TRANSFORMERS
AND PLUG ADAPTERS::
Transformers
are grounded (except the TA-50A) devices that can step down high
voltages, 220/230/240 volts down to the US 110/115/120, and can
operate 24/7. Since the transformers are grounded (3 pin US plug) you
will need to choose the appropriate grounded plug adapters from our
World Electric Guide which is a list which shows the voltage,
frequency, and plug adapters needed for all the countries in the
world.
The
power requirements of the appliance, watts or amps (volts X amps =
watts), determines the size transformer needed. Transformers are
sized by watts and the appropriate size (watts) chosen needs to be
based on the appliance requirements. This information is available
either on a label on the appliance (UL certification requires this)
or by contacting the manufacturer. Once you know the maximum watts,
including all surges which may apply, you can choose the proper size
(watts) transformer.
Surges
will usually apply to any appliance with an AC motor (blenders, food
processors, vacuum cleaners, etc.) and some electronic appliances
(most color TV's as an example). These surges can be as low as just
an 50% increase in watts needed to a 400%-500% increase. Surges vary
dramatically depending on the application of the appliance. A food
processor mixing chocolate milk will have a much smaller surge than
if it were chopping carrots or other dense materials. As a rule, the
more you slow down (or stop) a rotating implement the higher the amps
or watts. A circular saw cutting balsa wood will have much lower
watts than if it were cutting through oak.
There
are stabilizer voltage regulator transformers, our ATVR series, that
can handle surges better than ordinary transformers can by
electronically delaying the full surge so that the full load doesn't
overload the transformer. They still need to be sized larger than the
normal running current (watts) of the appliance but not by the same
factor as ordinary transformers.
