Back in 2002, Jaycar informed me by email they were getting rid of all their 240 / 120 volt auto-transformer step downs and replacing them with isolation types. This was on the grounds they were rather less than safe and an impending ban by the Fair Trading in NSW.
The impending ban turned out to be a furphy, but the electrocution risk to users was and is very real.
Now I see that Altronics have three, highly dangerous examples on sale - in *plastic* boxes and with no earth connection supplied, since only a two pin US outlet is fitted.
The blurb on the label on each unit reads:
" WARNING
Auto transformer construction. Use only one appliance at a time. Not to be used on portable appliances medical, dental or hand held appliances, electrically operated toys or appliances designed to operate in water or other liquids. "
The warning, taken as written, excludes practically every USA made item a person might be expected to connect to such a transformer - so it is clear that the makers are well aware it is highly dangerous.
Ebay is currently facilitating a flood of old and collectable items of electrical and electronics from the USA - most with the old two pin plug. Includes things like vintage tube radios, tube hi-fi equipment, tube and SS guitar amplifiers and effects devices, kitchen appliances and a host of others.
Few of the above can be safely used with an auto-transformer step-down.
All auto-transformer step-downs, with output voltages less than 220 volts and fitted with a general purpose connector are ** PROHIBITED ITEMS ** under the legally compulsory Australian Wiring Rules, AS3000 ( now known as AS/NZS 3000:2000 )
Means no electrician can legally supply or install one for you.
Despite this prohibition, there is ( AFAIK ) nothing to stop anyone selling them direct to the public in Australia.
Except a conscience.
...... Phil