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!

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.

Re: Voltage converters
 

That would be why I'm having no luck then! Back to Amazon I go! Thank you

Re: Voltage converters
 

You're welcome. :)

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.

Re: Voltage converters
 

Eventually you will give up, drink the Koolaid and just buy new 110v devices.

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.

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...

Re: Voltage converters
 

Not ones suitable for home use in the US, they're rated in watts, which amounts to the same thing, of course.

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?

Re: Voltage converters
 

I didn't. Read it again, as a direct response to your post that I quoted.

Re: Voltage converters
 

Nope, sorry, not getting it, why is VA an unsuitable way of specifying a transformer for use in the us would you care to elucidate?

Very happy if america uses different physics or even nomeclature, but please say why?

Re: Voltage converters
 

I didn't say that either!

Re: Voltage converters
 

Ok, thats cool, if obfuscations your thing Mr Trump, carry on.

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? :unsure: