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Topic: SHOCKING TRANSFORMER BLUES |
steve takacs
From:
beijing, china via pittsburgh (deceased)
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Posted 14 Mar 2007 5:47 am |
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I'm wondering what gives with my ARCHER very small, light transformer that converts 220 v. to 110v. It's only a couple of inches high and 1.5 inches deep and wide. Weighs only a few ounces and says it can be used with appliances up to 1600 watts. The catalogue nubmer is 273-1404. I used it with my Galien-Krueger 250 ML rated at 100v & 3 amps.
Worked fine and about half an hour after I'd finished playing (and had taken the device out of the wall socket) when I later touched the prongs of the device, I received a shock. Is it acting as a condenser which is discharging and if so, why? The device is so light I find is useful and would like to keep if unless it poses a danger. Thanks, steve t |
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Donny Hinson
From:
Glen Burnie, Md. U.S.A.
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Posted 14 Mar 2007 7:35 am
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| Did you still have the amp plugged into the device? |
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steve takacs
From:
beijing, china via pittsburgh (deceased)
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Posted 14 Mar 2007 9:30 am
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| Hi, Donny,no the small transformer had been disconnected from both the wall socket and the amp for about half an hour. I'm puzzled. steve t |
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Ray Minich
From:
Bradford, Pa. Frozen Tundra
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Posted 14 Mar 2007 1:31 pm
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From the Radio Shack website...
DON'T BE FOOLED! This converter is not designed for use with much. Won't work on electronics of any kind - ruined my music keyboard and my computer speakers - even though it is advertised to let you "...use American appliances and electronics in other parts of the world" read the fine print on the converter before you use it! It says right on it "Do not use with computers or other electronic equipment inculding electronically-controlled heaters" It is also not good with any kind of heating appliance that uses more than 1600watts.
Me wonders what about the 50Hz-60Hz conundrum... |
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steve takacs
From:
beijing, china via pittsburgh (deceased)
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Posted 14 Mar 2007 3:10 pm
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Ray, Thanks for the warning that is listed in the reviews on the website. Mine DOES NOT have that warning about not using it with electronics. Here is what the Radio Shack website says about this device which does include "electronics" usage:
"This adapter lets you use American appliances and electronics in other parts of the world by convertins 220/240 volts to 110/120 volt power. Adapter works great with appliances that require up to 1600 watts of power such as hair dryers, electric curlers, incandescent lamps, food/bottle warmers, and immersion heaters.
Recommended for appliances and electronics ranging from 50 to 1600 watts
Converts 220/240 volts to 110\120 volts--use American appliances/electronics in foreign countries
Works great with appliances like hair dryers, electric curlers and irons
Use with products with a range of 50-1600 watts--not recommended for products with less than 50 watts"
Though I did use this on my amp for about 20 minutes with no ill effects (that I know of) I intend not to use it with electronics or electric products any more.
Does anyone else use this thing and can anyone still explain why I'm got shocked from it?
Does anyone know of a small, light converter that will work overseas?
Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Ray. stevet |
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Robert Leaman
From:
Murphy, North Carolina, USA
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Posted 14 Mar 2007 4:22 pm Converter
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This is NOT a transformer!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This unit uses a triac that is phase retarded so that the effective (RMS) output is equivalent to 120 volts. It does not convert frequency. Look at the output on a scope and see the waveform.
There is no true transformer with the physical dimensions that you provide that can power a 1600 watt device. I have a small tranformer that I've used all over the world. It is about the size that you mention. It is rated at 50 volt-amperes (about 50 watts). |
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Lynn Oliver
From:
Redmond, Washington USA * R.I.P.
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Posted 14 Mar 2007 6:04 pm
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| Quote: |
| This unit uses a triac that is phase retarded... |
Like a light dimmer? Doesn't sound like something you want close to sound gear...
_________________
Lynn Oliver
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