NLee the Engineer 2008-07-22
52 of 52 people found the following review helpful:
To actually convert a 220V sinusoidal waveform into a 110V sinusoidal waveform, you need to use an AC transformer. This method is safe for all low-power appliances. For higher power, however, the AC transformer required is bulky and heavy (around 20 pounds for 1000W), making it impractical as a travel voltage converter.
This item offered here (Samsonite Converter/Adaptor Plug Kit with Pouch) does not contain an AC transformer. Instead, it uses a solid-state switch inside that chops off part of the 220V sinusoidal waveform. This is exactly how an incandescent lamp dimmer works. The resulted waveform, however, is highly distorted and is far from an 110V sinusoidal voltage.
The product description says: "powerful 1600 watt converter that adjusts foreign electrical current to help operate most U.S. travel appliances: i.e. irons, hair dryers, etc.". What is not explained here is that it can only be used with simply HEATING appliances, which work regardless of distorted voltage waveform. If you try to use any electronic appliance (such as DVD player, computer or battery charger) on this "converter", it will probably be fried in an instant!
My advice is to stay away from this potentially destructive product. If you must bring electronic appliances with your oversea trips, make sure they are rated for universal voltage of 100-240V AC. That way, you can safely use them in other countries without the need for a volatge converter.
Power supplies for most portable electronics (laptop, camcorder, cell-phone, electric shavers, etc.) are already designed for universal voltage, although some of them may require you to physically flip a voltage-selection switch. Check the user manual or the AC input plug of your appliance to make sure. If that is the case, all you need is a set of plug adapters, which you can get at much lower price than this Converter/Adapter pulg kit.
