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(More customer reviews)Unfortunately, I own four Simran 110 V - 220/240 V "deluxe" step up / step down voltage stabilizer converters, all purchased through Voltage-Converter-Transformer ("VCT")--two of them rated at 3000 watts (this product), and two of them rated at 500 watts. I was hoping to use the converters in the UK (240 volt, 50 hertz power) for a few appliances that only run on US voltage (110-120 volt) and was particularly influenced by vct's description of the product online, "heavy-duty continuous use transformer." I was also drawn to the product's ability to handle significant fluctuations in input voltage. Prior to buying, I called the company's sales line to confirm that these "deluxe" transformers could be used continuously on 240 volt power, and, of course, the woman who answered assured me that they would!
I note that VCT was polite and professional in taking and fulfilling my orders. The product arrived in good time and in good shape, and the boxes were packed in an acceptably - but not overly - careful manner and had not been damaged in transport. Note that the 3000 watt transformers weigh over 40 pounds each!
On the positive side, the transformers have a pleasing, straighforward industrial design. The carrying strap is attached to the cabinet housing using sturdy materials, and the input and output sockets are well placed and properly labeled. Like any transformer, these units are very heavy.
In my experience, however, these transformers really disappoint as their performance is nowhere near that described on amazon.com or on VCT's website. I've tried all four of my units with varying electrical loads (but never more than 1/5 of the maximum wattage rating, and never with appliances or electronics that use motors or have high initial power drain) under continuous use in a home (i.e., not commercial/industrial) setting using 240VAC input. Sadly, in every case, each of the units overheats and shuts itself down within 3-4 hours. While I am pleased that the units did not cause any damage to my equipment, I cannot in good faith recommend that people buy the Simran deluxe voltage stabilizers for continuous use with 240VAC. Perhaps with 220V input, the results would be different, though that is not how they are advertised. Certainly, if the units are used for only 5-10 minutes at a time, the risk of overheating is greatly reduced. It is not clear whether the overheating problem is a design flaw or a manufacturing defect. I suspect the former as, with a total of four units and two different wattage ratings, the probability of "achieving" manufacturing defects in all four units should be fairly low.
Whatever the cause, at 240 volts input, the units simply do not function as advertised. I will be contacting the vendor shortly to determine whether they will take them back and on what terms. I wonder if the company marketing the converters, VCT, has ever tested them on 240 volts.
In conclusion:
* The exterior design is appealing and simple to understand the input, output, switches, and meter. The carrying strap is well attached to the cabinet.
* The unit comes with extra fuses and a plug adapter to allow the unit to be used with a standard two-prong US socket (instead of the two prong "Schucko" type plug, sometimes called "Type F," used commonly in Germany). For use elsewhere, e.g., particularly the UK, Ireland, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc., etc., you'll need to buy a separate adapter (e.g., in the case of these countries, BS 1363, sometimes called "Type G").
* The unit simply does not work as advertised. Under very typical operating conditions, none of my four units can function for more than 4 hours while stepping power down from 240 volts to 120 volts. Therefore, it is impossible to recommend this product.
* Buyers are better to look at alternative products if the primary purpose is to use the transformer with 240 volt input on a continuous basis. For example, in the UK, Maplin sell small step down (only) converters up to 300 watts--the cost is 2-3 times what you would pay in the States, but they do work. I have two of these (300 watts) and have not had any trouble continously powering small home electronics and the like.Hope this helps!
Click Here to see more reviews about: VCT VSD 3000W- Deluxe 3000 Watts Step Up/Step Down Voltage Transformer. Built In Voltage Regulator Stabilizer AC 110V-220/240V for Worldwide Use
