Learn the truth about "Dual Wattage" converter and don't get burned
This item offered here (PowerLine 0900-27 Global Power Travel Kit) is actually two different converters built into one package. At LOW setting (up to 50W) it uses a small AC transformer to convert 220V sinusoidal waveform into a 110V sinusoidal waveform. This is the preferred approach which works well for any low power appliance.
To handle higher power however the AC transformer must be made bulkier and heavier (around 20 pounds just for 1000W). This makes it impractical as a travel voltage converter for large-wattage appliance. Therefore at HIGH setting (50-1600W) this converter simply uses a solid-state switch inside to chop off part of the input 220V sinusoidal waveform. This is exactly how an incandescent lamp dimmer works. However its output waveform is highly distorted and is far from an 110V sinusoidal AC voltage.
A purely resistive appliance (such as travel iron or water heater) will work just fine regardless of different voltage waveform. But if you ever try to power an electronic appliance (such as TV computer or battery charger) with this distorted 220V waveform it will probably be fried in an instant! My advice is to stay away from this potentially destructive product - unless you are really REALLY careful about what to plug in.
If you have to bring electronic appliances with your oversea trips make sure they are rated for universal voltage of 100-240V AC. Power supplies for most portable electronics (laptop camcorder cell-phone electric shavers etc.) are already designed to accept universal voltage although some of them may require you to physically flip a voltage selection switch - check the user manual or the AC input plug of your appliance to make sure. If that is the case all you need is a set of plug adapters which you can purchase separately without a converter.
More detail ...
0 comments:
Post a Comment