Author Topic: Quick question on using imported pedals. (Read 1267 times)

Scotty477 · « **on:** April 23, 2008, 06:36:23 PM »

A quick question here, as I'm a total newb when it comes to pedals.

If I buy a pedal from the US is it compatible with the UK mains electricity system? I'm assuming all I have to do is get a suitable power adapter to use here?

Cheers

Pedal newb out ... :D

Doctor X · « **Reply #1 on:** April 23, 2008, 07:00:52 PM »

If it's just a normal 9v battery operated pedal then you'll need the same power supply you'd use for a UK bought pedal. Most pedals and power supplies are -ve centre but some pedals require a +ve centre supply.

Depends on the pedal though, some need more than 9v and use their own power supplies. In general though, the pedals you buy from the states are the same as the ones you buy in the UK.

Scotty477 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 23, 2008, 07:03:57 PM »

Thanks Doc.

Will · « **Reply #3 on:** April 23, 2008, 07:06:19 PM »

In most pedals, I believe the mains transformer is in the power adapter

Whereas the amps its inside the big boxy thing

thought it worth clarifying, just for future ref

HTH AMPS · « **Reply #4 on:** April 23, 2008, 07:14:45 PM »

basically, as people above have indicated, you'll find the majority of pedals that use external power supplies will just be a 120vac (US mains) to 9vdc adaptor. In the UK you'll just need to buy a 240vac power supply - no big deal.

What you need to watch for are the pedals that have built-in power supplies like some valve overdrives. If the mains transformer is internal you will either need to source a replacement for 240v or (easier), get a step-down transformer so that the pedal gets the 120v it wants rather than the 240v we have here in the UK.

MrBump · « **Reply #5 on:** April 23, 2008, 09:28:19 PM »

Cracking avitar, Doc!