VOLTAGES FROM POWERSTAR INC. GLUPS, WHAT IS VOLTAGE TRANSFORMATION AND HOW TO?

 

INTRODUCTION:

A GLUPS is a UPS battery backup with a transformer integrally built inside, that allows you to take your US voltage products to Europe without changing anything. The following is a description of why you may need one, and what goes into the voltage charts, to make it work for you. In general, this discussion applies to the transformer, with the assumption that you understand the UPS.

Voltage and frequency (Hz) vary throughout the world, and, in some cases, within the same country. Most appliances /computers/telecom gear are made to operate on a single voltage and frequency. When using electrical equipment designed for a specific voltage, it is necessary to adjust the local voltage to the voltage for which the equipment was designed. This is done with a transformer which comes inside a GLUPS.. For the purpose of this article, all types of computers, tools, equipment, machinery, etc. shall be referred to as the load. An autotransformer is a tapped winding transformer that changes the voltage available locally to the voltage required by a particular load. Thus, a load may operate anywhere around the world, as long as a transformer is available to convert the local voltage to the voltage it requires.

An autotransformer, with a single tapped winding, is generally preferred to an isolation transformer, with 2 separate windings, for many reasons. An autotransformer is much smaller and lighter than an isolation transformer. It also has better voltage stability and greater overload tolerance. Autotransformers perform in much the same way as the transformer that the electric company uses to bring electricity to a building. No transformer of any type can change frequency. Frequency is unimportant to the normal operation of most loads: most motor driven loads will simply run at a slightly different speed than they did at their rated frequency; simple heating equipment (broilers, coffee pots, etc.) will operate with no problem at all. However, motor loads whose proper operation depends upon frequency, such as clocks, turntables, timers, cassette players, etc. must be converted for voltage with a transformer and then also have their gears and/or pulleys changed for speed correction.

Some motor loads are heat sensitive to frequency changes. To avoid overheating sensitive motors, such as those that continuously stop and start, or run non-stop -- refrigerators, air conditioners, washing machines, shop equipment, etc., it is good practice to run 60 Hz motors at 10% less voltage when operated on 50Hz (e.g. 115 V 60 Hz equipment should operate at 100 - 105 V at 50 Hz). Conversely, to obtain full power from a 50 Hz motor operated on 60 Hz, it is necessary to supply it with 10% extra voltage (e.g. 220 V at 50 Hz should be operated at 250 - 260 V at 60 Hz).

CHOOSE A GLUPS TRANSFORMER


Transformer capacity is rated in Volt-Amps (VA) which is generally the same as wattage (Watts). Most loads are labeled with their proper operational voltage (Volts), current (Amps), frequency (Hz), and wattage (Watts or VA).To compute a loadÆs VA requirements, multiply its rated voltage (Volts) by its rated current (Amps). This information is usually found on the back of the load - on its nameplate. If you cannot locate the labeled voltage and current (to calculate the VA), use the wattage (Watts), if shown. Exceptions are fluorescent lights, neon signs, gas discharge lamps, specialized electronic controls, etc which require a transformer with a VA capacity 1.5 times the wattage rating, if the volts and amps are not shown. Select a transformer with a VA rating equal to or larger than the VA found on the nameplate of the load.Using a transformer with a smaller VA capacity than that required by the load will cause the transformer to overheat and eventually burn out, unless a model is used. You can always use a transformer with a larger VA rating than the load requires.

Example 1

You wish to use a 120 V 60 Hz electric drill on 230 V 50 Hz. The nameplate reads:

INPUT: 120V 50/60Hz 2.4 A

This means that the required operating voltage is 120 Volts, with a current of 2.4 Amps. Thus, the load is found to be 288 VA, so a 300 VA transformer

should be used. The frequency will only slightly affect the drill speed.

Example 2

It is desired to operate several different 120 V appliances one at a time on 230 V...

Computer Printer 120 V - 0.9 A = 108 VA

Vacuum Cleaner 120 V - 11.9 A = 1428 VA

Sewing Machine 120 V - 1.2 A = 144 VA

Since they will be used one at a time , choose a 1500 VA transformer Powerstar-14) that will be sufficient for the largest item, the vacuum cleaner. Of course, the other 2 loads, the sewing machine and printer, may be operated at other times, singly, or even at the same time since their total VA is only 252.

Example 3

It is necessary to operate several appliances at the same time...

Microwave Oven 120 V - 6.25 A = 750 VA

Electric Fan 120 V - 1.2 A = 144 VA

CD Player 120 V - 0.7 A = 84 VA

Total load = 978 VA

Choose a transformer of 1000 VA capacity Powerstar-13, which is closest to, but not smaller than, the total VA of all appliances used). This will supply all of the above loads all at once or one at a time if you so choose.

GROUNDED VS UNGROUNDED


If the load has a third pin ground (washing machine, microwave, etc.), use a transformer with a grounding power cord and receptacle. If the load has only 2 prongs and no grounding pin (lamp, toaster, blender, charger, etc.), choose a less expensive transformer with a 2 pin format and no grounding pin. To accommodate both grounded or ungrounded plugs, choose a transformer with a third pin ground which is usable for both types. Powerstar manufactures many transformers with different styles of mounting and electrical connectors (ungrounded, grounded, wiring leads, junction boxes for permanent wiring, etc.). Choose a transformer with the most convenient style as well as sufficient VA rating.

HELPFUL HINTS


Transformers should be allowed to have access to free air around them. They should not be operated when placed next to a radiator, in a box, under furniture, surrounded in a bookshelf, etc. Transformers are designed to operate and feel quite warm to the touch. For large appliances whose nameplate shows both "running amps" and "starting amps," use the running amps to figure the wattage (VA) and, therefore, the transformer capacity needed. It is generally less costly (but less convenient) to use one larger transformer for several loads than to have one transformer for each. However, transformers intended for use with a permanently placed, frequently run load, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, etc., should be left attached and used for that load only.

TRANSFORMER CONSTRUCTION


All Powerstar transformers are precision wound and insulated with the latest hi-tech, insulating materials. The core laminations are of high grade annealed silicon steel, designed to keep heating to a minimum. All transformers are impregnated with a modified polyester heat cured varnish which seals the transformer, thus protecting the electrical windings from moisture and contamination. Metal housings are baked enamel finished, and all electrical components such as wire, power cords, switches, receptacles, insulation, etc. are U.L. approved. Every Powerstar transformer is thoroughly tested, twice, and thoroughly inspected to ensure top quality. The result of this use of superior materials, advanced design, and complete 100% testing is long, trouble-free transformer life.

GUARANTEE


All Powerstar transformers are indefinitely guaranteed to be free of defects in materials & workmanship. When operated properly, our transformers will last
a lifetime and are guaranteed as such. In the event of a defect, Powerstar SYSTEMS will repair or replace a defective unit free of charge, pending our inspection, if returned to the factory, prepaid. Transformers that have been misused by overvoltage or overload are not covered by this guarantee, since such abuse will decrease the life of the transformer, causing it to overheat and eventually burn out. However, our Temp-Guard models have a thermal protector built-in and can never be burned out. The thermal protector will turn the transformer off automatically when overheated, & turn it on again after it cools down.

ALL THAT IS LEFT TO SAY!

Because of our extensive inventory, most PowerStar transformers can be shipped the same or next day. Larger production orders can be scheduled to meet JIT or other delivery schedules. This means that when you need transformers now you get them now.

POWERSTAR INC - 9073 SHADY GROVE COURT - GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND 20877 - 800-208-5556, 301-948-0713

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