tiredboy Senior Member Joined: 27 Nov 2012 Posts: 2 Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue Nov 27, 2012, 12:07pm Subject: Moving a silvia from USA to UK
I have a rancilio silvia I purchased in the USA a couple of years ago that is working fine but I may be moving back to the UK. I had intended on getting a transformer (I have a couple that work either way that I used to power UK items in USA) or seeing if there was a way I could change the power supply as USA is 110V/60Hz but UK is 240V/50Hz but I have been told that the Hz would be a problem.
Does anyone know whether it is possible to use my beloved silvia in the UK with a transformer, or better still whether I (or an electrician friend) can make some alterations internally and rewire it with a UK plug?
RVDave Senior Member Joined: 10 Oct 2012 Posts: 16 Location: Chicago Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue Nov 27, 2012, 12:23pm Subject: Re: Moving a silvia from USA to UK
It's not the voltage that is the primary concern, it's the wattage. I imagine a Silvia is 1000-1200 watts. Get a voltage adaptor suited for 1500 watts or more and don't mess with the insides. It's probably not worth the cost and parts to have someone do it, and if you don't know how I certainly wouldn't attempt it.
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,685 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Tue Nov 27, 2012, 2:24pm Subject: Re: Moving a silvia from USA to UK
Anything can be done, the question is do you want to spend the money to do it?
A step down transformer will work it no problem if it is big enough to handle the power reuqired.
To rewire, you would need to change the pump (115 only installed in U.S.) and the heater element along with lights and possibly the switches if they are not 220 v rated. Most switches are both but you need to look at the switch to see what was installed.
In most cases though, it is less expensive and less bother to just sell it here and buy a new or used machine in the UK. The same is true for the grinder and anything else you have that is 110 v.
It sounds to me like this is a good time to upgrade out of a SBDU machine.
YMMV!
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
Posted Tue Nov 27, 2012, 2:53pm Subject: Re: Moving a silvia from USA to UK
I moved in the opposite direction with my Gaggia Classic. The cost of converting the pump and solenoids (the dual heaters on a Classic can be rewired for 110 or 230V) was about double that of an appropriate voltage convertor ($85 for a 2kW step up/down). In your case the heater also needs to be replaced as the Silvia's heater is a single element. Remember that you'll need to run the grinder as well, and the cost of espresso appropriate grinders in the UK is (was?) much more than the US (I think $1= £1 for the Baratza ones, for example).
It's probably better to buy the transformer on arrival in the UK, they're heavy and you'll probably be shipping your machine anyway. If you do buy another machine, and don't want to upgrade beyond SBDU (moving is expensive after all) then the Gaggia Classics are much easier and cheaper to get hold of secondhand in the UK than Silvias.
tiredboy Senior Member Joined: 27 Nov 2012 Posts: 2 Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue Nov 27, 2012, 3:16pm Subject: Re: Moving a silvia from USA to UK
Thanks all. It looks like the "modifications" would be more cost and hassle than they are worth. In case anyone else comes across this thread with the same problem I have been told elsewhere that I would need to replace the boiler, group solenoid valve, and pump. The switches and thermostats are already rated to handle 220V.
I think I'll go the transformer route. As it is recommended to get one that is double the wattage of the appliance it is used on I have been told that for the Silvia with the heater, pump, and valves it is around 1000W so I would want a transformer rated for at least 2000watts. It looks like I'll be able to get a 2000w for about 120 pounds and this would also allow me to use some of my other equipment also (and its only about 5 pounds more than the 1500W model).
As for grinder, it may be the excuse to replace my cheaper one with something better!!
Gkory Senior Member Joined: 21 Dec 2012 Posts: 4 Location: Germantown, MD Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Fri Dec 21, 2012, 9:11am Subject: Re: Moving a silvia from USA to UK
I am in the same boat as you only opposite. I have a European Silvia that I am currently refurbishing and am looking to trade it for a US Silvia when complete. The step up transformers are bulking and expensive. Let me know if you are interested.
stefano65 Senior Member Joined: 30 Oct 2004 Posts: 1,337 Location: Eugene OR Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Vibiemme,Elektra, Grinder: Vario,Macap, Vac Pot: not Drip: not Roaster: not
Posted Fri Dec 21, 2012, 9:46am Subject: Re: Moving a silvia from USA to UK
Let's do not forget the solenoid coil as well recap
on a silvia the switches are rated 250v so no problem
to be replaced are: HE pump Solenoid Valve Coil and the power main light is also rated 120v for the US version so it will need to be changed as well then the obvious plug
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