Voltage Transformer Information

Electricity can definitely be a confusing issue - especially when half the world uses 110 volts and the rest 220 or 240 volts. There are times when this can be a problem, for example, when goods purchased abroad, or simply when travelling. The solution is right here… a voltage transformer.

A voltage transformer allows an appliance running on one type of voltage to be used in another country that runs on a different electrical voltage. For example, if an appliance is from the United States being used in the United Kingdom then a step down transformer is needed. The UK uses 220 volts, while the US runs on 110 volts. The step down transformer, steps the voltage down from 220 volts to 110 volts.

The wattage of the appliance needs to be established to determine the size of the transformer required. This can normally be found on a label on the item describing the power rating or in the user manual. If the power rating is not specified it can be calculated from the following equation: Power (W or VA) = Amps x Volts. Once noted, choose a voltage transformer which can handle a higher amount of wattage than your device is rated. Please note that if the appliance is motor based it may require additional power to start up than is indicated (this is known as surge), as a guide add 20% to the power requirements of your device or contact the manufacturer of the appliance for further information.

Which transformer you will require will depend on your needs. To start with do you require a step-up (from 110 to 220/240 volts, i.e. using items from the UK in the USA), or a step-down (from 220/240 to 110 volts, i.e., using goods from the USA in the UK). Next, establish the wattage of your item. Remember, if you are not sure of what transformer you require, check with the manufacturer of your product for the items power rating information.