Voltage Transformer

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BobbySmith

34 posts

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# 78107 27-Feb-2011 13:44

I have a 1550 Watt US appliance that I need to get a voltage transformer for, as it's 110v

Anyone have any information or tips on what type of transformer I need to buy?

Thanks

quandum

204 posts

Master Geek

# 443869 27-Feb-2011 14:02

BobbySmith: I have a 1550 Watt US appliance that I need to get a voltage transformer for, as it's 110v

Anyone have any information or tips on what type of transformer I need to buy?

Thanks

care to tell us a bit more...what is it etc?

also, what is the input range on the device? should be on the label

I would love to change the world, but they won't give me the source code

#BOFH

richms

22739 posts

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# 443870 27-Feb-2011 14:05

Depending on the type of load you need to add some more capacity when converting the wattage to the VA needed, a 2000VA stepdown is quite a common size available, but you are looking at several $100 to get one if you dont get lucky on trademe.

Richard rich.ms

BobbySmith

34 posts

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# 443999 28-Feb-2011 07:14

Thanks for that. Not sure what the input range is, but I'll check.

It's a Garment Steamer - I *hate* ironing, so got one to avoid having to do it so much!

SepticSceptic

1773 posts

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# 444124 28-Feb-2011 13:39

That's going to cost a few $100. AT least for a proper isolation-type transformer ( seperate windings for both primary and secondary).
You may get away with using an auto-transformer, which is one winding for the primary, but is tapped halfway at 110v to feed the 110v appliance. Thuugh you may need to step up to a higher KVA rating as the 2000KVA rating ( typical) applies to the entire winding, and since you are using only half, the disipation for the half that feeds your applianace will be higher that the remainder of the auto-transformer. But conversely, the steamer is not on ALL the time, just for periods where it needs to boil the water and heat the ironing elements.

I'd almost be inclined to wire up a 2-bar heater in series with the steamer, assuming similar voltage drops across both. Not recommended unless .. Ahh, DON"T DO IT !

Warm in winter, hot as hell in summer ...

For the price you gonna pay, just get an ironing service !! Cheaper and safer.

My thoughts are no longer my own and is probably representative of our media-controlled government