Step Up vs. Step Down Voltage Converters
- By Josh Vick
- Sep 21, 2017
If you're moving to another country, traveling overseas, or have electronics or appliances that are not compatible with the voltage in your home, RV or boat - you're going to need to purchase a voltage converter.
Voltage converters - also known as voltage transformers - are devices that do exactly what the name implies. They convert voltage up or down, making it possible to use electronics and appliances that require a voltage other than what you currently have available.
There are many reasons for needing a voltage converter, including:
• Moving overseas with electronics or appliances that were purchased in your home country
• Traveling overseas for an extended period with electronics
• Purchasing electronics or appliances from a foreign retailer
• Using 110 or 120 volt appliances or electronics in a yacht/RV that utilizes 220 or 240 volts
• Using specialty tools like welders which often use an operating voltage of 220 volts
Whatever the reason, voltage converters make it easy to use your electronics and appliances at the voltage they were designed to be used with. Attempting to use a device at a higher or lower voltage than it was designed to be used for is dangerous and can damage your device, cause personal injury, and result in a fire.