VOLTAGE
CONVERTERS AND UNGROUNDED PLUG ADAPTERS:
Voltage
converters are lightweight ( 8 – 12 ounces), compact (about the
size of a small soup can) and ungrounded solid state (electronic)
devices that convert higher voltages (220/230/240 volts) down to the
US lower voltage(110/115/120). We carry all three of the available
voltage converter types which come in three ranges of watts: 0 –
50 watts, the TA-50A model; 50 – 1875 watts, the TA-1600 model,
and 0 – 1875 watts, the TA-1875 model. All three of these
models are limited to just ungrounded appliances. They also only
require the ungrounded plug adapters for each country visited (see
World Electric Guide). They are limited to 45 minutes use at a time
and definitely will not work with any electronic appliances. They are
best used with appliances that are primarily heating devices such as
hair driers; most, but not all, curling irons; travel irons, beverage
heaters; etc.
The
TA-50A model voltage converter is actually a small transformer
(produces a full sine wave electrical output) that can be used
with with ungrounded (2 pins), electronic and
non-electronic appliances, that are under 45 watts. It is included in
the listing with the other two voltage converters because of its
compact size, is limited to three hours continuous use, and because it will only accept ungrounded appliances.
Because these are solid state (electronic) devices
the TA-1600 and TA-1875 produce what is called a “modified sine wave”
output. Full sine wave electricity is the same as in your home while
modified sine wave is not and therefore has limitations as to its
use. The distinction between transformers and voltage converters is
made even more difficult by many manufacturers use of the terms
interchangeably.
All
three of the voltage converters are available in kits containing the
voltage converter, all six of the ungrounded plug adapters for the
world and a travel-size copy of the World Electric Guide in a
handsome Travel Pouch. Kits TA-1600/UW and TA-1875/UW can only be
used with ungrounded, non-electronic appliances for times under 45
minutes and the TA-50A/UW kit can be used only with ungrounded,
electronic or non-electronic appliances under 45 watts with a three hour time
limit.
