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3 important Tips about the use of voltage transformers & converters
3 important Tips about the use of voltage transformers & converters
Voltage converters are of two types – Step Up and Step Down. The former converter increases the value of output voltage while the latter decreases the value of the output voltage.
Elk Grove Village,
US,
United States of America
(prbd.net)
19/12/2011
Voltage converters are of two types – Step Up and Step Down. The former converter increases the value of output voltage while the latter decreases the value of the output voltage. This increase and decrease is usually done from 110 V and 120 V to 220 V and 240 V respectively, and vice versa. Converters are usually of portable size and could be used during travels. These voltage converters could be safely used with electrical items that have heating elements or use motors such as irons, hair dryers, shavers etc. These are meant for short term use only.
On the other hand, voltage transformers are non portable equipments that have bigger size and are heavy. These are meant to be used for longer duration and come in both Step Up and Step Down variants. However, take care that you check the wattage of your transformer or converter before purchasing the same. If you unplug the transformer when it is not in use, it will last for a longer period of time.
Tip 1: Use compatible transformer
Whether you should use a Step Down transformer, voltage converter, voltage transformer or Step Up transformer largely depends on the country or region you are travelling to or living in. For example, countries in America, Caribbean and some parts of Pacific use 110 V / 60 Hz cycle converters while in rest of the world, the practice is to use 220 V / 50 Hz converters. Converters with 110 V rating work for the voltage range from 100 V to 125 V while those with 220 V rating operate from 210 V to 250 V. There are several countries in which you can use both 110 V and 220 V wall outlets.
Tip 2: Be considerate of frequency changes
Besides voltage, frequency (cycles per second) of current also varies from country to country. In the US, the standard frequency is 60 Hz while in the UK and most of the other countries, it is 50 Hz. However, change in frequency usually does not have any effect on the frequency of electrical appliances as most of them internally change AC current to DC during their operation. However frequency changes may affect the performance of appliances like coffee makers and analogue clocks as they usually operate on a single frequency. You should also avoid the usage of transformers with heat producing appliances like steamers and coffee heaters.
Tip 3: Always carry plug adapter during travels
Voltage converters and voltage transformers do not change the frequency of the current. They can only be used to change the output voltage. For example, a Step Down transformer will change the output voltage from 220 V to 110 V, while a Step Up transformer will change it from 110 V to 220 V. However, plug sizes also vary a lot from country to country. For example, in the US, they have flat prong plugs which may not be used in some countries. So, always take plug adapters with you during your foreign travels so that you can use your equipments all the time.
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