Jul

7

Buyers Guide For Voltage Converter and Voltage Transformer

July 7, 2008 |

Overview

A Voltage converter is a device
which changes electricity line voltage from one amount to another. Most
countries use electricity at approximately 220 volts/50 Hz while United
States, Canada and Mexico have electricity 110 Volts/60 Hz. Most of the
electronics devices manufactured in US are of 110volts/60Hz cycle and
other countries electronics devices are made for operation on
220volts/50Hz cycle.

Two types of voltage converters are
available. STEP UP Voltage Converter and STEP DOWN Voltage Converter. A
Step-Down converter will take the 220-250 volt current used in most
countries around the world and convert it to the 110-volt current used
in United States, Canada and Mexico. This is useful to travelers of
United States going overseas. A Step-Up converter will take 110 volt
current and converts to 220 volt current to make international devices
used in the United States.

When traveling to another country, you
want to be as prepared as possible when it comes to adaptive equipment,
battery chargers and other electrical devices. You should have
sufficient information about the electricity voltage supply in
destination country.

What is a Voltage Converter?

Voltage Converters
are only for use with ungrounded (2-pin) electric heating appliances or
those that use a ‘universal’ motor (Cordless Phones, Battery
charger,curling irons, hairdryers, irons, etc.). Most converters are
not designed for continuous use and should only be used for short
periods of time, 45- 60 minutes. They should be unplugged when not in
use.

What is a Voltage Transformer?

Voltage Transformers
are used with grounded (3-pin) appliances and can be used with both
‘electric’ and ‘electronic’ appliances (electronic devices like radios,
TVs and computers.) They can also be used continuously for long periods
of time (unlike converters) and at higher wattages. Like converters,
transformers can be either ‘Step-Up’ or ‘Step-Down’ or ‘Both’ with a
switch to control the direction in which the transformer is working.

How much wattage your device used?

Wattage
refers to the amount of electricity used by a device. Travelers need to
know the wattage of the device in order to get the right
transformer/converter. Most devices have a label showing the wattage.
If the wattage is not listed on the label, the voltage and amperage
usually are listed and can be used to figure out the wattage using a
simple formula. Multiply the voltage by the amperage (amps or A) to
calculate the wattage.

Example: An appliance labeled with a voltage of 110 and amperage of 1.5 is 165 watts (110 x 1.5 = 165 Watts)

Plug Adapters

Plug Adapters
are devices that allow you to plug a flat-pinned (US) plug into a
round-pinned (European/Asian) outlet. However, there are at least 13
different configurations around the world, all needing a different
adapter, and some countries have several different configurations.
Adapters do not change voltage. You need a converter/transformer to
change the electrical voltage. Adapters only change the shape of the
plug.

How to select the Right Converter/Transformer for your device?

It
is recommended that travelers use a transformer that is rated at least
50% higher watt than that of the appliance with which you intend to use
it. For example: A 500 Watt appliance should be used with a transformer
of at least 750 Watts. Purchase a transformer that is at least 50%
higher than the required wattage.

Travelers will need either a
Voltage Converter or Transformer , depending on the type of equipment
and a Plug Adapter that is compatible with outlets in the destination
country.
For more information visit http://www.estoreoffer.com

About the author

Bachelors in Information Technology, Masters in Computer Science and Electronics, Web Designing, Software Developing

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