110V-60Hz Hakko FX-888D with a step down transformer?

[HakkoPlease]

Hey guys!

I was looking to buy this soldering station and realized very quickly that it's 110V 60Hz (obviously, as it's on Amazon US). At first it didn't faze me, because I figured that I could simply utilize a step down transformer. However, it very quickly dawned on me that while I would be converting from 230V to 110V, the frequency will remain 60Hz instead of 50Hz.

I find mixed answers as for whether that'd be a problem with a soldering station or not. I looked up the topic on the page's Q&A section and came up with

. Notice how the top one suggests the frequency would be an issue, while the 3rd one claims to be utilizing a transformer and have no issues whatsoever.

I then proceeded to browse Google and fortunately enough was able to find you guys, and more specifically, a thread that seemed to be addressing the very same topic (the question is first brought up towards the end of the 1st page, but the majority of the discussion is at the second page). The opinions seem to be split and The guys who have discussed this are no longer active (I've checked , so I can't ask them for a conclusion), so I've decided to make an account and ask you guys!

While I'm not from the UK, I would also be needing 230V and 50Hz (we do use different plugs, though), so if yo but I didn't bother looking up whether the transformer I had in mind would fit, because at this moment it would be pointless, as I would first have to figure out the frequency debate.

I enjoy free shipping on Amazon US, so I'd only have to pay exactly $123 ($99.42 plus $23.58 £23.73 Import Fees Deposit) for the 110 V 60Hz Hakko (and the transformer I thought I'd get would only cost an additional ~$17 or so for a 100W step down transformer). The same UK Hakko would cost me $213.35 (£112.70 + £26.87 for Postage & Packing + £23.73 Import Fees Deposit). That's the main reason I was considering a step down transformer.

One of the comments on the second page of the forum thread I linked does explain that 50Hz devices are more expensive to make, but to be honest, everything on Amazon UK seems way more expensive, so it's obviously not the only reason for the huge price gap. While looking up the frequency issue, I've been trying to find another location to purchase the 230W Hakko, but I haven't had luck so far.

Would love to hear your guys' input.

Thanks!

[GerryR]

If you look at the attached diagram, you will notice that the Hakko internal transformer can be wired for anything from 100V to 240V using "part 8," which includes the fuse.  The only thing you have to worry about between 50 Hz and 60 Hz operation is the transformer inductance, which might overheat on 50 Hz operation.  Just a guess, but I would think that the transformer in the Hakko was designed to operate at either frequency, thereby addressing both markets, as evidenced by the array of voltages it is designed to take.

I would buy the 120V version and a power cord for your outlet, open it up and rewire it for 230V or 240V and run it with either 50 or 60 Hz.  And don't forget to change the fuse to the correct value for the new voltage.  JMO.

[Zero999]

No, the internal transformer can't be wired for different voltages, hence why different part numbers are specified for different voltages.

Yes, it will work perfectly fine from 110VAC at 50Hz. I have one myself running from a small step-down transformer. I would recommend getting the correct voltage Hakko, rather than using a transformer because it's much easier and takes up less space.

[GerryR]

Zero999 is correct.  I opened mine up and the transformer is specifically marked and wired for 120V.  So there is a different transformer and a different fuse board for each configuration.  A picture of the fuse board is attached.

[JackJones]

You can get the higher voltage version from Batterfly for ~100€ plus shipping + VAT if you don't want to mess around with a separate transformer.

They don't seem to give a quote for shipping to Israel but you could always ask.

I bought my Hakko from there a few years ago. It's even the (in my opinion) nicer looking silver version: https://www.batterfly.com/shop/en/hakko-fx-888d-silver

[HakkoPlease]

First of all, thank you Gerry, Zero and Jack guys for the replies!

You can get the higher voltage version from Batterfly for ~100€ plus shipping + VAT if you don't want to mess around with a separate transformer.

They don't seem to give a quote for shipping to Israel but you could always ask.

I bought my Hakko from there a few years ago. It's even the (in my opinion) nicer looking silver version: https://www.batterfly.com/shop/en/hakko-fx-888d-silver

Thank you! I'm obviously familiar with this vendor, after having conducted such a comprehensive research (you guys have mentioned them in the past, as well). 
I mailed them earlier, inquiring about the lack of shipping options I was prompted with, in hopes that we could work something out manually. I'm awaiting their response now, but thanks regardless for looking out!

No, the internal transformer can't be wired for different voltages, hence why different part numbers are specified for different voltages.

Yes, it will work perfectly fine from 110VAC at 50Hz. I have one myself running from a small step-down transformer. I would recommend getting the correct voltage Hakko, rather than using a transformer because it's much easier and takes up less space.

My initial plan was to go with this cheap, 100W step down transformer. However, as you mentioned yourself, I'd obviously rather get one that is already adjusted to the correct voltage. My best option and best case scenario would be a positive answer from Batterfly. As they say, though; hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

Not only that, but someone else has told me:

you are being limited by the 150W inverter; although the soldering iron is half of that (70W), it's a resistive load. It's startup current will spike, it could be 5-10 times the spec'd current when turned on from cold. The inverter (if it doesn't fail safe with a thermal fuse, or a diode doesn't pop first) will draw a lot of current through its 12V supply, and possibly damage the 12Vdc PSU as well.

Basically implying that if I'd be going down this path, I better get a higher wattage transformer (if he's accurate about the potential x5-10 jump, the transformer will be quite expensive and no longer worth it).

Thoughts?

Thanks again,

[Zero999]

A 100VA transformer is more than enough. The Hakko doesn't draw a large current spike, when turned on from cold. The heating element only heats to a few hundred degrees Celsius. It's not like a large halogen lamp which gets to a few thousand degrees.

[HakkoPlease]

Hey guys,

Just wanted to update that Batterfly got back to me and fortunately enough, have confirmed that I'll be able to have it delivered!   

Regardless, Zero - thanks for letting me know that had things come to that, it would have been okay to use a transformer.