Amperage/Amps/Amperes:
The measure of the electrical current’s flow rate, or the amount of electricity that passes through the wire at a given point. A good analogy is the amount of water passing through a hose; it could be a trickle or a heavy flow.
Autotransformer:
An autotransformer uses only one coil winding unlike larger transformers that use multiple coils. This one coil design allows the transformer to perform necessary functions to serve as a step up or step down transformer unlike an ordinary transformer. This single-coil design allows the transformer to be smaller, lighter, and less expensive.
Converter:
see voltage converter
Conductor:
The wiring inside a transformer serves as the conduit—or conductor—of electricity. Gold conducts, or carries, electricity the best. Silver would be second best, but gold and silver are prohibitively expensive for use in most products. Copper—used in ACUPWR Tru-Watts™ voltage transformers and converters—ranks as the most efficient conductor of electricity, both in terms of cost effectiveness and quality. Aluminum is the most inferior wiring available
Electronic Device:
An electronic device uses a circuit (on a printed circuit board or an integrated chip) to function. These products include electronics such as video game consoles, computers, CD and MP3 players, etc.
Electrical Device:
An electrical device is typically a high-wattage product with a heating coil or an electric motor.
Fuse:
A fuse is an electrical component that protects appliances and electrical devices from unsafe overcurrent. Fuses typically consist of a glass and metal canister with a metal strip inside. Current runs through the metal strip, which melts when overloaded, breaking the circuit. The appliance or device is protected from current overload. (Some countries, particularly the United Kingdom, require appliances and devices to have fuses incorporated in the product’s plug or circuitry.
Hertz (Hz):
Hertz (Hz) is the unit of measure for frequency or cycles per second as exhibited with an electromagnetic wave. This term applies to different situations; It can be used to measure audible vibrations such as musical tones, electromagnetic frequency (the measurement of radio waves), and the alternating current that exists in line voltage. AC voltage is an important factor when choosing a voltage converter or transformer.
Inrush Voltage (also Rush Voltage):
When an appliance or electrical device, including an ACUPWR voltage transformer/converter, is turned on for the very first time, it often draws current that is many times greater than what it can normally handle (sometimes 40 amps compared with a normal 15 amps). Fuses and circuit breakers work to protect the device from overload. ACUPWR recommends letting the breaker trip 3 or so times, after which the device will work continuously.
Surge Protector:
A surge protector, typically found on power strips, is a circuit designed to protect electrical devices from voltage spikes. Surge protector’s work by diverting (or shorting) the spiked voltage to ground. The protector’s capability is measured in Joules.
Step Down and Step Up Transformers and Converters:
These terms apply to voltage converters and transformers. When converting voltage from 220-240 volts (used throughout much of the world) to 110-120 volts used in the US and Canada, you would use a step down transformer as it takes the 220-240 volts standard in a particular country and steps it down to be compatible with a device that runs on 110-120 volts. Were the situation to be opposite, you would use a step up transformer.
UL Approved:
UL is the abbreviation for Underwriters Laboratories, who establish and uphold strong standards with regard to safety, reliability, and quality. UL tests products to ensure that they meet these standards and also meet the specifications as stated by the manufacturer. While not a legal requirement, having UL approval indicates that a product is of sound quality, safety and reliability. All ACUPWR products have UL approval.
Voltage (V):
Voltage can be thought of as the force, or pressure, of electrical current: the greater the voltage, the greater the force of the electricity. Think in terms of water: there can be a light trickle coming from a shower or a huge force that comes from a fire hose. This analogy applies to voltage.
Voltage Converter:
A voltage converter performs the same function as a voltage transformer: converting voltages from one line standard to another. Converters are designed to be used with non-grounded (two pin) appliances that require short periods of power (such as a hair dryer). Converters are not designed for continuous use, making them incompatible with cooling fans, TVs, and air conditioners.
Voltage Stabilizer:
A voltage stabilizer is a transformer-based device that will maintain a steady line voltage despite surges, spikes, brownouts, over- or under-voltages, transients, and the unsteady voltage fluctuations that often occur in under-developed countries.
Voltage Transformer:
Voltage transformers perform a similar function as voltage converters, yet they are intended for use with grounded (three-pin) appliances that require—but not always—continuous power beyond 60 minutes. Thus, an LED television or an air conditioner would use a voltage transformer. ACUPWR currently manufactures over a dozen types of voltage transformers
Watts (W):
Watts measures how much power a device consumes. A low-wattage device includes electronics. High-wattage devices include appliances with motors and heating elements, such as refrigerators, heaters, and air conditioners.
Whole Home Transformer
The whole home transformer supplies voltage-converted electricity to an entire building (be it a home, business, small manufacturing facility) rather than with a particular outlet. These voltage transformers attach directly to the building’s circuit breaker via hard-wiring (no plugs are used). From there, converted electricity (from 110-120 volts to 220-240 volts, and vice-versa) is distributed to every outlet in the building. ACUPWR’s ADUH models are whole home, step-up/step down voltage transformers. We offer four models capable of 3000, 4000, 5000, and 6000 watt loads.
