Large Appliance Use

Heavy Duty Transformers: When continuous power is needed for large appliances or electronic devices such as; computers, power tools, kitchen appliances, stereos or any permanently installed electrical equipment, you must use a heavy duty transformer. Two types of heavy duty transformers are available: step up or step down. Step up transformers increase 110-120 volts to 220-240 volts, for use with foreign appliances in North America. Step down transformers decrease 220-240 volts to 110-120 volts for use with North American appliances overseas. Models are available in wattage ratings from 100 to 1500 watts. 

How To Find Voltage And Wattage Ratings On Your Appliance

To determine the correct model voltage converter or heavy duty transformer you need, you must know the voltage and wattage requirements of your appliance. You can find this information listed on the appliance manufacturer's label located on the back or bottom of the appliance or in the specifications section of the appliance owner's manual. The label or manual will show the input voltage (100, 120, 220, 240 written as: 120 volts, 120V, 120 volts AC, or 120VAC), the wattage (100 watts or 100W), or the amperage (0.5 Amps or 0.5A or 500mA).

IMPORTANT NOTE: If only the amperage rating is shown, multiply the input voltage by the amperage rating to find the wattage rating. Volts x Amps = Watts or 120V x 0.5 A = 60W

Cycles - 50 Hz vs. 60 Hz

North American 110-120 volt electricity is generated at 60 Hz. (Cycles) Alternating Current. Most foreign 220-240 volt electricity is generated at 50 Hz. (Cycles) Alternating Current. This difference in cycles may cause the motor in your 60 Hz. North American appliance to operate slightly slower when used on 50 Hz. foreign electricity. This cycle difference will also cause analog clocks and timing circuits that use Alternating Current as a timing base to keep incorrect time. Most modern electronic equipment including battery chargers, computers, printers, stereos, tape and CD players, VCR/DVD players, etc. will not be affected by the difference in cycles. IMPORTANT: Voltage converters and heavy duty transformers do not convert cycles.

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