The ACUPWR Papers

ACUPWR Makes the IEC Connection

More and more electronic devices, from desktop computers to home theater amps to musical instrument amps to LED TVs, use IEC C13 receptacles and a detachable cord for the electrical connection to the wall. The detachable cord features an IEC C14 plug compatible with the device’s C13 receptacle and an input plug for the wall socket. Of course, that input plug can be one of the 15 different types used throughout the world with the only requirement being compatible voltage with the appliance.   The convenience of the IEC C13/C14 receptacle/cord arrangement is a no-brainer for manufacturers not to mention end users. For one thing, having a detachable cord is a great thing especially if you don’t want to trip...

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Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar in Denmark

While doing research about who uses voltage transformer, we stumbled upon a particular niche: musicians. Rarely do they ever perform without their "ol’ reliables"—the musical instrument that’s been with them during conservatory and auditions for a coveted chair in a symphony. Tone and playability is everything with a professional caliber violin, oboe, even electric guitar. That’s right: rock and roll animals have the same kind of fetish about their instruments, and vintage examples resonate and play with a broken-in quality that contribute to their < $10K price tags, not to mention collectibility and other factors. With instruments such as electric guitars, basses, and keyboards, some kind of amplification is necessary. For guitarists, amps are nearly as important as the guitars when...

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Trust ACUPWR for safe, clean, steady, power…courtesy of the VS-2410 and VS-2420 Voltage Stabilizers!

In developed countries such as the USA, Canada, the UK, and Germany, it’s assumed that the AC line voltage works 100 percent, 100 percent of the time, and it’s always there when you need it. Despite the occasional brownout or blackout that happens every decade or so, this is mostly true even while there might be occasional voltage drops, voltage spikes caused by lightning. Those anomalies, along with factors like electro-magnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), are reason enough for AC customers to use voltage stabilizers (also known as power conditioners) to prevent electronic appliances and, particularly, sensitive electronics (computers, medical equipment, digital devices) from getting zapped. Stabilizers are also highly recommended for refrigerators, freezers, and wine coolers. Although...

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ACUPWR Loves the Philippines

Unbelievable landscapes, active volcanoes, coral reefs and turquoise water, out-of-this-world cuisine…we must be talking about the Philippines. This huge tourist destination also appeals to expats seeking a new home in a setting that’s as close to paradise as one can get. On the flipside, while its government is somewhat precarious, the Philippines have nonetheless embraced industry: science and manufacturing have mobilized forward and the country has become a major producer of the world’s electronic goods, semiconductors, garments, mining products, food products, and much more. The Philippines offers the world a bounty of natural resources and skilled labor that contribute to the island nation’s steady growth. From ACUPWR’s purview, we’ve observed an uptick in orders placed from the Philippines along with shipments going there. It’s a...

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Do I Need A Voltage Converter Or Transformer To Use 100-Volt (Japanese) Appliances And Devices In The USA/Canada, And Vice-Versa?

You might be thinking, "What’s a few volts difference in the grand scheme of things?" You might want to think twice. If you’re planning on taking American/Canadian appliances (rated for 110-120 volts’ power) to Japan, or bringing Japanese appliances (designed for 100 volt power) to the USA and Canada, an ACUPWR voltage transformer is guaranteed to hep your appliance work flawlessly. Keep in mind, Japan uses the same-shaped plugs that we use in the US and Canada, and their voltage standard is a difference of only 10 to 25 volts. Despite that small difference, the voltage gap is quite significant. This is particularly the case with older products that require heat to do their jobs—products such as hair dryers, microwaves, and electric heaters, to name a few. Electronics, especially...

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