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Was trolling on eBay and found these. Looks cool. It'll convert a standard US plug into 240 volt for the APW3. No need to install dual pole breakers to get your 240 volt line going.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110v-120v-to-220v-240v-3000W-step-up-transformer-Voltage-Converter-Transformer-/151821295088?hash=item2359411df0:g:PoAAAOSw9r1V--CS (http://www.ebay.com/itm/110v-120v-to-220v-240v-3000W-step-up-transformer-Voltage-Converter-Transformer-/151821295088?hash=item2359411df0:g:PoAAAOSw9r1V--CS)

Cool, and it's only $200 and inherently lossy.

Its cheaper if you click around found exact same thing for $80 and $60 shipping.  Still cheaper then wiring 240 at your home, or if you live somewhere where you can't get 240 volt.

In general, it would make more sense to try and figure out a way to work out a 120V solution instead of killing your efficiency even more by putting in a step-up (i.e. 120V --> 240V) transformer. For example two 120V power supplies instead of a transformer & 240V PSU.

Not to mention Chinese. Very Chinese.


No, it isn't cheaper, and it won't give you any of the benefits of running proper 240v besides getting the bitmain PSU to power on. It's a very bad idea for mining.

Pretty cool. It looks like the you can plug the input into the output so if it is a dumb transformer you can do 2 units back-to-back and get 480V to play with.  ;D

Three units would give you 960V!

960V!!!

And the sickest death of all time.

Seriously people, don't get shocked with 240V or more. Instant death is to put it lightly. There's a reason US went with 120V, and while I usually don't agree with lowest common stuff I can see why we went with it. When I was young I walked away with a 120V shock burned but OK. If I was younger and shocked with 240V or more I'd be dead. Dead.

Please don't post things when you're not 100% sure of what you're saying. Voltage doesn't kill, amperage does. FYI USA is 240v. It's simply a different "type" of 240v than Europe.

I'd even go as far as saying 120v is MORE dangerous than 240v or higher. Getting stuck on live 120v wires can be worse because the low voltage doesn't "blow" you away, you can lose muscle control and stay clamped to the wire until you fry. Higher voltages will have a tendency to knock you back or off the wires more easily.

I know about how we get stuck to the sockets here in the US from stories and I think it was my body weight going limp and detaching me that made me survive. If this is the case, and I believe your right, then I'm 100% wrong.

240V/480V might just shoot you out, thus causing less timeframe damage.

Sorry if I was wrong about that and I'll stop giving info about a subject I know almost nothing about to be honest. All I could think of was 8X the Volts going into my body. But if it was more over a lesser time I can see how that could be better than less over a much longer time. Last thing I want to do is get any one hurt, and thank you for the quick correction.

120v vs 240v are pretty much equally dangerous.
 Both are well over the threshold to electrocute you, both have plenty of amperage, both are AC so they tend to "vibrate you" rather than having a 50/50 chance to blow you away like DC has (the other part of DC is the possibility to lock you TO the line).


 Transformers tend to be VERY high efficiency - 98% or BETTER is quite common if you're not throwing wierd waveforms at them.

 The input cord to these things look VERY VERY iffy for the current they're rated to handle - look like *maybe* 10 amp cords when they should be AT LEAST 25 amp rated for the wattage these devices alegedly handle.

 Cost is also fairly high - it's cheaper to wire up a 220 circuit, breaker and all, even adding in retail pricing on a 6-15 or 6-20 socket/plug pair.

 They also seem very very small for a supposed 2500 watt solution - I suspect that's an INTERMITTANT rating, not a continuous one like a miner NEEDS.


 I'd be very cautious trying to run a miner via one of these things, monitor the temperatures on them like a hawk on both the device itself AND the cord.

You'd be better off finding 2 seperate outlets on the different legs to make 220 & run them to a little box with a 220 receptacle   8)

Much cheaper & easier....but you'll have a cord or two running thru a hallway/rooms to trip over  :D

Its much cheaper to just use a good 120v PSU, there's both ATX and server solution here. You're adding costs at no gain, you're adding a point of failure and i bet these things are prone to catching fire.

You'll be losing efficiency, which you won't really gain back from using 240v PSU.
If you have this much money to throw around, just get a P/T rated PSU for cheaper than this thing and you'll have more efficiency than 240v gold.

gives u the vlots but NOT amps ! that thing will either melt or blow up in no time.

Well it says 2500w, so running a single S7 might be doable, but in the best case scenario, you're raising your costs for nothing. I don't see a gain on using this and you're just adding one more iffy Chinese thing that can burst into flame.

edit : not for 24/7 use & yes it has a VERY good chance of bursting on to flames & hopefully not burning the house down for home miners.

SPARKY10  nice name for a power story.

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_152582_-1

this weighs about 20 pounds I used it for tube amps when I was into audio.  It is 90% effiecient



http://www.jameco.com/Jameco/Products/ProdDS/152582.pdf

SO the one I had was 90% and was so so Chinese gear.



http://The ebay gear you link  looks like junk.


The one below is the way to go (as a  Guess)

you want to have fun with  an ebay variac

this one may be far better


http://www.ebay.com/itm/GE-VoltPac-Variac-Input-120-240V-Output-0-140-280V-117-14A-Continuous-3-9kVA-/331550971721?



http://www.weschler.com/_upload/sitepdfs/voltpac/voltpac_catalog.pdf


99% efficiency

I would look into this  one it will do finksy/j4bbrwocky  2880 watt psu non-stop

thats not the same thing

the  difference is the one I picked is variable.

Most every one has also failed to mention

that my pick needs 6 gauge wire  and a 50 amp circuit breaker


the op's  pick needs 10 gauge wire and a 30 amp circuit breaker



My variac pick would pull  33 amps  of 120 volts if it was maxed at 3900 watts

The op's step up would pull 21 amps of 120 volts if it was maxed at 2500 watts.


I have played around enough with 120 and 240 step ups and variac's

to know that just put in a 220 line is better.
the ge variac is a distant second choice.
the op's gear  pick would not be used in my house.

i didnt think the variac did any step-up. thought it was only for regulation (up to 117% step-up i guess). maybe i was reading that wrong. i thought it meant 120 in - 0-140 out. 240 in -up to 280 out.

I can back up this, i have had same "accidents" as the guy quoted, and i have got just minor shocks or little burns from 240V putputs, and it has been several times.

yeah I had just woke up it is not a boost type variac  I read it wrong.


the one at jameco that I used to own does boost


http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10001_10001_152582_-1

http://www.jameco.com/Jameco/catalogs/c152/P98.pdf

Sigh...people should not post shit like this if they don't know what they are talking about.

If you are a miner DO NOT USE THIS TO "MAGICALLY" GET A 240V OUTLET. Nothing will replace a true 240v line coming from a dual pole breaker in your panel. You will still be limited by 120v current, all this does is add another 10-20% efficiency loss on your line. Sure you can run your 240v only server PSU on it, but since most of those PSUs are over 2kw you'll trip your breaker before you get anywhere close to that anyway.

For that price you can probably get a real 240v line installed anyway.

I don't think anyone said it is cheaper to put in a 220 line then spend 120 $ for something that will burn your home down  , all because you may think buying this might be cheaper . but you can put in one 220 line in the states,for 80 bucks or less, if you shop around .I'm guessing he lives in the US and has a place were he can by posting this and from what hes saying.:).


my bad  jstefanop did :)"

yeah I mentioned that he needs to change his line to 10 gauge and a 30 amp breaker



BTW  the op's pick is 200 not 120 as it is 80 to ship.

I find this item scary as heck if someone plugs into standard 110/120 and uses it to start a 220/240 PSU.   The thing is they have the "CE" I can't tell but can anyone tell if that is the Chinese Export one? I know CE has two meaning's and one logo looks very close to the one just saying it's a Chinese Export.

The fact you can only get in china... scares me again as I'm guessing there is a reason no US company want's to be selling this thing.  I would not use it ever with my mining gear personally.

They do sell similar ones on Amazon, but I don't recommend them for mining.

http://www.amazon.com/Goldsource-Heavy-duty-Transformer-Converter-Universal/dp/B00H9Z3GNM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1450902501&sr=8-2&keywords=2000w+step+up+down+converter

Lol I love how they have a "5000w" version from a single 120v input...  ::)

edit # 1

http://www.amazon.com/ACUPWR-Travel-Voltage-Transformer-Converter/dp/B00D2YCK7M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450909003&sr=8-1&keywords=acupwr


the unit above should work for 1 s-7 using a bitmain psu


it is $309.99 and is amazon prime.

made in USA and has Ul approval


edit # 2

this one is too big for a 15 amp

http://www.amazon.com/ACUPWR-AD-2000-Transformer-refrigerator-refrigerators/dp/B008LF60GO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1450909003&sr=8-3&keywords=acupwr

I was looking for a better model.

Found this one


http://acupwr.com/collections/step-up-use-220v-appliances-in-110v-countries/products/acupwr-2000-watt-step-up-transformer-use-220-240-volts-appliances-in-north-america-au-2000?variant=10202761987


cost  = 489.99


ACUPWR’s AU-2000 model is a step up transformer that converts voltage from 110-120 volts to 220-240 volts, thus allowing you to use products that run on 220-240 volts in the USA and Canada.

Made for home, commercial, and industrial use
Converts voltage from 110-120 volts to 220-240 volts
Allows you to use products that run on 220-240 volts in North America
Compatible appliances include laptop computers, phone chargers, LED TVs, window fans, and much more (please refer to our transformer guide)
ACUPWR products are trusted by military, NASA, and government agencies worldwide
Thermal protection with automatic shutdown when overheated (and automatic reset when cooled)
Rated at 2000 watts
CE approved
25 lbs; Dimensions (W x H x D): 5.95” x 4.38” x 7.25”
Type B wall plug, European Schuko Type F input receptacle
Will operate in other countries with proper plug adaptor
Can handle up to 120-percent beyond stated rating (industry standard is 50 percent)
Automatic shutdown when overheated (with automatic reset when cooled)
Lifetime warranty, Up to $10,000 insurance coverage
Proudly Made in USA
Bench tested for quality assurance and years of reliability
This model is rated for up to 2000-watt loads and suitable for home, commercial, and industrial applications. Compatible appliances include central A/Cs, dishwashers, washing machines, x-ray machines, vacuum cleaners and much more (please refer to our transformer guide). It comes with a grounded Type B plug used in most countries in North America and South America and a Type F-compatible Schuko input receptacle that allows for up to 15 amps maximum power.

As with all ACUPWR products, the AU-2000 is proudly manufactured in the USA using the best materials available. This includes copper wiring that allows the unit to operate at home or work under heavy duress, and in the most heavy-duty situations. Unlike less expensive, foreign-made products using aluminum wiring, our products are designed to last for decades. Each unit is hand assembled in our factory and bench-tested at a full-load (the maximum stated wattage) to ensure years of dependability. Among the AU-2000’s features is thermal protection (CTOC); the unit will turn off when overheated.

ACUPWR stands by its products by providing a lifetime warranty and insurance coverage up to $10,000. We count military and government agencies, including NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, among our customers for good reason: ACUPWR products are the most best-made, dependable, and long-lasting transformers available.

When considering which model ACUPWR transformer/voltage converter is best for your needs, keep in mind that our products are safe for continuous power at 120 percent beyond the stated wattage, unlike other products that adhere to an industry standard of 2-3 times higher than the appliance’s stated wattage. So, for example, an appliance rated for 300 watts of consumption would, according to the industry standard, require a 900-watt transformer. With an ACUPWR transformer, you can safely use your 300-watt appliance with a 300-watt transformer/converter; our products, remember, can handle 120-percent beyond their stated wattage handling ability.

ACUPWR recommends that you purchase our Global Surge Protector to protect your appliances from voltage spikes. Additionally, our Global Surge Protector allows you to plug in up to 6 appliances using any plug type, thus ensuring its use anywhere in the world. We also highly recommend our voltage stabilizers/line conditioners, in countries where the line voltage is particularly unstable.

They list approved ones and of course the 2000 watt model is not approved.

You need a 20 amp circuit breaker with 10 gauge wire

   But if you gave me this $489.99 priced item asked me to plug in a 1600 watt bitmain psu to operate a s-7 at 4800 gh I would test it.
but it is 489.99 plus shipping not 120  plus 80 = 200.







UL APPROVED VOLTAGE TRANSFORMERS CONVERTERS
UL Certification: What does it mean? Why is it important?

Underwriters Laboratories, better known as UL, has existed since 1894 for the express purpose of “promoting safe living and working environments.” UL provides a diverse range of important services, including the establishment of safety and environmental standards, codes, and requirements.

Manufacturers of quality products typically seek UL approval; it means their goods have been tested to meet UL’s benchmarks, and hence are superior quality. According to UL, the typical American home has an average of 125 products bearing the familiar UL stamp of approval in a visible place. You’ve seen plenty of them, we’re sure.

 One place you won’t find the UL stamp is on cheap, Chinese-manufactured voltage converters that are built with inferior components, such as aluminum wire. These products are notorious for catching fire, even exploding, when confronted with wattage and amperage loads they can’t handle.

Currently, a handful of ACUPWR transformer/voltage converters, including many in our AD step down models, have met UL approval while the remainder of our line is presently undergoing compliance testing. Ultimately, having UL approval for all of ACUPWR products further ensures what we already know; you’re getting the safest, best made, most reliable, and most long-lasting voltage converter around…made in the USA, fully inspected, and bench tested at full load before leaving the factory.

 

ACUPWR UL File number: E479623

Autotransformers, evaluated for compliance with IEC Publication 989, Model(s) AD-1000 CTOC, AD-1500 CTOC, AD-500 CTOC, AD-750 CTOC, ADAN-1000 CTOC, ADAN-1500 CTOC, ADAT-1000 CTOC, ADAT-1500 CTOC, ADB-1000 CTOC, ADB-1500 CTOC,ADB-500 CTOC, ADB-750 CTOC, ADF-1000 CTOC, ADF-1500 CTOC, ADF-500 CTOC, ADF-750 CTOC, ADIC14-1000 CTOC, ADIC14-1500 CTOC, ADICH14-1000 CTOC, ADICH14-1500 CTOC, ADIT-1000 CTOC, ADIT-1500 CTOC, ADOB-1000 CTOC, ADOB-1500 CTOC,ADSW-1000 CTOC, ADSW-1500 CTOC, ADULSAN-1500 CTOC, ADULSAT-1500 CTOC, ADULSB-1500 CTOC, ADULSF-1500 CTOC,ADULSIC14-1500 CTOC, ADULSICH14-1500 CTOC, ADULSIT-1500 CTOC, ADULSOB-1500 CTOC, ADULSS-1500 CTOC, ADULSSW-1500 CTOC

Even more reason to look for something better .:).  that's cheaper and safer

I have too  much wine in me to make sense.

But getting a 240 volt line  

30 amps 10 awg wire and a quality
 

Pdu is better. Safer etc.

No...no....I would not do that.....a 220v line needs two 110v lines.  It doesnt matter whether the little chinese fire box outputs 100000v, what matters is that your antminer is pulling about 1300w or more.  So what really matters is what wire you have going from the plug to the breaker box, including all other appliances/things that are plugged into that circuit.  So lets say you have a standard 14 wire, with a 15A breaker..you could put an antminer on it, but you are cutting it close to 80% load, which is pretty much the maximum always on load for a 15a circuit.  Better be safe !  As for chinese made stuff....I wouldnt trust that stuff unless it has real certification, idk what they are, like CE or something like that.  my2cents

Well an S7 on a 15a 120v breaker is going to max it. If you plug that thing in a 120v outlet and you run a S7 off it, its going to take about the same juice if the step up is 98-99% efficiency. Any less and its pointless and its only a super expensive way of running your PSU.

The best bet is to put that money on a good 120v PSU.

This price is just a home fire waiting to happen!