Want to use a step-up transformer?

Quite a few people consider purchasing a step-up transformer.

However, I sometimes hear that these interested people don’t have a lot of prior knowledge about step-up transformers or the technical information is a little overwhelming for them and they are worried they are correctly using the equipment.
This time, I decided to write this article to help clear these doubts.

Contents
■What is a step-up transformer?
■When is a step-up transformer required?
■Things to keep in mind when in use

■ What is a step-up transformer?

The transformer can be used for the power supply, input/output impedance matching, and has many other applications.

List of Step-Up Transformers Available at Sound House　

• SU500/SU500EE
• SU6 /SU6EE
• SU10/SU10E,SU10EE
• SU15/SU15EE

*Listed from smaller to larger capacities, -EE is compatible with 3-pole outlets, the SH brand

All of these transformers boost the electrical power voltage. That is to say, the transformers boost the electrical power for commercial use in Japan from AC100V to AC110V-120V.

■ When is a step-up transformer required?

Generally, the voltage is boosted to AC115V/120V for equipment that is to be sold for the American market.
However, the voltage in imported goods may vary.
The voltage also varies from country to country. For example, the voltage in Europe is 230V.
Standard voltage in the States is 115V, but 120V is also used in some areas, so there are two different power supply specifications. The American ‘UL Standards’ also specifies that 115V is the standard voltage, so even if the spec says ‘120V’, a product can sufficiently operate at 115V as long as it is compatible with UL Standards. However, changing the voltage according to the spec allows for the equipment to run at its maximum capacity. When a universal power supply is applied, it is not necessary to boost the voltage because it is designed to stabilize the supply power to the circuit while operating under the voltage of 100V-240V, but some people feel they can get more tension from the sound or the sound comes out in front when boosting the electrical power of the amp. So, I don’t think the step-up transformer is absolutely necessary.

■ Things to keep in mind when in use

(1) Check the voltage of the device.
First, check the voltage of the device that is to be connected.
If the input voltage is too low or too high, the incompatible voltages can fry the device, so make sure to read labels on all the equipment before you try to connect them.

(2) Check the power source that the step-up transformer is intended for.
The step-up transformers sold at Sound House are designed so that the output voltage fluctuates when the input voltage to the transformer fluctuates.
Here is an excerpt from the product spec sheet which shows how the voltage fluctuates:
“Input Voltage 100V → Output Voltage 115V / 95V → 110V / 105V → 120V”
*This is just an example. Be sure to check the product description on the product page.
It is better to check in advance with a tester to see that the original input voltage is stable.
If the original voltage of the product is not stable, one option is to pass it through a regulated power supply and then boost it.

(3) Check the capacity of the step-up transformer and the power consumption of the connected device.
The step-up transformer also has a power capacity limit. Please note that exceeding the capacity may cause failure to the transformer itself.
You can check “VA (volt-ampere/apparent power)” and ‘W (watt/active power)’ to know the power capacity.
On our product page, we recommend limiting the power consumption of the connected device to 80% of the power capacity of the step-up transformer.
When adjusting W to VA... W x 1.25
When adjusting VA to W... VA x 0.8
*This is a guide value assuming that the power factor is 0.8.
The important thing is that you should not exceed the capacity of the step-up transformer, so I do not recommend operating the device at full capacity for safety.

(4) About the step-up transformer with a grounding pin. *The SH product name ends with ‘EE’.
Regarding connectivity to the outlet, it is necessary to connect the grounding pin of the 3-pole plug for grounding.
Please note that the original power outlet must be grounded as well.

If you are planning to operate a step-up transformer for the first time or if you have been on the fence about purchasing a step-up transformer, I hope that you found this article helpful.