Frequently asekd questions regarding our transformers (voltage converters) 110 V / 230 V
The answers ...
- I would like to run a special "european-device" (220 V, 230 V, 240 V) in the USA (or another country with 110 V, 120 V, e.g. Japan, Taiwan). Which transformer do I need?
On every electrical device you should find a label on which the power (Watt, "W") is mentioned, that this device requires. (If you did not find this information on the device, you should find it in the directions for use.)
This power (W) must be smaller or equal to the power (VA) of the transformer.
Examples:
1.) Your device needs a power of 600 W. So you can use the transformer with 900 VA (= 900 W).
2.) Your device needs a power of 1200 W. So you can use the transformer with 1600 VA (= 1600 W).
- I would like to run a special "USA-device" (110 V, 120 V) in Europe (or another country with 220 V, 230 V or 240 V). Which transformer do I need?
On every electrical device you should find a label on which the power (Watt, "W") is mentioned, that this device requires. (If you did not find this information on the device, you should find it in the directions for use.)
This power (W) must be smaller or equal to the power (VA) of the transformer.
Examples:
1.) Your device needs a power of 600 W. So you can use the transformer with 800 VA (= 800 W).
2.) Your device needs a power of 1200 W. So you can use the transformer with 1600 VA (= 1600 W).
- Do the transformers have plugs and sockets to connect to the devices?
Portable transformer 2000 VA, transformer 800 VA:
As these transformers do convert from 230 V to 110 V only (supplying US-devices in Europe), they are with US-NEMA-socket resp. US-socket.
Transformers 900 VA, 1600 VA, 3000 VA and 5000 VA:
Because these transformers can be run in both directions (110 V to 230 V and 230 V to 110 V) we do not mount any plugs and sockets.
- My devices do not require 110 V (as indiciated on the transformers) but e.g. 115 V. Which transformer can be used?
Usually devices do not work only with the indicated nominal voltage (in this case 115 V), but also with voltages of approx. +/- 10% (in this example from approx. 109 V to 127 V). So it should be possible to supply a device with 115 V with a 110 V-transformer as well. In addition, for most of our transformers the voltages can be adjusted by +/- 5 V.
- The mains voltage in the destination country is not exactly 110 V but e.g. 105 V only. Which transformer can I use?
Deviating mains voltages of +/- 10% should not pose any problem for the transformer and the connected devices. In addition, the voltages can be adjusted by +/- 5 V for most of our transformers.
- Do the transformers change frequenzy from 50 Hz to 60 Hz?
No, but usually this is not necessary. Most "modern" devices can be run with 50 Hz and 60 Hz without any problems. Please check your device or your directions for use for a text like "50/60 Hz". If you find that text no problems are to be expected.
- What is the life time of the transformers?
The transformers are designed for continuous power, meaning the transformers can be permanently loaded with the specified power. Is e.g. a transformer rated with a power of 3000 VA, this transformer can permantly supply a connected device which requires 3000 W, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Do the transformers have UL-approval?
No, although the transformers are of very high quality they do not have UL-approval.
- How fast the transformers can be shipped?
Usually we do have the transformers in stock, so that we can ship small orders immediatly. Shipping time to a destination in Europe may take 1 to 5 days.
