FAQ's : Voltage Converters:

Q: What does voltage converter/ transformer mean?
A: Voltage converters/transformers are used to convert electricity. North America and some other countries operate on 110V/120V AC 60Hz, while most of other countries operate on 220/240 volts AC 50Hz. Voltage transformers convert the power into different voltage, so your equipement can be powered at different countries without being demaged.

Q: What does "step-up/down transformer" mean?
A: Step-up/Down transformers are used to convert electricity from 220V/240V AC to 110/120 V AC (step down) or 110V/120V AC to 220V/240V AC (Step-up). These type of transformers are grounded and with build-in fuses, which provides safety against electrical shock and demage.

Q: How do I figure out how many Watts voltage transformer do i need?
A: You need to check how many Watts your applience operates on (You can find this information on a label on the bottom or back of your equipement, or in the manual). If you can't find this information, you can try to find information on amperage (AMPS) of your appliance and multiply it by input voltage (110V or 220V) to arrive at the total wattage.
Volts x Amps = Watts (i.e 110V x 0.5 AMPS = 55W). Please make sure not to run any applience with higher wattage then woltage transformer's wattage. This might demage both: your applience and the transformer! HEavy duty transformers/converters can be used continously at 17%-80% of their wattage capacity.

Q: Will my appliences from overseas work in U.S. and vice versa?
A: Yes, as long as you get one of our voltage transformers/converters. Consider buying a higher wattage transformer then the wattage rating of your applience. Please, refear to the question above to figure out what type of a converter do you need. Please remember that transformers don't convert cycles! Some cycle sensitive appliences (like microwaves, stereo turn tables and analog clocks may not operat properly. However, most modern electronic equipement is not affected by difference in cycles (computers, printers, mini systems).

Q: Can I use several appliences at once on the same voltage converter/transformer?
A: Yes, as long as total wattage of all your appliences does not exceed the wattage capacity of your transformer/converter. Try to set up your transformer to run at 80% of its wattage to avoid demaging your appliences by power flunctuations.

Q: What is the difference between AC/DC adapter?
A: Most of the countries use alternating currents (AC). DC stands for direct currents. All appliences and voltage transformers run only on AC electricity.

Q: Does the plug shape make the difference, when using my appliences and voltage converter/transformer overseas?
A: There is no worldwide standards for the plug configuration. Plugs, plug shapes, electric outlets differ from country to country. For that reason you need to get a plug adapter, in order to plug your aplliance into foreign electric outlet. You still need a voltage converter, otherwise you might demage your applience or cause fire!

Q: What kind of converter do I need for a TV or Monitor?
A: To connext a televison to a converter you must choose a converter more powerful than your TV set, since it creates a surge when it is turned on. We recommend the VC-800 for any TV or Monitor.

Q: Can I connect an American 220 Volt dryer to a transformer?
A: No you cannot connect and American 220 Volt dryer to a transformer. VOltage transformers are made to convert single phase 110 or 220 volt. American 220 volt consists of 2 phase of 110 volt and European 220 volt consists of 1 phase of 220 volt.

Q: What is the difference between and voltage converter and a voltage regulator?
A: A voltage regulator functions as a voltage converter as well as a voltage stabilizer. A voltage stabilizer will stabilize the electricity to a fixed current.

Q: The VC transformers have a European plug on the picture, but I want to use them in America...
A: VC model transformers come with a European-to-American plug adapter. You can find additional types of plug adapters on our site.

Q: I have a product with a UK plug on it, can i connect it to a VC model?
A: To connect your plug into the voltage converter you will need to buy the appropriate plug adapter. Then connect your plug to the adapter and connect the adapter to the converters output voltage.

Q: Do voltage converters convert the cycle (Hz)?
A: All voltage converters only convert the voltage and not the cycle, however most appliances and electronics will function properly with them. 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.

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