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by David Berkowitz

Article by Chris Robertson

A voltage transformer is an absolute must-have for a gear-head who wants to play with the latest gadgetry form overseas. The global marketplace has opened our homes to the wide world of consumer electronics. The latest electronic appliances and personal electronics are often released first overseas, which can present a problem for Stateside gadget-heads. If you’re the type that likes to be the first on your block to play with the latest advances in televisions, DVD players, MP3 players and game systems, you’ve probably been frustrated waiting for the U.S. version of the neatest electronic toys to be released. Investing in a high-quality step up and down voltage transformer or converter can erase that frustration and let you take advantage of all the latest gadgets and upgrades as soon as they’re released.

The big electronics makers often release their latest upgrades and gadgets to the European and Japanese markets, which means that they’re outfitted to operate on a different electrical standard than the United States, which uses a 110-115 volt household current. Many European and Asian countries also use a different plug configuration than we do in the States. If you try to plug in your new Italian DVD or DVR here in the States, you’ll be stymied because the plug won’t fit. Even if you manage to get your hands on a plug converter so that you can plug it into the wall, it won’t work because U.S. outlets don’t output the level of power the appliance needs.

The solution is a voltage transformer, which steps up the 110-voltage current from the wall outlet to the 220-volt current needed by the machine. If you’ve never used a voltage transformer before, some basic tips can help you understand how they work and how to use them.

1. Use a voltage transformer for consumer electronics, such as DVD players, televisions, radios, CD players, computers and battery rechargers. Use a voltage converter for electrical appliances, such as coffee makers, heaters, hair dryers, blenders, toasters and fans.

2. Make sure that the voltage transformer is the right wattage for your electronic item. To find out, check the back of your appliance or electronic item. The label will tell you how many volts (110 or 220) as well as how many watts it needs to run. Choose a transformer rated for 10 to 20 percent more wattage than the appliance requires.

3. If the label doesn’t specify the wattage, you can calculate it from the voltage (V) and amperage (A) listed on the label. The formula is Amps X Volts = Watts. So, if your appliance is listed at 3 amps and the voltage is 110, it needs 330 watts to operate. Since you want to add wattage to account for electrical variance, you should get a voltage transformer that can handle about 400 watts.

4. You can use the same transformer to power several different appliances or pieces of electronics, as long as you don’t exceed the wattage output of the transformer. Just plug a surge protector into the transformer and plug your items into the surge protector.

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