Remember to leave at least a 100% slack for the transformer. For the TVs, the power surge margin is 5 times the wattage of the TV. Heating appliances, laser printers and power tools spike when you turn them on. For these products you need to buy a transformer that is at least 3 times the items capacity.

How do I choose the right transformer?
On the back of your appliance, you will find a label describing the power requirements. You should see a label describing the Wattage (W) or the Amperage (A) of the appliance. Once noted, choose a voltage transformer / converter which can handle a higher amount of wattage then your device is rated at. Certain devices which are motor based may require additional power to start up then indicated (know as Surge), in this case always add an extra 20% to the power requirements of your device. Check out our VOLTAGE CONVERTERS page.

How to calculate the Wattage of an appliance?
If the label does not specify the wattage, but you know the Amperage (A), you can calculate it using the following formula: Amps (A) * voltage (V) = Watts
Example:
3 Amps * 220 volt = 660 watts
3 Amps * 110 volt = 330 watts
Can I use several appliances on the same transformer?
Yes as long as you don't exceed the Wattage capacity of the voltage converter. A "surge protector" is required. You can find them on this web-site as well.

What is the difference between a voltage converter and a voltage regulator?
A voltage regulator functions as a voltage converter as well as a voltage stabilizer.
A voltage stabilizer will stabilize the electricity to fixed current.
This unit is usually used in countries where the voltage currency is not stable.
The voltage regulator will stabilize a voltage fluctuation between 75v-130v to 110v (+- 4%).
The voltage regulator will stabilize a voltage fluctuation between 180v-260v to 220v (+- 4%).

Do voltage converters convert the cycle (Hz)?
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.

What does "step-up/down transformer" mean?
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.