Notes when Using a DC Transformer

Nearly all households in the U.S. are using AC (alternating current) power, mainly because it is easier to change the voltage of this type of electricity than DC (direct current) power. However, some household appliances, like a TV, require DC power to run properly, making a DC current transformer at home important.

In buying a transformer, the wattage of appliances also needs to be taken into account.  For example, many electronic gadgets in North America run on 110/120 volts. For appliances that need to be powered using 220/240 volts, a ‘step-up’ transformer is used to provide the appropriate power supply. If the power requirement is the other way around, that is, from 220/240 volts to 110/120 volts, then a ‘step-down’ transformer should be used instead.

When multiple appliances need to be powered, the homeowner must pay greater attention to the number of watts they need. Otherwise, the transformer may blow-up or suffer a malfunction. Wattage is determined by multiplying the ‘volts’ by the ‘amps’, both of which can be found on appliances’ labels. The obtained value is then compared with the transformer’s wattage. For safety and effectiveness, it is advisable to get a higher wattage transformer than what an appliance actually needs. Heavy-duty transformers can be used continuously on appliances that run on 75 to 85 percent of a transformer’s wattage capacity.