Re: Voltage Converter

[millybess]

I hope someone here can help me!      :(    
 
 I have two converters, both of which were bought at Walmart.
 
 1.  American Tourister 1600 Watt Converter
     Model AM0030WH
     Converts: 220/240V AC to 110/120 V AC
     Do not use with power tools, or electronic circuitry.
 
 2.  Debmich and I bought at Walmart:
     Conair 1875 W
     Model TK952C
     Converts 220/240V AC to 110/120V AC
     50/60 Hz  50W MIN.  1875W
 
 I have a CHI hair iron:
     Model GF1001 35W
     120V AC 60Hz 0.35A
 
 These converters didn't work for Debmich's iron nor mine at the Blau Costa Verde.  I now realize that the iron is 35W and the converters are for 50W minimum.
 
 So, if I were to buy a:
     Nexxtech Foreign AC Converter for Electronic Equipment
     Model 2738028
     110V AC to 240V AC
      Maximum 85 watts
 as seen here:
    http://www.thesourcecc.com/estore/SearchResults.aspx?language=en-CA&keywords=travel+converters&pagenum=0  
 (about 2/3 the way down the page)
 
 would that work with the CHI (and, presumably, Debmich's iron)?    :D

[flopnfly]

Millybess,
 
 It doesn't mention having a minimum so it sounds like it should work.  The source is a great store and I would ask them if there was a minimum.

[Steve_YYZ]

Hi Millybess:
 
 I'm surprised the American Tourister converter from Walmart didn't work. It fits all the requirements. That's strange.
 
 The Conair converter (also from walmart) is for converting North American Voltage to European Spec. It's the wrong way type of converter so there's not way it would work.
 
 The Nexxtech converter is designed for electronic equipment BUT the CHI iron seems to fall below the maximum wattage requirements of the Nexxtech converter. So in theory it should be ok. The CHI curling iron is a ceramic heating unit, so it's possible it uses some sort of electronic circuitry that requires the "electronics" type converter and not the regular "iron" type converter.
 
 That's my best guess on this. What the heck, save your Circuit City receipt and refund it if it doesn't work.
 
 Steve

[millybess]

Thanks loads!  :D  
 
 I checked with The Source and they only have a 30 day return policy.  We are hoping to go back to Cuba in May, so I'll probably buy one then.
 
 Now, can you tell me the difference between a  converter and a  transformer?

[ken657]

Can anyone out there tell us one they have used in Cuba....and works...  :th:

[Bulldog]

Well we used : ( Purchased at Walmart )
 
 1. American Tourister 1600 Watt Converter
 Model AM0030WH
 Converts: 220/240V AC to 110/120 V AC
 
 At the TRYP Hotel in Cuba and had no problem at all....
 
    :D      :s:

[millybess]

Originally posted by ken657:
  Can anyone out there tell us one they have used in Cuba....and works...    :th:  

Ken, I have learned the hard way ($$$) that it really does depend on what you want to use it for.
 
 I did use my hair iron at BCV by plugging it directly into the socket, but it would heat up very quickly.  So, I'd heat it up, unplug it, use it, plug it back in, heat it up, etc., etc.  All the while, messybill and kids were looking on in amazement as they waited and waited.  Needless to say, only the females in the group understood the necessity - lol.
 
 I'm probably lucky that it still works!

[ken657]

Bulldog....im going to the tryp pen. varadero in march for 2 weeks...is that were you were ??
 all i want a converter for is to recharge batteries,,,no need for curling iron...  :rof:

[Milli]

Millybess:  I solved that problem by leaving all my electric appliances at home!  I know very little about electricity and converters.  Today I was in Bentley looking for a duffle bag on wheels for my son to take to Belize.  I was looking at all the travel items and noticed an Air Canada converter that is dual power.  It converts 220/120 and on low can be used for appliances up to 50 watts and on high for appliances 50- 1600 watts.  It was $29.99.  Just thought I would pass it along.

[millybess]

Hi Milli.  Thanks for the heads-up on the converter at Bentley.  I just can't stand the thought of a bad hair  week and could never leave my hair iron at home!  :OMG:  I will definitely go in there and take a look.  Thanks again.
 
   :off:  What a coincidence, my eldest is heading to Belize!  Were you able to find the duffle?  Let me know what you come up with there too please.

[Bulldog]

Ken657, I was in Cayo Coco...sorry    ;)