Voltage and frequency (Hz) vary throughout the world, and, in some cases, within the same country. Most appliances are made to operate on a single voltage and frequency.
When using electrical appliances/equipment designed for a specific voltage, it is necessary to adjust the local voltage to the voltage for which the equipment was designed. This is done with a transformer.
For the purpose of this article, all types of appliances, tools, equipment, machinery, etc. shall be referred to as the load.
An autotransformer is a tapped winding transformer that changes the voltage available locally to the voltage required by a particular load. Thus, a load may operate anywhere around the world, as long as a transformer is available to convert the local voltage to the voltage it requires.
An autotransformer, with a single tapped winding (diagrammed above), is generally preferred to an isolation transformer, with 2 separate windings, for many reasons. An autotransformer is much smaller and lighter than an isolation transformer. It also has better voltage stability and greater overload tolerance. Autotransformers perform in much the same way as the transformer that the electric company uses to bring electricity to a building.
No transformer of any type can change frequency. Frequency is unimportant to the normal operation of most loads: most motor driven loads will simply run at a slightly different speed than they did at their rated frequency; simple heating equipment (broilers, coffee pots, etc.) will operate with no problem at all. However, motor loads whose proper operation depends upon frequency, such as clocks, turntables, timers, cassette players, etc. must be converted for voltage with a transformer and then also have their gears and/or pulleys changed for speed correction.
Some motor loads are heat sensitive to frequency changes. To avoid overheating sensitive motors, such as those that continuously stop and start, or run non-stop -- refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, shop equipment, etc., it is good practice to run 60 Hz motors at 10% less voltage when operated on 50Hz (e.g. 115 V 60 Hz equipment should operate at 100 - 105 V at 50 Hz). Conversely, to obtain full power from a 50 Hz motor operated on 60 Hz, it is necessary to supply it with 10% extra voltage (e.g. 220 V at 50 Hz should be operated at 250 - 260 V at 60 Hz).
Transformer capacity is rated in Volt-Amps (VA) which is generally the same as wattage (Watts). Most loads are labeled with their proper operational voltage (Volts), current (Amps), frequency (Hz), and wattage (Watts or VA).
To compute a load’s VA requirements, multiply its rated voltage (Volts) by its rated current (Amps). This information is usually found on the back of the load - on its nameplate. If you cannot locate the labeled voltage and current (to calculate the VA), use the wattage (Watts), if shown. Exceptions are fluorescent lights, neon signs, gas discharge lamps, specialized electronic controls, etc which require a transformer with a VA capacity 1.5 times the wattage rating, if the volts and amps are not shown. Select a transformer with a VA rating equal to or larger than the VA found on the nameplate of the load.
Using a transformer with a smaller VA capacity than that required by the load will cause the transformer to overheat and eventually burn out, unless a TEMP-GUARD model is used.
INPUT: 120V 50/60Hz 2.4 A
| Computer Printer | 120 V - 0.9 A = 108 VA |
| Vacuum Cleaner | 120 V - 11.9 A = 1428 VA |
| Sewing Machine | 120 V - 1.2 A = 144 VA |
| Microwave Oven | 120 V - 6.25 A = 750 VA |
| Electric Fan | 120 V - 1.2 A = 144 VA |
| CD Player | 120 V - 0.7 A = 84 VA |
If the load has a third pin ground (washing machine, microwave, etc.), use a transformer with a grounding power cord and receptacle. If the load has only 2 prongs and no grounding pin (lamp, toaster, blender, charger, etc.), choose a less expensive transformer with a 2 pin format and no grounding pin. To accommodate both grounded or ungrounded plugs, choose a transformer with a third pin ground which is usable for both types. TODD SYSTEMS manufactures many transformers with different styles of mounting and electrical connectors (ungrounded, grounded, wiring leads, junction boxes for permanent wiring, etc.). Choose a transformer with the most convenient style as well as sufficient VA rating.
Transformers should be allowed to have access to free air around them. They should not be operated when placed next to a radiator, in a box, under furniture, surrounded in a bookshelf, etc. Transformers are designed to operate and feel quite warm to the touch.
For large appliances whose nameplate shows both " running amps" and " starting amps," use the running amps to figure the wattage (VA) and, therefore, the transformer capacity needed. It is generally less costly (but less convenient) to use one larger transformer for several loads than to have one transformer for each. However, transformers intended for use with a permanently placed, frequently run load, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, etc., should be left attached and used for that load only.
All TODD SYSTEMS transformers are precision wound and insulated with the latest hi-tech, insulating materials. The core laminations are of high grade annealed silicon steel, designed to keep heating to a minimum. All transformers are impregnated with a modified polyester heat cured varnish, which seals the transformer, thus protecting the electrical windings from moisture and contamination. Metal housings are baked enamel finished, and all TODD SYSTEMS' transformers meet UL and IEC specifications. Every TODD SYSTEMS' transformer is thoroughly tested, twice, and thoroughly inspected to ensure top quality. The result of this use of superior materials, advanced design, and complete 100% testing is long, trouble-free transformer life.
All TODD SYSTEMS transformers are indefinitely guaranteed to be free of defects in materials and workmanship. When operated properly, our transformers will last a lifetime and are guaranteed as such. In the event of a defect, TODD SYSTEMS will repair or replace a defective unit free of charge, pending our inspection, if returned to the factory, prepaid. Of course, transformers that have been misused by overvoltage or overload are not covered by this guarantee, since such abuse will decrease the life of the transformer, causing it to overheat and eventually burn out. However, our TempGuard models are thermally protected and can never be burned out. These transformers turn off automatically when overheated, and turn on again after they cool down.
Because of our extensive inventory, most TODD SYSTEMS transformers can be shipped the same day. Larger production orders can be scheduled to meet JIT or other delivery schedules. This means that when you need transformers now you get them now.
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