Please Check these important 5 questions before purchasing your step down transformer:
1. What is the total watts used by appliances to be connected to the Transformer?
Select from our Stepdowns range below based on how many watts your device uses. Choose the next item above your watts usage.
E.g: Playstation 3 uses 380 Watts so you need the 500 watt stepdown transformer.
2.Does your appliance have a motor ?
If a motor is included then you should select a stepdown rating approx 25% higher than your motor as a buffer. Motors have a higher power use on the stepdowns and startup currents which need to be allowed for. Most motors have a rating plate on them with their Power and Amperage rating.
3. Does your appliance have a mechanical timing device? If so, how critical is this timing device? The Transformer cannot change the Frequency. It is 50Hz.
If a timing device is included the speed of the device may change due to the frequency change, 60Hz to 50Hz (eg old clocks, motors / fans) Most modern electronic devices should not be affected. read more 4. Do you know the Amps of your device? - is so you can calculate the watts required:
Calculated as Watts = Amps x 110Volts (eg 5 A x 110 V = 550 watts) 5. Do you wish to use multiple appliances from one stepdown?
Check total watts of all devices this must be less than the VA (Watt) rating of the stepdown & get a US Powerboard. (for up to 5 devices)
Still Not sure which Stepdown you will need? see our guide below
You may also contact us with your reply to above questions & we will advise the unit that is required.
Wattage people need to check the Input Power Rating label on their Product for the Watt (W) and Amp (A) figures.
Always look at the INPUT POWER rating
USA Equipment is identified as 110v, 115v , 120v
Japan 100V
European 220v
Choosing on your Kitchen aid look under the unit to find the kitchenaid label (or in the manual)
On Your Dewalt Fast Charger look at Amps
The Following is a General Guide to Products and their Power requirements and which Stepdown is needed.
Note: this is A General Guide Only and you should always check your particular device.
Products
Stepdown Transformer commonly needed
XBOX 360 - 160 watts Desktop PC 300-600watts
Average plasma: 301 watts Average LCD (standard): 111 watts Average LCD (LED): 101 watts PlayStation 3: 197 watts PlayStation 3 Slim:96 watts Xbox 360 Elite (2007): 185 watts Nintendo Wii: 19 watts Xbox 360: 187 watts Average PC: 118 watts DirecTV HR20 DVR: 33 watts Nintendo Wii: 19 watts
500 Watt Stepdown
Amplifiers / Home theatre systems ~1000 to 2000 watts
Power tools 1000 drills / routers / 2000watt+ big circular saws
Steamers 1500W+
Hair dryers 1000-2000
Following information describe differences between the Isolation Transformer and Auto Transformer
Isolation Transformer
1. 4000 VAC Isolation Input to Output.
Probability of contact of output with input circuit : Low
2. Surge can be sustained if occurs in primary input circuit.
3. No earth on output 110v socket (not required by definition of Isolation Transformer).
4. Residual Current Device will not work on input or output side. This device is also called the earth trip circuit breaker.
5. Good to have fuse and thermal cutout for protection provided but not entirely necessary.
6. Transformer has Larger size and weight.
7. Voltage Regulation (Voltage Swing)
Larger Voltage Swing NL to FL
Definition: NL = No Load, FL = Full Load
8. Output and Input wiring polarity is not critical. Polarity of Output and Input connection not critical.
9. Safety Rating HIGH
Economy / Auto Transformer
1. No Isolation Input to Output.
Probability of contact of output with input circuit : Medium
2. No protection if a surge occurs on input circuit,
3. Must have earth on output 110v socket.
4. Residual Current Device will work on input or output side. This device is also called the earth trip circuit breaker.
5. Must have fuse and thermal cutout for protection.
6. Transformer has Smaller size and weight (about ½ size of isolated unit based on 110v output).
7. Voltage Regulation (Voltage Swing)
Smaller Voltage Swing NL to FL
Definition: NL = No Load, FL = Full Load
8. Output and Input must be correctly wired. Active and neutral polarity must be exact due to electrical safety reasons. Why? Input and output active must be in the switched circuit.
