Like Tree2Likes

Voltage converter/Step down transformer?

Closed Thread
Page 2 of 3 FirstFirst 1 2 3 LastLast
  1. #11

    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Siu Sai Wan
    Posts
    1,660
    Quote Originally Posted by Aislinn:
    Hi guys, I really need to know where to get a good quality step-down transformer/Voltage converter for my flat Iron from the US. I know apparently you're not supposed to use one because it can fry the product, what do you guys think? Can't I avoid this by using a Voltage converter and a surge protector?
    Ok, don't bother to ask how I know about this, but:

    If you have recently purchased them, they may be multi-voltage, that is they will work on 110/240v - check the cord, the box or do some google searching on your particular model.

    If they are GHDs and the Mk4 version (USD100 sounds about right), then they are mulit-voltage and you don't need to buy the power converter, you can just use a simple plug adaptor - Case solved.
    Allicat likes this.

  2. #12

    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Posts
    15

    Its a CHI, so sadly it's only compatible with the voltage in the states.


  3. #13

    Join Date
    Apr 2010
    Posts
    1

    Were you ever able to find a transformer? I also moved from the US and am still trying to keep my Chi - I have never found a suitable flat iron replacement........

    I also have a Sonicare toothbrush, a Wii and a few other items I was hoping not to have to reinvest in.


  4. #14

    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Posts
    1,223

    My mate picked one up in Wan Chai Computer Centre.. I found mine in Kowloon bay somewhere. If it is useful, I can dig out the address and phone number.


  5. #15

    Rating ??

    Quote Originally Posted by Raccon:
    You should find one on Ap Liu Street in Sham Shui Po. Get a real transformer, not an electronic converter. The power rating (Watt) should be higher than the maximum rating of your iron.
    If your iron has a 3-pin plug you have to make sure that you can also connect the ground pin somehow to the wall outlet, else you are playing with your life.

    A surge protector is not needed if you just want to step-down the voltage.

    Shouldn't the power rating be smaller than the maximum rating of the appliance, so that if something were to fry it would fry the transformer instead of the appliance? I ask because I am looking for a similar transformer for an espresso machine.

    Also does someone know if there is a transformer with a built-in fuse?

    Thx..!

  6. #16

    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Posts
    1,223

    No, if the maximum power rating of the appliance is higher than the transformer then it won't be able to run it properly at peak load and risks overheating.

    Regarding the short/fusing - if your appliance somehow shorts itself out the fuse in the plug would blow, not the transformer. Much easier to replace a 2 dollar fuse than a melted transformer that might have caught on fire.


  7. #17

    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Hong Kong
    Posts
    23,205

    Oh dear.

    No - if the rating of the transformer is smaller than the power consumption of the device then obviously the transformer will burn out! (Isn't that absolutely basic physics that all 10 or 11 year olds get taught?)

    In Hong Kong all devices have fuses in the plug that goes into the mains socket.


  8. #18

    Just made massive mistake order on line steam vapor which cost 1600 US DOLL. and have the same problem as aislinn with that step down transformer. i can see some sierious electrics here if that silly vapor is 120Vac , 60 Hz , 1500 watts what kind of transformer i need . PLEASE HELP as i useless woman and if you come to hk shop all they care just to sell you product even if it totally not what i need. thank u


  9. #19

    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    11,884

    If I read your post correctly: You need a 1500W 240 to 110 transformer. It's really simple.

    The downside is that such transformers are fairly large and not cheap. This is an example of what one would look like. It would be slightly smaller than a shoebox.

    PowerBright VC1500W Step-up/Step-Down Voltage Transformer (1500 Watt Capacity) [VC1500W] : Adaptelec.com, International Electrical Specialists

    oksana27 likes this.

  10. #20

    Thank you very much for pic and link . after tone of internet info i know it now . thank u again.