ACUPWR makes a variety of travel power converters, some made specifically for appliances. We also make electrical transformers, plug adaptors, and voltage stabilizers. Our high-quality products have been helping you with your electrical and power needs since 1978. Shop with us today!
If you think back to the late 1800s, Edison had invented the lightbulb and power generators to bring power to homes. But how do you take the electricity in a power line and make it useful for consumers to use? Enter the electric plug and outlet. Beyond directly wiring electrical appliances into your home (meaning you could not move them once installed), a man named Harvey Hubbell invented a two-prong plug that could be separated from the electrical appliance itself. However, electrical shock was common with this model.
In 1928, another man named Philip Labre introduced a third prong, which served as the ground for the outlet. This way, if a short circuit occurs in the wiring, the electricity will flow through the prong and harmlessly into the ground instead of into you. This is the model for our electrical outlets today. However, due to the lack of standardization, many countries have different-sized plugs, meaning you can't access the electricity with a plug that won't fit. Europe uses different angles, and Japan uses different shapes.
By now, you are probably thinking, "Could this be any more complicated?" The answer is yes, but only in the technical way electricity operates, which, thankfully, is left to the professionals. For you, the answer is simple: ACUPWR's international plug adapters. With an international plug adapter, you can plug your American appliance into an outlet in Europe and it will work, provided that your appliance is made to handle the voltage in Europe or other foreign country that you are visiting. One thing to keep clear is this: international plug adapters do not convert electricity; they only allow you to plug your electronic device into a different-sized outlet.
ACUPWR understands how confusing plug adapters can be, which is why we've made our website incredibly easy to find what you are looking for. We have a visual plug adapter guide available so that you can see which type of international plug adapters you will need for which country you are traveling to. Our plug adapters are affordable, easy to use, and easy to pack, taking up very little room in your suitcase. We also offer travel converters in case you do need to not only have a plug adapter, but also need to convert voltage as well.
If you will be traveling and staying for a while, you may want to consider our global surge protectors. Designed to be able to handle almost every single plug shape in existence, these sure protectors can help you not only use your electronic devices while abroad, but you will also be able to do so safely.
ACUPWR has been offering our American-made electrical adapters, voltage transformers, and voltage converters for over 40 years. Our attention to detail and craftsmanship are unrivalled in the travel industry. Our mission is to help make your international travels convenient and safe. Browse our entire selection of electrical adapters online today!
]]>ACUPWR makes a whole line of international voltage converters, including international plug adapters so that you can travel easily. We also offer power converters for appliances, global surge protectors, and voltage stabilizers. We proudly make our voltage transformers and electrical outlet adapters in America. We've been helping power your appliances, electronic devices, personal care products, such as hair dryers, and much more since 1978. Below, we'll examine the history behind different electrical currents. Contact us today to get started!
The history of different electrical currents goes back to the history of electricity. Ever since ancient times, people have wondered about lighting and how it forms. The ancient Greeks tried to discover how lightning formed and made many observations on magnetism. Slowly, from Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiment to Michael Faraday's development of the electric generator in 1831, the development of the use of electricity has been steady, but unfortunately very sporadic and lacking a cohesive direction. When inventions were made, the information was slow to spread, especially across continents and oceans. Thus, by the time news got into the hands of others' working on the same experiments, new inventions had already been discovered and improved upon.
The problem lay in the two different currents of electricity: AC and DC. When Edison invented the light bulb in the late 1880s, he chose to use direct current (DC) to provide electricity to homes and businesses. However, DC could not be transmitted over long distances due to the resistance of the wire. Nikolas Tesla invented alternating current (AC), which solved this long-distance problem. Westinghouse, who bought Tesla's patents, decided to use 110-volts with an operating frequency at 60 Hz and standardized it.
Concurrently, electricity was being developed in Europe, which had their own ideas of power. BEW in Germany had a monopoly on electricity at this same time and they chose to use 50 Hz because it fit in better with the metric system. This translates into 220-volts. Europe followed suit over the next decades.
The United States considered switching over to a 220-volt system in the 1950s but because many consumers had already bought appliances using 120 volts (and refrigerators were not cheap back in the day), the U.S. decided not to. The U.S. did implement the three-wire system so that larger appliances could operate on 220 volts, while smaller appliances stayed at 120 volts.
ACUPWR understands how frustrating it can be while traveling abroad that you can't use any electrical outlet easily. You will probably need multiple international plug adapters while traveling abroad. Our company makes a plethora of electrical adapters to meet your needs. Shop today!
]]>ACUPWR offers voltage transformers for consumer-use, which is most often used to transform the voltage of an appliance, say a blender, into another voltage so that it can be used while traveling to different countries. Our voltage transformers are safe and reliable. Below, we'll take a further look at voltage transformers. Shop all of our electrical transformers online today!
Another way to describe a voltage transformer is a device that either stepsup or down electrical voltage via an electrical energy transfer between circuits, using the principles of electromagnetic induction.
When most people think of transformers, they think of the huge transformers they see when they are driving across this great country. These transformers convert the high electrical voltage that travels across power lines to the lower voltage that is safe to use in our homes. The reason for this is because as electricity travels over power lines, a lot of energy can be wasted due to the jiggling and crashing that occurs between the electrons in the atoms of the electrical current. By using higher voltages, the less energy is wasted, saving all of us money.
The energy you use varies in your home based on applications. Thus, your larger appliances, such as your refrigerator and washing machine, will require higher voltages of energy, such as 110-240, but your smaller appliances and cell phones require much less. These usually have electric transformers built in them (hence the box at the end).
When you travel not all countries use the same voltage, and you'll notice that the outlets are different as well. ACUPWR offers voltage transformers designed for international travel that are safe and reliable. This allows you to charge your cell phone overseas, or bring your blender along should you be moving. Our high-quality voltage transformers are made with the best components in the US and are quality tested before being shipped to you. We are committed to making your international travels easier by providing compact, voltage transformers for your use.
ACUPWR has been making the best power converters and electrical transformers since 1978. We take pride in being your go-to source for when you are traveling, taking one more thing off your plate as you are trying to remember what to pack. We offer a lifetime guarantee on our voltage transformers, as well as a lifetime offer on customer service. This means that if you have a problem with any electrical transformer you purchase from us, give us a call, and we'll get it fixed right away.
When you are looking for power converters, electrical transformers, surge protectors, and car inverters, ACUPWR has got you covered. Shop with us today!
]]>Your new home will probably have a lot of new things to try, but there are probably a few things that you depend on right now that you’ll want with you after you move. Do a little preemptive research and investigate whether you’ll be able to find or order those items. Can you refill the medical prescriptions you need abroad? Do they have your favorite food? With a little planning, you can find ways to get the items you need and love (like shipping peanut butter in bulk).
Before you move, think through the everyday things you do that might be different or need a little set-up first. Paying for lunch, for example, or going to the doctor. Do you have a bank account set up in your new country? Do you know where to go when you’re due for a dentist appointment? Save yourself the headache of trying to figure everything out at once and plan ahead.
If something goes wrong, do you know what to do? Moving is a chaotic time, especially when moving abroad. Give yourself some peace of mind and prepare for emergencies now. Ask yourself: what number do you call for the police? Where can you go when you’re sick? What do you do in the case of extreme weather, like a hurricane or tsunami?
It’s a good idea to get a full physical before moving to make sure there are no surprises. You should also get back-ups for glasses, contacts, and any medical appliances you need. Double check that your medications are legal in your new country, and see if you can bring extra refills with you. Research what vaccinations or boosters you may need to travel and schedule those appointments ahead of time, before you get busy packing.
The most important part of moving abroad is getting all the legal clearances and documentation you need. Secure a visa or whatever official permissions you need to move and make sure you have your passport. You may also need to get health clearances for you and all the members of your family, pets included. Make copies of all your important documents, from immunization records to legal agreements, and store them in a secure, protected place where you won’t forget them.
Moving abroad can be a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Use today’s tips and the tips from part one of this series to plan ahead and prepare. That way, once you settle in, you can concentrate on exploring your new home rather than fussing over the little details. If you want to take your most trusted appliances and electronic devices abroad, ACUPWR can relieve the worry of having to use a cheap and unreliable power converter. We offer voltage transformers for countries all over the world, and not only are our devices guaranteed for 120 percent of their voltage, they come with a lifetime warranty and damage protection. Order your ACUPWR Tru-Watts power converter today and get excited for your move!
Understanding the culture, history, and geography of your new home will help smooth out your move. You should also know what currency they use and how their government works. The best way to prepare yourself for your new life is to start learning the language and giving yourself a few months to practice. It may be hard now, but it will make everything easier once you’ve moved.
You should definitely bring anything essential to your everyday activities, important documents, and anything with sentimental value. You don’t have to bring everything, because chances are you’ll be able to get what you need at your destination. There also may be some restrictions on what you can bring to your new country, like plants or flammable materials. Double check what you’re allowed to bring and then factor in cost. If you’re only going to be in the country for a year or two, it might be more worthwhile to store big items like furniture.
Most items can be moved by air or by sea, although transferring by sea will take longer. You should consider both how much it will cost and how long it will take. If you own a car, that will likely be the hardest thing to ship. Research your options far in advance so you don’t have to live out of your suitcase for months.
If you’ve traveled internationally before, you no doubt have noticed that every country seems to have their own plug and outlet system. Research what the electric system is like in your new country and make sure you have the right plug adapters and power converters to make them work. Cheap, foreign-made products are ineffective and may explode or catch fire when overloaded! ACUPWR’s high-quality products are guaranteed up to 120% of their advertised wattage and come with lifetime warranties, so you can still jam on your electric guitar or use a microwave without worrying about sparks flying. Check out all our products to find what you need for your international move. Can’t find it? Contact us to talk about a customized power converter.
Moving abroad can become very expensive very quickly. Make sure you understand what everything will cost before you commit. You will probably have to buy new furniture, new health insurance, perhaps even a new car. Shipping your belongings overseas and then over land to your new address will come with a significant cost. You will probably also have to pay for paperwork like a visa and then deal with international and local taxes. As easy as modern technology makes it, there will even be a fee to move your money to an international bank.
The most important part of moving abroad is getting all the legal clearances and documentation you need. Secure a visa or whatever official permissions you need to move and make sure you have your passport. You may also need to get health clearances for you and all the members of your family, pets included. Make copies of all your important documents, from immunization records to legal agreements, and store them in a secure, protected place where you won’t forget them.
Moving abroad can be a complicated process, but ACUPWR wants to make it a little easier. Keep an eye out for even more tips in part two of this series, or take your first steps toward a simplified move with lifetime guaranteed power converters and outlet adapters. ACUPWR’s American-made products come with fireproof thermal protection, so you will never risk damaging your appliances or putting your family in danger. With Tru-Watt technology, our voltage transformers and power converters are guaranteed for 120% of their advertised voltage. Make your international move a little easier — shop ACUPWR products now!
It starts with the dawn of electricity. Thomas Edison, commonly known as the inventor of the light bulb, was the first person to effectively harness electricity for household use. He championed the use of direct current (DC) electricity, and built his entire company around providing families with DC power. Direct current wasn’t perfect, though. It’s biggest problem was that it couldn’t carry voltage for more than a few miles. Nikola Tesla, who began as a brilliant employee of Edison’s, emerged as a direct competitor. Tesla developed alternating current (AC) electricity, which was far more effective at providing electricity over long distances.
To try and save his business, Edison launched an extensive smear campaign against Tesla, peaking with the attempted electrocution of an unfortunate circus elephant to prove how dangerous alternating current was. In the end, it didn’t matter. Tesla’s alternating current was more efficient and effective, and the United States implemented his form of electricity rather than Edison’s.
This is when the United States chose 110 volts as their standard voltage. Edison had chosen it as the voltage for his direct current invention, and since Tesla was directly challenging him, that was the voltage he chose for alternating current as well. When alternating current was accepted as the standard form of electricity, 110 volts became the standard in the same swoop. Around the world, other scientists were making their own breakthroughs and choosing their own voltages.
Household electricity became widely available in the late 19th century, and as time went on, more gadgets and appliances needed electricity to work. Time-saving devices like vacuums became popular, and people needed a way to power them. At the time, your only option was to plug your device directly into your home’s wiring, which was exactly as dangerous as it sounds. Harvey Hubbell invented the “separable attachment plug,” which let non-bulb devices, like the handy vacuum cleaner, pull power from a light socket. He refined his design into a two-prong plug that eventually evolved into the three-prong plug we know today.
People around the globe were coming up with their own solutions, without a thought to how their neighbors might be going about it. The International Electrotechnical Commision (IEC) was eventually formed to create international standards, but they didn’t have the authority to force countries to adopt a universal electric plug. Their work was interrupted by World War I, and things spiraled further out of their control after World War II. Rebuilding efforts after the war led to more plug designs because countries like Britain had to work around shortages of common materials, like copper wire. They completely reinvented their standard electric plug out of necessity, now called a “Type G” plug, without any regard for the IEC’s recommendations.
There are about 14 different plug and socket systems used throughout the world. The type of plug that a country uses is often dependent on their history and the types used by surrounding countries. India, for example, uses a “Type D” plug, which was invented in the United Kingdom and distributed while India was still a British colony. Britain withdrew from India before their current “Type G” style was widely available, which is why the “Type D” plug persists in India. “Type D” plugs are also used in the countries around India, such as Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Regions like Bangladesh and the American Samoa support four or five types of plugs, reflecting their relationships with several different countries. The IEC is still in operation, but their focus has shifted away from trying to implement a universal plug. The designs for their suggested “Type N” plug are still available, but the futility of convincing the world to change their systems is clear: Brazil and South Africa are currently the only countries using the IEC’s plug design.
There is a crazy amount of variety in the plugs and outlets used around the world, with plenty of crazy history behind it. If you’re traveling or moving abroad, make sure you get the right adapter or transformer for your electronics. Cheap, foreign-made converters are so ineffective that many companies recommending getting higher wattage converters than your device should need, and they can explode or catch fire when overloaded! ACUPWR’s Tru-Watts converters are lifetime guaranteed for 120 percent of the advertised wattage and its high-quality materials will prevent any dangerous overload situations. Make sure your appliances will work no matter where you are in the world. Check out our selection of voltage transformers and international power converters today!
Here are some of the other things that every one of our transformers will go through:
We carry out these variety of tests because we care deeply about the performance of each unit before we put our name to it. You will not find any of those extensive examinations performed on cheap, Asian-made transformers. Such units are designed to be pumped out of factory floors and into a buyer's hands as quickly as possible. The companies making and selling those units give little regard to safety or efficiency standards because they do not care if their unit will stand the test of time.
The result? A cheap, inefficient transformer that poses a danger to your safety and property.
Only ACUPWR transformers pass every examination with flying colors. Only ACUPWR transformers are tested to their absolute perfection.
]]>And with a universal plug receptacle and the choice of either 120V or 220V power, ACUPWR's 350-Watt Car Travel Inverter is the perfect tool for using your electronics, no no matter what country you are in, within the luxury of a car. Simply plug the car inverter into your car's cigarette lighter, select either 120V or 220V power on the slider, and you are good to go!
Everything from small TV's, game systems, laptops, and hair dryers can work with the Car Travel Inverter (provided they use no more than 350-watts and are safe to use within a vehicle). And most importantly, because you can choose which voltage standard setting you want to use, ACUPWR's Travel Car Inverter gives you a higher range of possible appliances to use than pretty much anything else on the market. Add in ACUPWR's amazing safety standards and our lifetime warranty to the package, and you have yourself an outstanding, reliable product you know you can always depend on.
Do you want to set-up small kitchen appliances while camping out in the woods? Do you want to entertain the kids with a television on the road? Do you need to have your laptop charged and ready to go the moment you step out of your vehicle? Well, you certainly can have all that with our car inverter!
Take a look at the amazon reviews of cheaper, lower-end car inverters and you will realize that units randomly breaking down is not uncommon. And that sudden failure can really put a painful nail of inconvenience while you are a long way from home and were counting on your car inverter the most. ACUPWR's Travel Car Inverter comes with the safety standards and reliability one comes to expect from our brand.
It is the perfect product for camping, long road trips (domestic or abroad!), or keeping the kids entertained on long drives. Wherever you go, bring your choice of voltage with you too!
]]>The unfortunate truth is that the industry is currently inundated with cheap units that are known to fail within their supposed wattage capacity – and possibly harming you, your loved ones, your property, or home.
We understand that when you buy anything from a company you are placing your trust in them that they will deliver something you can count on. Sadly, accidents dealing with a home’s electricity system, even fatal ones, are not uncommon.
When you buy something from a company that deals with wiring, electric power, and voltages, you are trusting on said company to have taken the necessary precautions and safety standards to ensure the safety of their product.
Other companies take that trust with a grain of a salt. All they care about is pumping out as many units as cheaply as is possible.
But to us here in ACUPWR, that trust you place in us is special and of utmost consideration. It means we should do everything in our power to make sure our products go above and beyond your expectations. It means we load up our transformers with the most advanced safety features available. It means we should be ready to support you with any issues or questions you may have with using our products. It quite simply means we will reciprocate your trust with our commitment.
Our lifetime warranty is a show of that commitment to you, the customer.
When you buy an ACUPWR unit, you can be sure that it will last you a lifetime. And if it doesn’t, then we have an amazing customer and technical support staff that can ensure any and all issues are resolved.
That is the ACUPWR guarantee.
]]>Whether you own a business that needs a worldwide range of appliances, are constantly relocating to new countries for government or business work, are have simply picked up a wide range of different appliances from around the world in your travels, you can be sure you can trust to use each and every one of those appliances with an ACUPWR surge protector.
Just make sure to use the proper voltage transformer or converter if your country’s voltage does not match that of the appliance you want to use! For more information on that, go check out our guide for choosing a transformer.
How?
Well, there’s two words to consider: power consumption.
ACUPWR transformers are designed and manufactured to work safely and extremely efficiently – our units use a negligible amount of power when nothing is plugged in and, when in use, convert voltage for your precious appliances in the most competent way possible.
Those cheap transformers? They weren’t designed with your safety, electrical bill, or power efficiency in mind. They use a very real amount of electricity when idle and, because of cheap, rushed engineering, tend to convert voltage in a notably unproductive way. Power consumption is an important factor to consider when calculating the price of a voltage transformer. If you are not careful with your choice, you may very well end up paying a lot more in the long run for a unit made from cheaper materials and design.
That’s not even mentioning the cost it takes to replace those cheap black box units. And you might be replacing them a lot, as they are known to break down, and sometimes even explode, even when used within their supposed wattage capacity.
And remember, only ACUPWR has True-Watts, our promise to you that the transformer that you get is good up to the wattage level that it says on the box. Those other companies? Their units are so unreliable, they can’t themselves trust it to work up to their stated wattage. They’ll try and convince you to go buy a unit with up to twice the wattage capacity of what your appliances actually need. With an ACUPWR unit you only have to pay up to the wattage capacity that you need!
Here are some other advantages that ACUPWR transformers have that make them the top choice for your wallet:
Everybody needs to eat, and kitchen appliances around he world cater to local cuisines and recipes. But when local cuisines go international—such as when a certain ethnic restaurant pops up in a faraway urban metropolis—that equipment often shows up in the kitchen. And of course the caveat here is voltage; Japanese-market items require 100 volts. Appliances for use in Mexico and regions in Brazil often require 127-volt power.
The ideal work-around for using exotic, imported kitchen gadgets that require an “overseas” voltage standard—whether it’s 100, 110-120, 127, or 220-240 volts—is an ACUPWR voltage transformer. They’re world renowned for safety features such as fuseless thermal protection technology and the ability to work safely at 20% beyond the stated wattage. Plus, a lifetime warranty and $10,000 in damage protection make us the best choice for your international kitchen.]]>
Power distribution products are our specialty, and they’re superbly manufactured with the same dedication to safety and reliability that informs our transformers. ACUPWR’s continuously expanding line includes…
Of course, if you’re reading this you know that a voltage transformer will bring compatibility between your electrical possessions and the overseas voltages. And you likely know of the inherent dangers of cheap, Chinese-made transformers. There’s no room for cutting corners by going cheap; spend a little bit more on an ACUPWR Tru-WattÔ transformer and you’ll get the safest, most energy efficient, and most reliable not to mention long-lasting voltage conversion product on the market. Features like our thermal protection sensor keep you safe and protected from over-wattage and voltage surges while also providing a safety net if you have to exceed the transformer’s stated wattage.
For military families bringing their things overseas, it’s not just a patriotic thing to buy an American-made ACUPWR transformer; it’s also a guarantee that you’ll be safe and protected with the kind of quality that only a solidly built American product delivers. Trust ACUPWR for safe power, everywhere.
]]>
Not quite. Older Music equipment manufactured by Japanese companies (such as Roland, Yamaha, and Korg) for sale in Japan always have a power requirement of 100 volts, since the AC power over there is 100 volts. [Note that these older keyboards do not use an external power supply that can handle 100-250-volt AC power, as is the case with most newer electronic devices.] Does this mean you’re plum out of luck trying to use that old Roland Jupiter 8 in the UK or the USA?
Some misinformed folk will tell you it’s fine to use a device requiring 100 volts in the US and Canada where line voltage is often 125 volts. That’s incorrect; despite a relatively small 20- to 25-volt difference, the 100-volt device might work at first but the overvoltage will lead to burned out parts within a few months.
ACUPWR’s step up and step down voltage transformers are used by musicians and backline companies throughout the world. ACUPWR’s AJD series step-down transformers convert 110-120 volts down to 100 volts, and our AJ-EUD step down/step up transformers will step down the voltage from 220-240 volts to 100.
Remember that electrical products and electronics should always be powered at the voltage as stated on them. Trust ACUPWR for safe power conversion!
]]>We’ve blogged before about ACUPWR being the safest and most reliable transformer for musicians relocating or touring overseas with “fixed-voltage” amps or instruments (see our blog article Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar in Denmark. By fixed-voltage, we’re referring to equipment with a power transformer that can accept only a particular line voltage—say 110-120 volts or 220-240 volts. So, let’s say you have an ‘50s era Fender Deluxe that requires 117 volts, and you’ll be taking it to, hmmm, Cologne, Germany where the line voltage is 220-240. In this case, an ACUPWR AD-500 step down transformer will convert voltage for the amp. And voilà.
Mike’s article also discusses how cheap, low-budget transformer—those black-box types made in Asia with cheap parts—are fraught with problems that’ll have your amp literally smoking in the middle of your allegedly smoking guitar solo. Using a solid, American-made transformer, one that has a thermal protection sensor for overload protection rather than a glass fuse, will save your amp and everything else—perhaps even your life.
Below is the the article in its entirety.
Transformers: Not the Movie: When touring in a land of unfamiliar voltages, make sure you choose the right kind of transformer
By Mike Bieber, ACUPWR
Musicians travel and that’s the way it’s been for thousands of years. So, all hail the roving troubadour, the travelling minstrelsy, the road dogs in the Ford Econoline, and the New Jersey hair bands in their steel horses. And let’s not forget the Travelling Wilburys.
Seriously, touring internationally should be an exciting adventure for any performer or musician. Yet the prospect of jet lag, getting treated like royalty by a tiny two-person label, and performing in an exotic place like Sheffield can obfuscate important logistical factors—like AC voltage differences. Granted, you often don’t need to think about this; power supplies in most newer electronics and electrical equipment can accommodate a line (household) voltage range of 100-240 volts. This range encompasses the international voltage standards used throughout the world, and most modern guitar amps have power transformers that accept world-wide voltages as well.
Still, plenty of touring musicians are tone obsessives who can’t part with their vintage tweed Deluxe amp or vintage keyboard or pedal or whatever, and lots of old gear accepts only a single voltage standard (particularly export gear). For example, the backline of Fender amps seen in the Beatles’ “Let it Be” rooftop concert were export models fitted with power transformers to accommodate England’s 220-volt, 50 Hz AC power. Most older amps were built to operate on the voltage standards of the countries from which they originated; for years, Marshall shipped amps to the US with fixed-voltage power transformers designed to handle only the US’s 110-120-volt, 60 Hz voltage standard. Meanwhile, today many boutique amp builders use single-voltage power transformer to match the voltage standard in a distributor’s country, so an amp shipped to a European distributor likely has a power transformer that accepts the European voltage standard of 220-240 volts and 50 Hz. (Fun fact: two thirds of the world rely on 220-240-volt, 50 Hz electricity.)
Needless to say, amps with single-voltage power trannies have hardly stopped dedicated musicians from bringing them all over the world. That said, what’s the workaround for using your fixed-voltage amps and instruments in a country with incompatible voltage? Let’s consider the options.
Each of these options has its own merits, and you can decide which of them is most convenient for your needs. But we’ll limit this discussion to the third option: using an external step up/step down voltage transformer to convert international voltages.
This option lets you leave the power transformer in your amps, keyboards, and other equipment completely stock—something appreciated by vintage amp collectors—and instead, use a “plug-and-play” solution between the power source and your equipment. Guitar technicians and live sound contractors rely on step-ups and step-downs for all kinds of line voltage conversions; with a high-quality, American-made transformer you can play the heart out of your old ’67 Deluxe Reverb (the one with a power requirement of 117 volts) somewhere in Norway (where everything runs on 220 to 240 volts).
CAVEAT EMPTOR: THE QUALITY FACTOR
If you enter the search term “step-down voltage transformer” in amazon.com, you’ll see dozens of similar-looking black boxes with a slew of different brand names, among them PowerBright, SevenStar, Simran, Rockstone, etc. Now, because I’m with an American company (ACUPWR) that makes step-up/step-down transformers, the following may seem self-serving—but I’ve also accumulated a lot of experience regarding what does and does not work. The bottom line is playing through something like an amp involves high power, high voltages, and high current drain, which places significant constraints on what you can use. It’s not like you’re trying to power a radio or electric razor.
The visual similarity of the black boxes referenced above is due to their being manufactured inexpensively in China, usually under the same roof (regardless of brand name). These types of transformers are ill-suited to serious use, for reasons we’ll discuss later.
In the other corner there’s quality. Scroll a few pages in on the amazon.com “step-down voltage transformer” search and you’ll find some American-made models by ACUPWR. This brand costs more ($159 for a 500-watt step-down model compared to a 500-watt Chinese model that sells for $32.95) but there’s a reason for this kind of price difference. Ideally, a transformer is reliable, energy efficient, and have a long useful life. Even more importantly, when you’re dealing with all things electro-magnetic, safety is first and foremost.
At a $32.95 price point, the corner-cutting involves using aluminum wiring and coils, cheap steel for the transformer core, and an ordinary glass fuse that often doesn’t blow until there’s been an overload for a period of time. These differences are important. For example not only does aluminum have lower current carrying capacity than copper, if a product mixes aluminum wiring and copper (e.g., in connectors), corrosion becomes a factor because aluminum will react electrochemically with copper when moisture is introduced into the system (e.g., humid environments). As to glass cartridge fuses, although they’re supposed to blow when the circuit is overloaded to protect the transformer and your amp, the response time can be sufficiently slow that they may not blow until after the transformer has caught on fire due to overheating.
Professional units that can handle the kind of current needed by amps are hand-built with premium-grade electrical steel, copper core wiring, heat resistant enamel coating, and a thermal protection sensor instead of glass fuses. These sensors react to the heat caused by an overload condition instead of reacting solely to the amount of current. This is important because if the fuse thinks the amount of current is okay, it will keep supplying current and continue heating up the transformer. A sensor will shut the unit off automatically if it becomes too hot due to an overload condition, but also restart the transformer when it cools down (unlike a blown fuse, which you have to replace) and also unlike a fuse, will work beyond the stated wattage if there’s no danger over overheating.
Remember, parts aren’t just simply parts. Using cheap steel for a transformer’s core and aluminum wire makes the transformer susceptible to overheating, power loss, and inefficiency. The cheap core can also lead to a very audible AC hum (a principle known as hysteresis), and not enough magnetic flux to move the electrons along. To compare, a recent bench test between an ACUPWR transformer and a Chinese PowerBright model showed the ACUPWR model to have 95% energy efficiency compared with the Chinese model’s 85% energy efficiency. Tested at their fully stated wattage load capability of 500 watts, the ACUPWR model converted 220-volt input to the desired 110-volt output, while the PowerBright model converted 220 volts to an undesirable 95 volts—the equivalent of running your amp during a brownout.
CYCLE ’TIL IT HERTZ
There’s more to the subject than just converting voltage, because of the AC line frequency differences that exist with different line voltage standards. 60 Hz, or cycles per second, is common with 110-120-volt electricity and 50 Hz is typical with 220-240-volt electricity. Voltage transformers don’t convert AC frequency. Does this matter? It’s a complicated question with many opinions for answers. A solid, ruggedly built voltage transformer has enough iron in its core to allow for safe operation of 60 Hz equipment in a 50 Hz country. The general rule is that any electronic device with a high-power motor will be affected and not crank at the proper torque. Also, devices that depend on the AC voltage frequency for timing (e.g., many analog tape decks) will be affected. Low-power “servo” motors are not impacted, nor are electronics. However, this answer doesn’t always satisfy audiophiles and tone purists who insist that there’s a difference. Whether their observations stand up to double-blind testing is another matter altogether, so we’ll just leave it at that.
“Golden ears” questions aside, the most important point is that step-up or step-down voltage transformers are not just about getting a job done reliably, but getting it done safely. If you have a few low-current consumer gadgets, the $32 transformer might do the job. But when you want something that won’t damage either your gear or yourself, or turn your smokin’ solo into a literally smokin’ solo, it’s crucial to do your research and choose transformers that prioritize reliability and safety.
Mike Bieber is the Marketing Director for ACUPWR transformers. He is not related to Justin.]]>
Not surprising, you’ll find Vitamix machines used the world over. Foodies, followers of the health and fitness lifestyle, restaurateurs, commercial enterprises or ordinary individuals—whomever you are and whatever you do, Vitamix products are sought after for multitude reasons that have everything to do with made-in-USA quality and reputation, and all the great attributes of Vitamix.
It’s needless to say that Vitamix products are sought after here and internationally. But with regard to the latter, they’re considerably more expensive in places such as Europe and Asia than in the USA. To save a few money, Vitamix fans overseas often purchase a unit from a USA reseller for use in their home country—certainly a viable option. Nonetheless, it’s an option that will require a good, dependable, high-quality step down voltage transformer to convert the Vitamix’s 110-120-volt AC requirement to the 220-240-volt AC that exists in Europe, Asia, and nearly two-thirds of the world.
Enter ACUPWR. Our renowned, American-made international voltage transformers are the perfect conduit for using a 110-120-volt Vitamix blender or food preparation machine in countries with 220-240-volt AC. For example, Vitamix’s popular Professional Series 750 draws about 1500 watts/volt amps at full power. Thus, ACUPWR’s AD-1500 step-down transformer will convert 220-240-volt AC to the 110-120-volt AC required by the Vitamix. Et voilà.
It’s also great to know that the excellent, high-power AMETEK Lamb motors used in Vitamix products are equally at home with 50 Hz and 60 Hz AC, so there’s no worry about its motor turning too fast with the 50 Hz AC used in Europe, and ultimately burning out.
So go ahead and use your Vitamix anywhere in the world, anytime you want. anyplace in the world. And trust ACUPWR to keep you safely connected and healthy!]]>
Still, shouldn’t it be the case that if a product says its rated for 1000 watts, then it should deliver at 1000 watts? Why is a term like Tru-Watts™ even necessary? It’s because most of ACUPWR’s competition are voltage transformers built in Asia with cheap components and workmanship. Because of this corner cutting, Asian-made transformers are notorious for breaking down and even catching on fire before with loads that are well below the stated wattage. So even if that Asian-made transformer is listed on Amazon as being capable of handling 1000-watt/volt amp loads, and the transformer has a model number like “STU-1000” or “VC-500” that’s supposed to correspond with their supposed wattage capability, you might be playing with fire—literally.
So, the Asian-manufactured transformers do not deliver the goods at their stated wattage. To get around this problem, their manufacturers suggest buying a transformer with a wattage capability that is “at least three times the item’s [wattage] capacity” in order to accommodate inrush (or rush) voltage and any danger or overload from the attached load overwhelming the cheap, poor-quality components and thus blowing up said transformer. With an ACUPWR Tru-Watts™ transformer using thermal protection circuitry, there’s no worry of the transformer blowing.
In the end, Tru-Watts™ means real, genuine, usable wattage capability at the stated wattage and beyond. It’s what makes an ACUPWR transformer the safest, most reliable, and truest voltage transformer available.]]>
Items such as refrigerators, freezers, large wine coolers, washers, dryers, and big air conditioners, to name a few examples, rely on larger high-power motors to get the job done. Nonetheless, those kinds of appliances won’t work efficiently by only converting voltage with a basic step-up or step-down transformer from ACUPWR. This is because high-power motors are affected by the AC line frequency—an often overlooked player when it comes to household electricity.
We’ve blogged about line frequency in the past and to recap here, line frequency is the number of cycles per second electricity alternates between positive and negative polarity as it moves from its source (the power plant) and throughout your home. In most 110-120-volt countries, the AC moves at 60 Hertz (abbreviated as Hz and the unit of measurement for cycles per second). When 220-240 volts are the voltage standard (as is the case in two-thirds of the world’s countries), AC frequency is nearly always 50 Hz. As it relates to high-power motors, they have to be used at the proper voltage and AC frequency they’re rated for. Proper voltage is a no-brainer, but proper AC frequency is imperative as well because frequency affects the torque, or power, of the motor. A 50 Hz motor will turn too slowly when used with 60 Hz electricity. Conversely, a 60 Hz motor will operate to fast with 50 Hz electricity. With either situation, your refrigerator won’t work efficiently and its motor will definitely burn out within a month.
For this kind of situation, ACUPWR has the perfect solution! Our AUC and ADC series are unique to the needs of anybody using a high-power motor in a country with different voltage and AC frequency than the motor requires, so the torque will be just right and the motor will never burn out. Of course, this means that your appliances will work happily and there won’t be any spoiled food. The AUC series are step-up transformers that convert 110-120 volts to 220-240 volts, while the ADCs, step-down transformers, convert 220-240 volts to 110-120 volts. Unique to both models is our proprietary solution for solving the voltage and—particularly—the AC frequency requirements of high-power motors.
Trust ACUPWR for voltage conversions on all of your high-power-motorized appliances and for Safe. Power. Everywhere.]]>
To back up our claims, we recently hired New Jersey Micro Electronic laboratories (NJMet) to evaluate our popular AUD-500 model. At the same time, we tested one of our competitor’s products, a Chinese-made PowerBright VC-500W model that sells very well because it’s very reasonably priced—too reasonably priced, in fact. Both voltage transformers are combination step up/step down types that convert 220-240 volts to 110-120 volts, and vice-versa, and feature a stated 500-watt load capability. One (ours!) is manufactured with premium components, safety features, and high-end quality, and our cost reflects that, while our competitor is cheaply made in China and therefore costs around $30. But as we like to say, “In the end, you get what you pay for.”
Here’s what our technician at NJMet labs, John Lauermann, reported to us. Let’s just say the results were not surprising.
“On September 28, 2016, the ACUPWR AUD-500 and PowerBright VC-500W transformers were tested at New Jersey Micro-Electronic Testing, Inc. NJMET is an AS9100 and ISO 9001 registered company in operation for 40 years and is a full-service laboratory for testing electronic components and counterfeit detection of electronic components.
Both transformers were tested at 100-, 125-, and 150-percent of the stated wattage. The performance of the transformers with respect to output voltage, efficiency, and safety of operation were compared.
The ACUPWR AUD-500 performed exactly as specified at the 500-watt level outputting 120 volts RMS with 96 percent efficiency and a case temperature barely above room temperature. The PowerBright VC-500W, with a specified output of 110 volts RMS, underperformed. It outputted 96 volts RMS with a case temperature of 63° Celsius (145.4° Farenheit).
At the 125 percent level (625 watts) the ACUPWR AUD-500 delivered 119 volts RMS with 95.7 percent efficiency, while the PowerBright VC-500W delivered only 95 volts RMS with an 85.6 percent efficiency. Within six minutes the PowerBright transformer was outputting just 91 volts RMS whereas the ACUPWR transformer continued to output 119 volts RMS.
At the 150 percent level (750 watts), the PowerBright VC-500W outputted 85 volts RMS and in 15 minutes reached a temperature of 88 Celsius (190 Farenheit). Smoke was coming through the case vents and the protective fuse did not blow as it should have. At the same power level, the ACUPWR AUD-500 outputted 118 volts RMS and was 94 percent efficient. At 55 minutes, the thermal protection circuit activated and shut down the transformer at a case temperature of 56 Celsius (133 Farenheit) and thus avoided a potentially dangerous situation. In 27 minutes, the ACUPWR AUD-500 resumed normal operational safety.
Based on the findings of this comparative study, it is obvious that the ACUPWR transformer is far superior to the PowerBright transformer in supplying the specified output voltage, efficiency, and overall operational safety.
John Lauermann
Director of Engineering
NJ Micro-Electronic Testing, Inc.”
ACUPWR has always claimed to be the safest, most reliable, and most efficient voltage transformers on the market, and NJMET proved that to be the case. You can argue that the Chinese transformer is only one example, yet take a look at what’s available and you’ll see that most voltage transformers look almost the same except for the brand. That’s because they are the same—made in the same factory with the same cheap components, and priced way too cheap for the type of product that needs to be safe.
The mere fact that the PowerBright’s fuse protection didn’t blow when it was overloaded, and the smoke condition (and eventual fire) left in its wake means it’s a very unsafe product—the kind you don’t want around your family or important electrical equipment and appliances. Our evaluation also proved another thing: the cheap “Black Box” transformers such as PowerBright’s do not deliver the necessary converted voltage at their stated wattage load. Will you 475-watt appliance or electronics work sufficiently at the 96-volt output delivered by PowerBright’s VC-500W? Why say it will work at 500 watts when it absolutely does not?
When all’s said and done, ACUPWR voltage transformers prove to be the safest, most energy efficient, and most reliable transformers available. They’ll never smoke or catch on fire when overloaded (thanks to its thermal protection sensor) and it will last for decades. A lifetime warranty and up to $10,000 in damage coverage backs up our claim.
Buy ACUPWR for Safe. Power. Everywhere.
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Well, NJMET bench tested both model’s performance at 100, 125, and 150 percent of the stated wattage. So we’re talking wattage loads of 500, 625, and 750 watts/volt amps. In the coming weeks we’ll divulge the numbers, but at this point we’ll just say that a true victor emerged. And there was smoke…lots of smoke.
As we like to say here at ACUPWR, in the end you get what you pay for, and the red transformer is worth every red penny. Trust ACUPWR for Safe. Power. Everywhere.]]>
ACUPWR voltage transformers are available in lead wire versions for a $39.99 upcharge on our website and also via telephone orders. Additionally, we offer knockout box housing on select transformer models—please inquire. Lead wire orders require 2 weeks between order placement and shipment.]]>
(Photo courtesy of Army Sustainment magazine)
We love this photo! Why? Because it captures everything we’ve been saying for years about Chinese voltage transformers and why ACUPWR transformers are light years better. To say it succinctly, their products blow up and ours do not. And we guarantee that they won’t.
The May-July 2012 issue of Army Sustainment includes an article titled “The Three Most Common Electrical Safety Issues in Deployed Environments.” It explains how, in the author’s words, “electrical safety problems have bedeviled deployed U.S. military forces for many years.” It turns out that the primary culprit for these bedeviling safety problems is cheaply manufactured Chinese products (among them power strips and voltage converters).
The article makes a case for using UL-approved products by explaining how even the US military got “sucked” into using cheap, Chinese-made voltage converters. And because most overseas US military bases are in countries using 220-240-volt electricity, voltage transformers get some good recognition. The author writes, “Step-up/down voltage transformers provide a solution, but the primary source for these appliances is—you guessed it—China. After electricians employed by a US contractor in Afghanistan inspected new, locally purchased step-up/down transformers, they were determined to be unsafe. They included a counterfeit CE logo carefully stenciled on the side. The manufacturer’s website revealed a link [to a counterfeit CE certificate].
“When an electrician checked the transformer schematic posted on the website, he determined that the ground was insufficient and the product presented a serious fire and shock hazard.” With regard to the transformer in the picture, the same make and model continues to be available on the alibaba.com website. And we'll note that ACUPWR transformers are built with UL-approved circuitry and they're CE approved.
In the end, a picture speaks a thousand words, but this type of situation would never occur if the army was using an ACUPWR voltage transformer. Our thermal protection sensor and a host of other safety features prevent our products from catching on fire. If only the US military knew, but ACUPWR is working on changing that.
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Bringing Your Current Appliances and Electronics with You When you Retire to a New Country.
There’s the fun part of planning an overseas retirement, like finding the locale with the bluest water, best slopes, or best local cuisine and tax laws. Then, there’s the real work: moving and determining what to bring with you. Luxury appliances? Your dad’s hand-me-down vintage tube stereo system? A 19th-century chandelier, TV’s, electronics, miscellaneous gourmet kitchen items like a $3000 espresso machine? A dilemma, to be sure.
One facet about international relocation—and one often taken for granted—is electricity. If you assume that your 110-120-volt food-chopping gizmo will work in a 220-240-volt country, guess again. It’s not a matter of finding a plug adapter that let you plug into your new country’s oddly shaped wall outlet; there’s also the issue of voltage compatibility. There are four different line (or mains, as they say England) voltage standards in use throughout the world for household electricity. In the USA and Canada it’s 110-120 volts. Two-thirds of the world relies on 220-240 volts. A few countries—Brazil and Mexico in particular—depend 127-volt electricity. And then there’s Japan, the lone holdout, which uses 100 volts of AC. If you plug a device that requires 110-120 volts or 127 volts of electricity into a 220-240-volt outlet, the net result is a very destroyed appliance and possibly a big electrical fire or worse. Plug a 220-240-volt appliance into a wall outlet delivering 110-120-volt or 127-volt electricity and the device will barely work or not work at all.
There are several work-arounds to this logistical dilemma. One is to ditch your current appliances and electronics and buy new appliances that operate at the voltage standard in your new country. Buying these products in the US and shipping them overseas is actually quite cost effective. In fact, if you have the new appliances sent directly to the shipping container you might be using, you will avoid taxes altogether. Another option is to buy new appliances in your adopted homeland. However, considering currency valuations and other financial variables, this can be expensive. A third, and increasingly common option, is to relocate with your current appliances and, if the voltage standard is different in your new home country, use a common step up or step down voltage transformer—one designed to handle conversions between the aforementioned line voltage standards throughout the world—to power up your electronics, appliances, and electrical devices anywhere in the world.
Voltage Transformers are easy to find. In fact, they’re all over the online sites for Amazon.com and online sites for Sears and Wal*mart, and electrical supply companies such as Grainger. When you search “voltage transformers” on amazon.com, the result displays similar-looking black boxes with lots of different brand names. Dig deeper and you’ll find some that appear more trustworthy, with better branding and exterior packaging. Scroll through more pages and you’ll notice some transformers that seem rock-solid and built like a Sherman tank. Overall, Amazon carries a vast assortment of quality and schlock; the black-box transformers are considered low-quality and priced accordingly. High-quality voltage transformers are typically American made and priced higher for good reason.
What it comes down to is parts; the inexpensive models are manufactured with inexpensive components such as aluminum (used for the transformer’s internal coils) and poor-quality steel, both of which conduct electricity poorly and are notable for catching on fire before reaching their maximum stated wattage. This is because of excessive heat buildup and wasted electricity—essentially, the transformer is working super hard just to get in the ballpark range of its stated wattage. And the more one pushes it to reach the stated number that it’s supposed to deliver, the closer the unit comes to going up in flames. (Take a glance at some Amazon reviews for some actual, “This-Can-Happen-to-You” tales from the voltage transformer dark side.) Plus, factor in shoddy manufacturing, poor solder connections, and wires that were never connected to begin with (!) and all we can say is you get what you pay for. Actually, with those poor-quality transformers there’s a face-saving unwritten rule that you’re supposed to buy a transformer with at least twice the wattage that your appliance actually consumes so that fire doesn’t actually happen.
Meanwhile, high-quality voltage transformers use copper for the coils and treated silicon-coated steel laminations, both of which reduce overheating while being highly efficient such that the transformer actually will work beyond its stated wattage. Safety features go without saying for any electrical appliance and better-quality transformers have thermal protection circuits that automatically turn off the unit if it overheats due to over-wattage or a voltage spike. In comparison, poor-quality transformers use standard cartridge fuses that actually break the circuit when over-voltage of over-wattage happens. They often catch on fire anyway.
In the end, paying more for better quality saves you money down the line since you won’t be replacing a cheap voltage transformer every few months. Moreover, safety and reliability is everything. Find a high-quality, American-made voltage transformer with all of the quality and safety features discussed herein, such one made by ACUPWR. [Full disclosure: this article was written by a proud ACUPWR employee].
Alas, if you’ve determined that using a line voltage transformer is a viable option for your relocation, the next step is to do some homework. Establish the voltage standard in your new country, then determine the wattage consumption of your appliances. You can always get a large transformer to power, say, all your gourmet kitchen appliances or home theater system (if your components don’t have dual voltage), or you can buy a very capable, 6000-watt whole-home model that can convert an entire house to the voltage you need. If you are moving a refrigerator or other appliance using a high-power motor, you need a special transformer that can supply the necessary voltage to keep that motor cranking at the exact RPMs it requires and hence not leave you with a refrigerator filled with spoiled food.
In summation, buying and using a voltage transformer can be tricky if you don’t know the difference between the good and bad, and the quality and schlock. Research and make note of the differences. Also note the wattage requirements of your appliances and electronics. Ask yourself if you can get by with one high-wattage model that can be used to power a few devices, or maybe you need only one lower-wattage model to power a single appliance such as a refrigerator. Whatever the case, quality matters especially when you mess around with something as precarious as appliances and electricity. Choose safely and wisely.
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We noted in a recent blog how the use of copper wiring for our transformer’s primary and secondary coils enables superior electrical conductivity and performance over the aluminum wire used in low-quality, inexpensive, foreign-made transformers. With this blog entry, we will discuss the importance of the transformer’s core and the need for high-quality electrical steel toward the goal of creating a safe, highly efficient transformer. To wit, most inexpensive transformers are built overseas using cheap, poor-quality steel that are synonymous with energy loss and overheating.
Meanwhile, better transformers such as those made by ACUPWR use the best available electrical steel for our transformer cores. This steel is always coated with silicon, which reduces heat while increasing resistivity. Why would you want resistance in a transformer when the idea is to move electrical current? It’s because no resistance will allow the electrical molecules to move too freely and hence create eddy currents and hysteresis—two factors that, without getting too deep into theory, present as excessive resistance and heat, and ultimately lost energy.
The transformer core is constructed using laminated steel plates (approximately 2 millimeters thick) rather than a solid block of steel. Using the latter would result in excessive eddy currents and hysteresis. Meanwhile, with the help of silicon to provide insulation, the laminated steel keeps eddy currents and hysteresis at a minimum and the current stays within the laminated pieces without straying everywhere and losing energy. You can observe in the illustration below how current moves in a solid core versus a laminated one.
How does a low-quality voltage transformer using an inferior core perform? Let’s just say they run excessively hot because of the eddy currents and hysteresis. Eddy currents and hysteresis, meanwhile, create a very audible 60 Hz hum that many people unfairly associate with voltage transformers in general. Actually, that notorious hum is the sound of a transformer working very hard under inefficient conditions as the result of cheap parts.
As we like to say here at ACUPWR, you get what you pay for. And paying for a high-quality voltage transformer built with premium parts like silicon steel works out financially in the end. Be safe. Buy American. And buy ACUPWR!
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Copper? Aluminum? What’s the difference? When it comes to electrical conductivity, it’s everything. All metals conduct electricity but some are much more efficient than others. That said, copper ranks #2 behind sterling silver insofar as conductivity, with efficiency ratings of 100- and 105-percent, respectively. Aluminum, however, ranks #4 with a 60-percent efficiency rate. Better conductivity means electrons move through wire more freely, with less resistance and less heat buildup. Nonetheless, because aluminum is almost half as conductive as copper, more of it is required ultimately yielding a transformer that is larger and heavier.
Still, it’s aluminum’s availability combined with the cost factor that results in its popularity as an electrical conductor. But with the cost savings comes a trade-off in safety and performance. Transformers that fail within 5 to 15 years almost always use cheap aluminum coils. Contributing to that short lifespan is aluminum’s heat inefficiency. With a resistance of 2.69 ohm-meters compared with copper’s 1.67. That difference accounts for the heat buildup and safety hazard (including electrical fires and potential electrocution) synonomous with cheap voltage transformers—you know, the ones that are housed in identical black boxes.
In the end, investing a bit more in a high-quality, safe and efficient transformer product that uses copper wiring—such as the transformers offered from ACUPWR--will save mucho dinero over time.]]>
[Note that using a 60-Hz electricity for a high-power 50-Hz motor results in that motor turning too slowly and eventually burning out. (The opposite holds true when using a 60-Hz motor with 50-Hz AC.) And when that motor is used in an appliance such as a refrigerator or freezer, damage will occur to the electronics also.]
Even if you use a dedicated 220-volt outlet in your 110-120-volt building or residence, that dedicated outlet will supply power that ranges from 208-220 volts, and the AC frequency will remain at 60 Hz. So what's the work-around? Answer: You boost your 208-220-volt/60 Hz electricity with one of ACUPWR's AB series Power Boosters.
The AB Power Booster series provides a 25-volt (10-percent) “kick” that enables high-power 220-250-volt, 50 Hz motors to crank at the RPMs (revolutions per minute) they need for safe and efficient operation without burning out, but connected to a 208-220-volt, 60 Hz AC line. In other words, the motor will “think” it’s receiving 250-volt, 50 Hz electricity.
The ABs can also be used with a 110-120-volt, 60 Hz line by connecting the AB unit to an ACUPWR AU or AUC series step up (110-120-volts to 220-240 volts) transformer. With the AB unit adding its 25-volt boost on top of that, your high-power 220-250-volt, 50 Hz motor (and motorized appliances) will be happy.
The AB series consists of five models for different wattage requirements: AB-25-2300W (for maximum 2300-watt/VA loads); the AB-25-3500W (for 3500-watt/VA loads); the AB-25-4600W (for maximum 4600-watt/VA loads); AB-25-5800W (for 5800-watt/VA loads); and the AB-25-7000W (for maximum 7000-watt/VA loads). Input and output consists of a NEMA 6-15R receptacle and input on the AB-25-2300W and 3500W models; a NEMA 6-20R receptacle on the AB-25-4600W model; and via hardwiring for the 5800W and 7000W models).
In the end you can, indeed, bring those high-end, 220-250-volt, 50 Hz refrigerators to our shores. With ACUPWR and our AB Power Booster models they’ll work happily ever after.]]>It's not uncommon for travelers and expats to bring electronics and appliances with them when they travel or move overseas. Still, it's not as easy as packing these items up and sending them across the pond; there's a dilemma involved--one that keeps ACUPWR in business. Simply, we solve international voltage differences with our voltage transformers/converters so a 120-volt microwave oven can work safely in a country that uses a 220-240 volt standard.
ACUPWR's line of voltage transformers/converters are available in different wattage sizes, from 100 watts to 2500 watts, and they'll accommodate the wattage consumption of most consumer appliances and electronics. Still, consumers aren't experts about things like wattage and voltage, nor should they be.
Toward that end we've provided some charts below to help determine the wattage of your appliance (or appliances) and hence the wattage requirement for your ACUPWR transformer. If you are moving with more than one appliance and using a single ACUPWR transformer with all of them, you need to calculate the total running (continuous) wattage for those items if they are to be operating concurrently.
[Note that if you will be using a global surge protector, it should be the ACUPWR AS6WWK model; using another manufacturer's surge protector will void our warranty.]
Another great resource is the website wattdoesituse.com, which allows users to enter a product specifically by manufacturer and model number.
PDF version:
Here are some tips for using these charts.
Step One:
Make sure your appliance is single voltage. Dual voltage devices simply require a plug adapter to work overseas.
Step Two:
Determine the wattage of your device. In order to do this, simply look for the “W” on the label in order to find what transformer you need. If the device is 300 Watts then buy a transformer that is 300 Watts. Other companies state that the voltage transformer's maximum power should be equal or greater than the power rating of your appliance multiplied by 2. For example, they claim that if you have an appliance rated at 100 watts, you should pick a transformer with a maximum power of 200 watts or greater. That is completely unnecessary. A well-built, reliable transformer should not need twice the wattage capacity of your appliance.
ACUPWR transformers are safe for continuous use at 120% of the stated wattage so you do not need to buy a higher wattage than what you need.
Step Three:
In the USA and Canada (and many Caribbean islands), the voltage standard is 110-120 volts. If you’re traveling to another part of the world where the voltage is 220-240 volts—actually the norm in most countries—and you plan on taking your American or Canadian appliances (that run on 110-120 volts), you will need a step down voltage transformer that converts voltage from 220-240 down to 110-120.
Conversely, taking appliances that run on 220-110 volts to the USA or Canada requires a step up transformer that will convert voltage from 110-120 up to 220-240.
It’s important to remember that although the world runs primarily on 220-240 volts and North America uses 110-120, other voltage standards exist. Japan uses 100 volts, for example, while Mexico, Brazil, Suriname, and Curacao use 127-130 volts.
Here’s a complete list of countries and their voltage standards, as well as plug types: worldstandards.eu.
ACUPWR makes step-up and step-down voltage transformers/converters for use in every country. We also make our step-down ADC and step-up AUC series for use with refrigerators, freezers, and wine coolers. These models convert voltage--from 220-240 down to 110-120 and 50 Hz up to 60 Hz (ADC models) and from 110-120 up to 220-240 60 Hz to 50 Hz (AUC)—allowing you to use your ‘fridge in all parts of the world.
ACUPWR’s voltage transformer/converter models consist of the following:
If you don’t see the particular model you need, we can personally help you in your search and also make a customized voltage transformer specifically for your needs. Call us at 888-600-9770 (within the Continental USA, 9am-11pm Eastern Standard Time) or 414-255-8462 (International, 9am to 5pm Central Standard Time), Live chat with us on this website 24/7, or email us at info@acupwr.com.
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ACUPWR’s AS6WWK Global Surge Protector is designed to handle 100 to 240 volts and 50 or 60 Hz. Moreover, it features such as as angled universal inputs and up to 720 joules of surge suppression while shielding equipment from EMI (electromagnetic interference) and RFI (radio frequency interference).
It's because of the quality issue of other global surge protectors that ACUPWR strongly recommends using only the ACUPWR AS6WWK global surge protector with our voltage transformers. Using any other global surge protector brand with an ACUPWR transformer/converter absolves ACUPWR from any responsibility should damage occur to any device or appliance connected to a non-ACUPWR-brand global surge protector. It also voids the transformer warranty if it is damaged as the result of a non-ACUPWR-brand global surge protector.
Remember, ACUPWR offers the safest and most reliable voltage conversion, stabilization, and surge protection products available, with the best warranty you can find. Use them safely!]]>
This is a particular reason why ACUPWR is introducing its new AS-EUD series 127-130 to 220-240-volt (and vice-versa) transformers. Available beginning July 27, they’re perfectly suited for those living in Brazil and who move throughout that country with electronics and appliances built for 127-130 or 220-240-volt AC power. Of course, the AS-EUD series extends beyond Brazil and provides an excellent means of bridging the international voltage gap between 127-130 volts and nearly two-thirds of the world’s remaining countries, all of which use the 220-240 volt standard. This voltage conversion should also appeal to anybody from Portugal vacationing or relocating to Brazil, as the countries share the same language.
Another challenge for Brazil is unsteady, unstable voltage, the result complicated situations having to do with hydroelectric power, infrastructure, load demands, and energy shortages in the country’s Summer months—the result of increased energy consumption by high-energy appliances, particularly air conditioners. For this reason ACUPWR’s VS series voltage stabilizers, for use with 220-240-volt AC, deliver steady and constant 220-240-volt AC and 750 joules of surge suppression. They’re an absolute necessity for using sensitive electronics and appliances in Brazil.
ACUPWR’s AS-EUD series are available in 500-watt/VA (AS-500EUD), 750-watt/VA (AS-750EUD), 1000-watt (AS-1000EUD), 1500-watt (AS-1500EUD), and 1800-watt (AS-1800EUD) models.]]>