There are 2 types of voltage transformers, Step down Transformer and Step up Transformer. Both are explained below:

Step down transformers are used outside of the USA in 220/240 volt countries. They take 220/240 Volts and "step down" the voltage to 110/120 Volts so you can use your US equipment in a foreign country. Check our voltage/plug socket chart to see which countries use what type of voltage and wall outlets.

Step up transformers are for use in the USA. Or in other 110/120 volt countries like Canada and Mexico. They will take household 110/120 Volts AC and "step up" to 220/240 volts. So you can use foreign electronics in the USA with a step up transformer. Check our voltage/plug socket chart to see which countries use what type of voltage and wall outlets.

Models:

- Style A models are only step down models that are good for continuous use 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

- Style B models offers 2 way conversion. They have the capability of stepping voltage UP or DOWN all by switching a button on the back of the transformer. Style B models also offer a housing for the transformer so you will not feel the heat generated by the transformer. They also have multiple outlets (2-4 outlets depending on the model) and an ON/OFF switch for added convenience.

- Style C models also offer 2 way conversion and are similar to style B. They have the added feature of a voltage meter that shows the output voltage.

- Style D models are our best quality transformers. They offer Step Up and Step Down feature, an output voltage meter and best of all Style D models have a voltage regulator. The voltage regulator function assures a voltage output that is known as a "clean" and spike free voltage source. So, if the input voltage varies (up to 40%) the output of the transformer will be steady at the selectable 220/240 Volts or 110/120 Volts. This model is perfect for use in countries that have an unstable household voltage supply. Our customers use it in India, parts of Middle East, Africa, South America, etc.. Style D models are the perfect solution for sensitive equipment like; TVs, VCRs, DVDs, Computers, Printers, AV Equipment, etc.. A notable feature of style D models is that they can be used for regulation alone without converting voltage. So you can use also them as a surge protector in any country.

Which size to buy:

What size (capacity in watts) transformer you want to buy depends on the input watts required by your item. If your device does not mention watts then use this formula to derive watts from other information. Watts = Volts X Amps. For example, a 1.1Amp device which runs on 110 volts would be 121 watts. Remember to leave at least a 100% slack for the transformer. Using them to maximum capacity will eventually burn the transformer out after prolonged use. So for that 1.1 Amp/121 Watt device buy a 300 watt transformer.

Some items, such as laser printers, microwaves, CRT TVs/Monitors and power tools spike when you turn them on. These "spikes" occur for a fraction of second but they raise the required amperage 2-3 times than the normal operating Amperage. For example, a 120 Volt CRT TV which normally runs at 2 Amps will spike to 6 Amps at startup. So you would need to buy a 6 Amps X 120 Volts = 720 watts. For this item we recommend a 1500 watt transformer.

We have sold voltage transformers for use with Refrigerators, Microwaves, Stereo Systems, TV's, VCR's, DVDs, Power Tools, Hot Tubs and more. They have worked perfectly for these situations and we have not had any customers complain about their functionality or compatibility with such items. Please e-mail us if you have any questions regarding compatibility of an item with a voltage transformer.