Voltage converters
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 77
Voltage converters
Hi everyone,
I'm trying to find a voltage converter to use my curling iron and hair straighteners here. I replaced my hair dryer and my cheaper curling irons but I have a few that are too expensive to replace. None of them use a huge amount of power (nowhere near the 2000 watt limit on most of them) However looking on Amazon most of them say not for use with electronic controlled heating appliances. Am I missing something or do I need a special kind? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
I'm trying to find a voltage converter to use my curling iron and hair straighteners here. I replaced my hair dryer and my cheaper curling irons but I have a few that are too expensive to replace. None of them use a huge amount of power (nowhere near the 2000 watt limit on most of them) However looking on Amazon most of them say not for use with electronic controlled heating appliances. Am I missing something or do I need a special kind? Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
#2
Re: Voltage converters
You need a step-up transformer (to run 240v appliances on a 120v supply), not a voltage converter, which is for rinky-dink, low power things, like elecronics.
To ensure safe operation I recommend that you buy one rated for twice the power rating of the most powerful device you will use it for - e.g. a 2kw transformer for a 1,000w device.
To ensure safe operation I recommend that you buy one rated for twice the power rating of the most powerful device you will use it for - e.g. a 2kw transformer for a 1,000w device.
Last edited by Pulaski; Feb 6th 2018 at 3:41 pm.
#3
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 77
Re: Voltage converters
That would be why I'm having no luck then! Back to Amazon I go! Thank you
#5
Re: Voltage converters
something like this (get the one for the wattage you need)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MXW85A
I have always used Power Bright, both in UK and here. I'm sure similar designs work as well.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MXW85A
I have always used Power Bright, both in UK and here. I'm sure similar designs work as well.
#6
Sad old Crinkly Member
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Posts: 807
Re: Voltage converters
Eventually you will give up, drink the Koolaid and just buy new 110v devices.
#7
I still dont believe it..
Joined: Oct 2013
Location: 12 degrees north
Posts: 2,777
Re: Voltage converters
You have no idea from the amazon site whether its a nasty cheap crxx EI transformer ot a decent torroidal / donut supply. This makes a huge difference to ITS power consumption, noise, heat etc.
Be smart - buy a high efficiency torroidal device.
Be smart - buy a high efficiency torroidal device.
#8
I still dont believe it..
Joined: Oct 2013
Location: 12 degrees north
Posts: 2,777
Re: Voltage converters
Always, AxV=W and that you want 150-200% oversizing. Transformers are usually rated in VA ie 5kva which means it can deliver in the us ??x120=5000. about 40 amps so dont exceed 20 amps...
#10
I still dont believe it..
Joined: Oct 2013
Location: 12 degrees north
Posts: 2,777
Re: Voltage converters
Why do you say not suitable for use in the us? Is it a certification thing or ? I know 120v is a bit weak b ut it must be safe for some load?
#12
I still dont believe it..
Joined: Oct 2013
Location: 12 degrees north
Posts: 2,777
Re: Voltage converters
Very happy if america uses different physics or even nomeclature, but please say why?
#15
Re: Voltage converters
I was kinda busy, and hoped that if I got you to reread what I had originally said, you would realize that you had simply misunderstood. But apparently not.
The transformers that are sold in the retail market in the US are rated by watts. I'll break down what I said into clear words and phrases:
I disagreed with you -> "Not"
I specified ones that are sold in the US for home use -> "ones suitable for home use in the US"
Then I told you that they're rated in watts.
Is that clear now?
I disagreed with you -> "Not"
I specified ones that are sold in the US for home use -> "ones suitable for home use in the US"
Then I told you that they're rated in watts.
Is that clear now?
Last edited by Pulaski; Feb 7th 2018 at 9:25 pm.