How to Convert 110V to 220V (Safely)
If you’re looking at a pinball machine for sale from the US or outside the EU, you may be asking:
Will this machine work in Europe on 220V/50Hz?
The answer is: not always out of the box.
But with the right information (and supplier), you can buy confidently without frying your investment—or your fuse box.
At House of Pinball, we’ve helped hundreds of customers across Europe avoid costly electrical mistakes by understanding how to safely run pinball machines on EU voltage standards.
Here’s what every buyer needs to know.
🔌 Europe’s Electrical Standard: 220–240V / 50Hz
Most European countries use:
- Voltage: 220–240 volts
- Frequency: 50Hz
- Plug Type: C or F (Schuko)
Meanwhile, pinball machines from the US run on:
- Voltage: 110–120 volts
- Frequency: 60Hz
- Plug Type: A or B
Connecting a 110V pinball machine directly to a 220V European outlet can cause:
- Instant electrical damage
- Blown fuses
- Fried power supplies
- Voided warranties
🚨 Key Rule: Never Plug 110V Into 220V Without Conversion
Whether you’re buying a classic Bally from the 80s or a modern Stern Pro, you must ensure voltage compatibility.
🧰 3 Safe Solutions for 220V Conversion
✅ Option 1: Buy an EU-Ready Machine
The easiest and safest way?
👉 Buy from a European dealer like House of Pinball, where all machines are:
- Pre-configured for 220–240V
- Fitted with proper European plugs
- Fully tested on 50Hz circuits
- CE-compliant and safe
💡 No converters or guesswork required. Plug and play with peace of mind.
✅ Option 2: Use a Step-Down Transformer (220V to 110V)
If you’re importing a machine from the USA:
- Use a step-down transformer (220V ➜ 110V)
- Ensure the wattage rating is 20–30% higher than your machine’s draw
- Use only grounded, fused transformers
Example:
- Most pinball machines draw 250–400W
- Use a 500W+ transformer for safety
❗ Don’t use cheap travel adapters. They’re not designed for sustained loads and can overheat.
✅ Option 3: Rewire the Internal Transformer (Advanced)
Some pinball machines from Stern, Bally, or Williams have multi-tap transformers that support both 110V and 220V.
Rewiring steps include:
- Opening the backbox
- Moving transformer taps to 220V position
- Replacing fuses with correct ratings
- Changing the power cord plug
⚠️ This should only be done by a qualified technician.
At House of Pinball, we perform these modifications in-house—safely and in compliance with EU regulations.
🛡️ Why CE Compliance & Frequency Matter
Even if you convert voltage, electrical frequency (Hz) is often overlooked.
EU = 50Hz | US = 60Hz
While most modern pinball machines run fine on 50Hz, some older machines may:
- Run motors slower or louder
- Display issues with clocks or timers
- Experience increased wear on certain components
💡 Buying an EU-tested machine ensures everything functions as it should.
⚙️ What’s Included in an EU-Ready Pinball Machine?
At House of Pinball, every machine we sell includes:
| Feature | Included? |
|---|---|
| 220V rewiring or native PSU | ✅ Yes |
| Schuko plug (EU Type F) | ✅ Yes |
| Tested on 50Hz power | ✅ Yes |
| CE certification (when applicable) | ✅ Yes |
| Warranty for EU buyers | ✅ Yes |
| Optional white-glove delivery | ✅ Yes |
No surprises. No converters. No compatibility problems.
🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It’s Risky |
|---|---|
| Using a US plug adapter only | Doesn’t convert voltage—machine will fry |
| Underpowered transformers | Can overheat and cause fire risk |
| Ignoring CE compliance | Legal/insurance issues in some countries |
| DIY wiring without knowledge | Risk of injury, fire, or voiding warranty |
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I import a US pinball machine and convert it myself?
Yes—but you’ll need a high-quality transformer or rewire it. We recommend consulting a technician to avoid safety hazards.
Q: Can all pinball machines be used at 220V?
No. Only some machines are dual-voltage or easily converted. Some older machines need parts swapped.
Q: What’s the safest option for European buyers?
Buy a certified EU-ready machine from a European dealer like House of Pinball. It saves you from electrical risks, delays, and extra costs.
🎯 Final Recommendation: Buy Smart, Play Safe
A pinball machine is an investment in fun, but it’s also a piece of serious hardware.
Make sure it’s built for your voltage and power system.
✅ Best option: Buy EU-ready machines, pre-wired for 220V/50Hz
✅ Next-best: Use certified transformers from trusted brands
✅ Avoid: Cheap plug adapters, DIY hacks, and unverified imports
🎁 All machines sold by House of Pinball come ready to play in any EU country, with CE compliance, warranty, and expert delivery options.