IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Using the wrong converter or transformer with a US appliance could cause fire or electrocution!

TRANSFORMER OR CONVERTER?

What's the difference between a converter and a transformer? It lies in how the device converts voltage current. AC power is supplied in alternating bursts that are in a shape called a "sine wave." To reduce 220V to 110V, for example, a converter chops off the sine waves in half whereas a transformer alters the length of the sine waves. This is a critical difference because electronic devices require a full sine wave for operation thus can operate only with a transformer. Electric appliances function with either a full or a half sine wave so can be operated with either a converter or a transformer. A converter can only operate for short periods of time, do not use a converter for anything requiring extended use.

           

The converter's short-term use and "chopping" off of sine waves are relatively simple and compact functions. The transformer's continuous use and alteration of sine waves are relatively sophisticated functions and require more space. As a result, transformers are generally larger, heavier and much more expensive than converters. A battery charger is an electronic device and should only be used with a transformer.

TRANSFORMER SELECTION

Wattage refers to the amount of power (electricity) consumed by your appliances and equipment. Sounds simple, doesn't it? Actually it is very simple and it is important to know a little about it because you need to know wattage in order to choose a Converter or a Transformer. The wattage of most appliances and equipment is found on decals or labels of some sort on the appliance or equipment or in the owner's manual. In addition, the decals or labels also usually give the voltage and/or amperage of the appliance.

If the wattage isn't given you can still figure it out if you know the voltage and amperage. If you multiply the voltage times the amperage, the result equals the wattage of the appliance. For example, the decal on the appliance you want to take overseas doesn't list the wattage but gives the voltage as 120 volts and the amperage is 2. To find the wattage of that particular appliance, multiply the voltage (120) times the amperage (2), 120 X 2 = 240 watts.

We recommend leaving a minimum of 10% power allowance for any device being connected to this transformer. This transfomer will supply up to 1000W, however due to circumstances such as, inaccurate power ratings and varied operating conditions, a power rating within 10% of the transformer rating may cause the transformer to overheat and fail. We will not be responsible for any transformers connected to a load within 10% of the transformer rating.