747 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddoakley Posted January 26, 2016 Report Share Posted January 26, 2016 Is there any other draw backs of 110, other than the transformer for 'normal' use? I take it exact same performance as the same 240 tool Got to run power into the outbuilding anyway so in theory could hard wire a couple of 110 sockets, but wether that is much use as will still need a transformer anyway. I think it would be handy having some 110 tools for when working outside in drizzle etc Aye think i was put off a lot of battery tools 12 years ago, got a sort of combi set with a battery drill circular saws, jigsaw and repocrical saw, they were a compete waste of time, just no power/grunt or woukld flatten battery very quickly. The drill was pretty good and got a lot of use but eventually batteries wouldnae hold there charge and cheaper to buy a compatible battery strimmer, the most useless tool ever. But i realise they were not top end tools and battery power has came on massively since then, but still a bit wary of them Good battery kits not are just that, good. We have some old (10 years) dewalt nicad stuff and it's very good but the latest stuff is a world apart. Recently added a milwaukee 18v set to the line up. Combi drill Impact driver Recip saw Torch Circular saw And grinder All for 600quid ish. Great kit but beware of the cost of adding to it. Sds drill about 500! Jigsaw, extra batteries, multi tool, planer, radio, chopsaw. .....all adds up. In short realistically in my view 240v is fine for you, 110v probably has some small benefits, battery would be nice but will be a lot more expensive. Take your pick. Edd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted January 26, 2016 Report Share Posted January 26, 2016 (edited) Really? 110 gets used outside all the time? Just remember which ever you go for 55v can still be fatal , so as for using it in drizzle ,rain or any were wet would and should be a noReally? 110 gets used outside all the time? 110 is safer and and once you have a transformer it makes little difference....... RCD supply and 110 is the way to go........ ( that and don't go doing work in your birthday suit, decent site boots and gloves add further protection..... Edited January 26, 2016 by HDAV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digger Posted January 26, 2016 Report Share Posted January 26, 2016 Every site I work on has 110v mixers working in the rain when H and S rock up and they never bat an eye lid. One single 240 extension reel and major tellings off ensue. Cordless tools are great but why have the hassle of charging batteries when you can use what's designed for site work ? I have cordless sds,impact drivers,drills,circular saws and multitools. I also have the same corded in 110 v. Never would I use battery powered if a transformer and lead are usable. its no brainer. another down side of battery powered is the way heavy use items will eat batteries. not seen a 16v mitre saw, try cutting shuttering ply with a circular saw that's battery powered. Same with breakers. horses for courses Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotslad Posted January 26, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 26, 2016 Cheers folks for all the replies. Being honest i doubt it will really make much difference to me as if on 240 all be throu newly wired rings so RCD protected and often an rcd plug as well. Think i mibee will go down the 110 route in future or even a mixture, i'll never be on a proper site, but got a bit of a yard there so can see me out doing more big 'hobby' jobs outside, so not worrying about the weather as much would be handy Think digger sums my opinion of battery tools up well, absolutely brilliant when u need 1, but u are better of with a mains tool where u can and esp so some tools which just suck batteries power. I'd grudge the cash for a real top end battery tool as i really don't need/can't justify it for anything other than a drill Usually ur 10 mins of finishing a job when the last battery dies too remember if your going down the 110 route you can't just buy any transformer, you have to match the power output with the tool your using.A friend of mine melted a transformer using a sds drill all day.Atb I take it if i bought a bigger more expensive transformer, 32A it would run a 16A all day no probs and if i ever had a larger/more powerful tool ift would still cope. Can u get transformers to be hard wired into ur ring circuit? Just thinking t would be worthwhile putting some 110 sockets in workshop/shed when it gets wired. Only be a couple of sockets in each really. Would i probably be easier/cheaper just permantly attaching some extension cables to walls out of the way so u just plug the transformer in and connect to feed ur sockets/extension cable and that way transformer still mobile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted January 27, 2016 Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 (edited) If you have a yard or workshop then an installed transformer works well, we gave one at work and yellow 110 and blue 16A (240) outlets on the walls in the workshop which work well probably overkill for your needs http://www.mercateo.co.uk/p/2794E-436(2d)8984/Carroll_Meynell_5kVA_CM5000_FM0_400_Safety_Site_Transformer_400V_ac_55V_ac_Floor_Mounted_Transformer.html?showSimplePage=NO&ViewName=live_gb~showGrossColumn&pk_campaign=SEA_PLA&pk_kwd=Impulstransformator Transformers are power rated in kva or kw Edited January 27, 2016 by HDAV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rjimmer Posted January 27, 2016 Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 If you have a yard or workshop then an installed transformer works well, we gave one at work and yellow 110 and blue 16A (240) outlets on the walls in the workshop which work well probably overkill for your needs http://www.mercateo.co.uk/p/2794E-436(2d)8984/Carroll_Meynell_5kVA_CM5000_FM0_400_Safety_Site_Transformer_400V_ac_55V_ac_Floor_Mounted_Transformer.html?showSimplePage=NO&ViewName=live_gb~showGrossColumn&pk_campaign=SEA_PLA&pk_kwd=Impulstransformator Transformers are power rated in kva or kw Does the 400 figure mean that you have a 3-phase supply to it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted January 27, 2016 Report Share Posted January 27, 2016 Probably does I'm sure there are single phase units if you need installed 110v Our office was an electricians wet dream in the early 90's it's got installed 110/240/415V outlets high and low pressure air on every pillar in the workshop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted January 28, 2016 Report Share Posted January 28, 2016 I don't use 240 v outside as regards power tools only 110v reason is both will give you a good belt but 110 v is unlikely to stop your heart The above is why we use 110v on site Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bullet1747 Posted January 28, 2016 Report Share Posted January 28, 2016 I don't use 240 v outside as regards power tools only 110v reason is both will give you a good belt but 110 v is unlikely to stop your heart The above is why we use 110v on site 110v will stop ya heart , it can still be fatal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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