GOING AROUND WITH CYCLES
110/125 volt electricity is generated at 60 Hz (Cycles) Alternating Current. Foreign 220/250 volt electricity is generated at 50 Hz (cycles) Alternating Current. The difference in cycles may cause the motor in a 60 Hz US appliance to operate slower when used on 50 Hz foreign electricity. It will cause clocks and timing circuits using Alternating Current as a timing base to keep incorrect time. NOTE: Most modern electronic equipment including battery chargers, computers, printers, VCR's, etc. will not be affected by the difference in cycles as these products internally adjust for cycle differences.
Transformers and converters will operate most products, which run either on 50 or 60 Hz, however, transformers and converters do not convert cycles. Products which are solely dependent on 60 Hz for speed control (clocks, turntables, etc.) will run slower operating at 50 Hz. Please check with the appliance manufacturer for proper use.
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"You-do-it" Electronics Center ® | home|
Franzus Foreign Travel Adapters
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50 Watt International Transformer
Converts 220V foreign electricity to 110V for use on most U.S. appliances rated 0-50 watts. Continuous use on 0-30 watt appliances. Intermittent use on 31-50 watt appliances. Compact with convenient travel pouch.
F-11 YDI Price $11.90
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50 Watt Step-Up Reverse International Transformer
Converts 120V domestic electricity to 240V for use on most foreign appliances rated 0-50 watts. Continuous use on 0-30 watt appliances. Intermittent use on 31-50 watt appliances. Compact with convenient travel pouch.
FR-22 YDI Price $11.90
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Auto Adjust™ Smart Converter™
2000 Watt Converter/Adapter Set
Patented breakthrough technology for mistake-free use. Dual wattage converter AUTOMATICALLY senses and selects high (50-2000 watt) or low (0-49 watt) setting. Converts 220V foreign electricity to 110V for use on low wattage (0-49 watts) appliances such as electric shavers, radios, etc. and for high wattage (50-2000 watts) appliances such as irons, steamers, some hair dryers, etc. Solid state circuitry with High/Low wattage indicator lights. The circuit breaker reset button corrects accidental overloads. Set includes 5 polarized adapter plugs to accommodate most foreign outlets and a zippered travel/storage pouch.
PS-200E YDI Price $39.00
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85 Watt Transformer
Converts 220V foreign electricity to 110V for continuous use on electronic products (VCRs, computers, fax machines, etc.) 0-85 watts. Built-in 3 prong grounded receptacle. European grounded Schuko plug and power light.
TS-185TR YDI Price $19.90
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500 Watt Transformer
500 watt transformer converts 220V foreign electricity to 110V for continuous use on electronic products (VCRs, computers, fax machines, etc.). Built-in 3 prong grounded receptacle. European grounded Schuko plug and power light.
TS-501TR YDI Price $59.90
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These plugs adapt to most outlets found worldwide. For international use with dual voltage appliances or with electricity converters/transformers. One plug per package.
A detailed listing Here.
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Understanding International Electricity
In North America we operate on 110/125 volt Alternating Current (AC). However, most of the world operates on 220/250V AC, which is twice the voltage we use here. This means that when appliances made for use in North America (110/125V) are plugged into a foreign 220/250 volt outlet, the motor goes twice as fast than it was designed to, which will damage or destroy the appliance. In order to use a North American appliance abroad, it is necessary to convert (or step-down) the 220/250 volts with either a converter or transformer.
First, determine if your appliance is single volt or dual volt. The rating plate on your appliance will help you determine the voltage and wattage of your appliance. Single volt (i.e. 110/120V) appliances operate only on 110/120 volts and require the use of a converter or a transformer when used abroad. Dual voltage/worldwide voltage appliances (i.e. 100/240V, 110/220V or 120/250V) are capable of being used on 110/120V and 220/250V and do not require a converter or transformer—all you may need is the proper adapter plug(s) (International Voltage Guide-link). If you are unsure about your appliance, always check with the appliance manufacturer.
There are†two types of products for voltage conversion. The conversion device travelers will need on their international trip will depend on the type and wattage of the appliance being taken overseas to a 220/250 volt country. There are two distinct types of appliances: Electric and Electronic.
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CONVERTERS
Converters are for single volt Electric products with simple heating devices and/or universal motor products such as garment steamers, irons, curling irons, etc. These products are generally used for short periods of time. Step-down converters convert 220/250V foreign electricity down to 110/125V domestic electricity by cutting the number of volts flowing into the appliance in half. The wattage of the appliance being used determines which Travel Smart by Franzus converter should be used. Check your appliance’s rating label for the wattage. If the wattage is not indicated simply multiply the Voltage by the Amperage to determine the wattage: Volts x Amps = Watts (i.e.: 120V x 6A = 720 Watts). The converters we currently have available can convert appliances with wattage ratings from 0 – 2000 watts.
NOTE: Converters are to be used only for short periods of time.
ALWAYS be sure to check the wattage of your appliances before using any voltage converter or transformer.
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Step-Down Converters allow North and South American appliances rated 110/125 volts to be used in 220/250 volt countries. Step-down Converters are designed to accommodate appliances with different wattage. Appliances rated between 0 - 25 watts require a LOW WATTAGE converter and appliances rated over 25 Watts require a HIGH WATTAGE converter.
Examples of Low Wattage electric appliances (0-25 watts): Most Curling Irons, CD Players, Calculators, Electric Shavers, Radios, Contact Lens Disinfects.
Examples of High Wattage Electric appliances (26-2000 watts): Hair Dryers, Irons, Steamers, Heating Pads.
Travel Smart™ by Franzus Model F-11 is a low wattage converter designed for single volt appliances rated between 0-50 watts. For low and high wattage appliances rated 0-2000 watts, Travel Smart by Franzus Model TS-1650E is ideal. This converter conveniently handles both HIGH and LOW WATTAGE appliances. These converters are called "DUAL WATTAGE" converters. Auto Sensor Circuitry allows you to carry only one converter to suit both High and Low Wattage appliances. Model PS-200E converts 220/250V foreign electricity to 110/125V for appliances rated from either 0 to 49 (low) watts or 50 to 1650 (high) watts.
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TRANSFORMERS
Transformers are for single volt appliances with Electronic circuitry (computer chips or integrated circuits) such as computers, fax machines, answering machines, T.V.'s, power tools, etc. Like converters, transformers can either step-down the voltage or step-up the voltage. These types of appliances and power tools require extra performance and allow for longer, continuous operation. Like the converters, the wattage of the appliance being used determines which Travel Smart transformer to use. The transformers we currently have available can transform appliances with wattage rated from 0 - 500 watts. NOTE: Transformers are for use with electronic circuitry products i.e., computers, fax machines, typewriters, T.V.’s, stereos, VCRs, power tools, etc. Do not use a converter with these products.
Many battery chargers for camcorders and laptop computers are dual/worldwide voltage (rated 100-250V) and can be used with just an adapter plug (for wall outlet). Please see our Adapter Plug section for more information on adapter plugs. Please check your appliances rating plate for voltage. If your product is not dual voltage we recommend you use a Travel Smart by Franzus Transformer, such as our Model F-11 (0-50 watts) or TS-185TR (0-85 watts).
It has never been easier to take your computer or fax machine with you. Since computers and fax machines have electronic circuitry, you should use a transformer with them ONLY when traveling internationally. Again, check the rating plate for the wattage of the electronic product and select a transformer with a wattage capacity that is higher than the wattage rating of the computer, fax, etc.
Always check the wattage of the appliance being used. Just like converters, the wattage of the appliance determines which transformer is required. We strongly recommend using a transformer that is rated at least 10% higher than the wattage of the appliance for additional safety. For example, if the appliance is rated 250 watts, we suggest using the Travel Smart by Franzus 300 Watt Transformer.
Travel Smart offers a line of technologically superior step-down transformers to handle the most common wattage requirements:
TS-185TR For Appliances and Electronic Products rated up to 85 Watts
TS-501TR For Appliances and Electronic Products rated up to 500 Watts
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This is only a Partial Listing Of Voltage Conversion Products Available.
Many other types & Brands of Transformers are Available.
Prices Current As of 8/17/2008. Prices & Specifications are subject to change with out notice.
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