I am sending a fax machine that the power specifications state that it uses 5 watts in standby and maximum of 100 watts. I was looking at the converters on the market and was confused as to which type I would need for this device. There were 50 - 1600 watts devices and up to 50 watts devices. As the watts used can go up to 100 on the fax depending on what it is doing I assume that I need the 50 - 1600. I just want to make sure that the 50 minimum would not affect the device.
Thanks
Hilly
Rather than buying a transformer, have you considered applying that money toward buying a fax machine that works on the electrical service that you have?
Make sure you get a transformer. There are many devices made for hair dryers etc. that may damage... as in "kill it dead"... your fax machine.
Agree that it might be cheaper to purchase the correct fax machine locally. Transformers are heavy to ship. mike
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Are you sure you need any converter at all? Many consumer electronics devices these days use switching power supplies, and have a small 120/240 switch typically right next to the power receptacle. It's usually a recessed slide switch you activate with a screwdriver blade.
Best regards,
Bob Masta dqatechATdaqartaDOTcom D A Q A R T A Data AcQuisition And Real-Time Analysis
The fax only cost me $30 and the converter is around $6 and pretty small so I don't think I could get a 220 volt fax or one with with a switch for that cheap. My son in law has been using these converters on all type of equipment with no problems. It is also a step down converter as it takes the 220 volts and sends only 110 volts so it doesn't need to be a big transformer. My only question was the fact that the 50 - 1600 said minimum 50 watts as a plug normaly has no converter I assume it always send 110 volts yet it doesn't hurt the appliance.
If one of those devices was not a fax machine, beware. As Mike has already said, hair-dryer-type converters will only work on the simplest of equipment.
I don't think you will get a 100W **transformer** for 6 bucks.
Here's my original idea with a $24 cutoff this time:
-- If the converter said "minimum 50 watts", that means that you have to put at least a 50 watt load on it before it\'ll work properly. So, since your fax is only using 5 watts on standbdy, what could happen is anybody\'s guess. My guess would be that the output would go out of regulation, which could fry your fax. The most reliable solution, as someone has already posted, would be to use a transformer. I suggest a 220V to 110V isolation transformer rated at 150VA.
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