power converter

[rjer]

anyone know of where or how much to get a voltage converter from north american(110) to Hong Kong(220) in HOng Kong?
All my electronic equipment needs one.

[HKfornow]

Really depends on the wattage, for low watts, maybe $35-45 HKD is ok, but for bigger appliances, 1,000 watt converter (It's also a big box) costs around 500-600.

[PDLM]

And in fact what you need is a box that converts 220V to 110V, not the other way round.

[discobay]

If you like walking the streets go to Ap Liu Street in Yau Ma Tei and if you prefer department stores and shopping malls go to Jusco (Choi Hung, Hang Hau), UNY's basement (Tai Koo Shing) or Sogo's top floor (Causeway Bay).

[supermann]

you may get it everywhere in HK for around US 30

[HKFella]

you may get it everywhere in HK for around US 30

Some appliances with high wattage or mA will need more expensive (heavier) ones, not the small wall plug type that ordinary stores are likely to keep.

[Melkir]

A lot of the savier stores the person will ask the wattage in order to save you from yourself. And of course, make sure the appliance/device says it's 100-240 capable (most are now-a-days unless they were built for cheap), else you'll need a true converter, not just a plug converter.

I found mine at random, camera shops, small.. closet like electronic stores in wierd places. You can also get AC/DC converters from these places which in the case of your devices with external power supplies is the way to go. All mine came with several plugs/settings. I admit it was a bit of mission to get all my devices online.

If you've not got your computer hooked up yet, remember. You may find a different plug for your powersupply, but you still have to flip the switch on it to 240...

I would know. Snap. Krackle. Pop. Visit to Wanchai computer centre.

So, checklist.

1) Does it support 100-240?
2) Is the wattage high (500?+)
3) Does it have a voltage switch?
4) Does the WIRE have a raiting printed on it? (You may need a new thingie all together)

[penguinsix]

One other thing to consider is how frequently will this device be plugged in. If you are going to have it 24/7 plugged into the wall, you might want to consider a convertor that is slightly more sturdy than "the cheapest" one you can find.

[tsuiwah]

yeah, I paid HK$500 for a dual wattage (30/1600) converter at a small electronics shop in Times Square

problem is that I can't use it when the washing machine or vacuum cleaner is on at the same time...

[rjer]

220 to 110 yes, that's what I meant.
thank you all for the insight..