POWER CONVERTER EXPLAINED

A power converter can be any device that converts a voltage from one value to another. A power converter, as relates to international travel, will either step up (increase) or step down (decrease) one voltage to another voltage. As an example, a power converter could convert a European voltage of say, 220 volts, to a U.S. voltage of 120 volts. Power converters are known by many names: transformer, autotransformer, isolated transformer, voltage converter, etc. but for our purposes we have limited the power converter scope to include just transformers and solid state voltage converters. Click here to see large selection of power converters.

Power Converter Differences Explained

• A transformer, which can also be known as a power converter or voltage converter, converts one voltage to another (example: a step down transformer that converts foreign 220 volts to U.S. 120 volts). The transformer type of power converter produces a “pure sine wave” output voltage while a “solid state” voltage converter produces a “modified sine wave” output voltage. This output voltage distinction (pure sine wave vs. modified sine wave) explains why a transformer can function in an application where a solid state converter can't (example: most electronic components will only perform properly with full or pure sine wave electricity). Another difference between the two types of power converter is that the transformer type power converter does not have any of the same limitations as the solid state voltage converters (see solid state voltage converter limitations in the next paragraph) which are limited to just ungrounded (2 pin plugs) appliances and have varying time of use limitations (often 45 minutes maximum).

• A solid state power converter is usually a very lightweight, compact, and relatively inexpensive travel solution for many small appliances like hair dryers, some hair straighteners, and some curling irons. It converts (or changes) the input voltage to a different output voltage through electronics. This results in an electrical output that has a modified sine wave. The solid state power converter modified sine wave output places quite a few limitations on its use. It usually cannot be used with motorized appliances (except most hair dryers). It usually can only be used for a limited time, about 45 minutes or until hot to the touch. It can only be used with ungrounded (2 pin plug) appliances

• It is always recommended that a dual voltage appliance or multi voltage appliance be used when traveling. They usually only require the appropriate plug adapter for your destination country. Using dual voltage appliances or multi voltage appliances usually eliminates the need for a power converter of any kind.

• Neither a transformer nor a solid state power converter changes the frequency so, whatever the input frequency is, the output frequency will be the same (See frequency issues.). The frequency in North America and most of Central America is usually 60 cycle (60 Hz.) while most of the rest of the world is 50 cycle (50 Hz.). There is no practical way to change the frequency but many appliances are dual frequency (50/60 Hz.) and aren't affected by the difference. The frequency issue is usually only a problem for motorized appliances.

Types of Voltage Transformers (power converter with pure sine wave output).

• We carry 2 types combination step up / step down transformers (power converter), 3 types of automatic voltage regulator transformers, Japan voltage transformers, and 2 basic types of travel-size transformers.

• The 2 types of combination step up / step down transformers (power converter) we carry are the VC model and the TC-SQR model. The biggest distinctions to be made are price, warranty, and presumably quality. The VC model is less expensive but only has a one year warranty but it has proven itself to be a very reliable product. The TC-SQR model costs a little more but does have an unheard of 2 year warranty and includes a free ($7.99 value) plug adapter for use in your destination country

• The 3 automatic voltage regulator transformers are the SVC model, the AR model, and the ATVR model. The difference between the SVC model and AR model (besides price) is technology used. The SVC uses the more precise servo motor but the AR uses the “ less sensitive to abuse” relay presets. The ATVR distinguishes itself from the other two because it is designed using computer technology to allow it to handle appliance surges better. You can often choose a size lower than a regular transformer. All of these transformers are combination step up / step down transformers and all offer voltage regulation. Some models use just quick-blow fuses while others have circuit breaker switches. Please review the specs for each transformer (power converter) before making a purchase.

• Japan voltage transformers (power converter) step up or step down Japan's 100 volts to US 115 volts and vice versa.

• The “travel-size” transformers are models MWP107, MWP109, FS-11, and the MW50D. The MW50D is a step up / step down power converter. The MWP107, MWP109 and FS-11 are all strictly step down power converters. These are all true transformers (produce a pure sine wave output) but because of their compact size they do have suggested time limits by their manufacturers. The MWP107 and MWP109 are both grounded transformers while the FS-11 and the MW50D

Types of solid state voltage converters

We carry 3 different solid state voltage converters: the V20, the VCS, and the VCA. They also are available in kit form (includes plug adapters): V20P, VCSP, and VCAP

• V20 – This solid state voltage converter is intended for non-electronic, ungrounded (2 pin plug) appliances up to 2000 watts like many hair dryers, travel irons, etc. that contain no electronic components. Also available in kit form (includes plug adapters) V20P

• VCS - This solid state voltage converter is intended for electronic appliances (chargers as an example) under 50 watts and non-electronic, ungrounded (2 pin plug) appliances up to 2000 watts like many hair dryers, travel irons, etc. that contain no electronic components. This model requires a switch be moved depending on its use at the time. Also available in kit form (includes plug adapters) VCSP.

• VCA - This solid state voltage converter is intended for electronic appliances (chargers as an example) under 50 watts and non-electronic, ungrounded (2 pin plug) appliances up to 2000 watts like many hair dryers, travel irons, etc. that contain no electronic components. This model automatically senses the power needs of the appliance and switches automatically. Also available in kit form (includes plug adapters) VCAP