Difference between stepup and stepdown transformers Philippines

What is a transformer?

A transformer is a device that changes the voltage level of the power supplied by the utility company (called input voltage), into the appropriate voltage level required by your equipment (called output voltage)

When is a transformer necessary?

USE CASE 1: If you purchase an equipment from abroad, where the voltage used is different from the Philippines. In countries like the Japan, the voltage supplied is 100V, therefore all Japanese equipment are configured to require 100V, which is half the voltage supplied in the Philippines (220V – 230V).

USE CASE 2: You’ve moved abroad, but have brought your Philippines appliances with you. Philippines appliances require 220V voltage supply, whereas the new country you’ve settled in has a different voltage configuration.

USE CASE 3: If you live in the province or areas where there is constant undervoltage supplied by the utility company. This can happen if you live on an island or province with poor utility infrastructure, as the power is unable to fully reach your area

Once you’ve determined that you need a transformer, the next question is: what type of transformer do you require? There are two types of transformers you need to be aware of: Step up transformers vs Step down transformers. It is important that you not confuse these two as they serve completely opposite functions. Purchasing the incorrect transformer and plugging your equipment into them would definitely damage your equipment. So, to prevent this from happening, here’s a quick tutorial on the difference between a step-down transformer vs a step-up transformer:

What is the difference between a Step-Down and Step-Up Transformer?

• STEP-DOWN TRANSFORMER: If your appliance’s voltage requirements is LOWER than the normal voltage supply. For example: 220V power supply in the Philippines, needs to be STEPPED DOWN, so you can use your 110V US-made appliance
• STEP-UP TRANSFORMER: If your appliance’s voltage requirements is HIGHER than the normal voltage supply. For example: 100V power supply in Japan, needs to be STEPPED UP, so you can use your 220V PH-made appliance

To help you out, we came up with this nifty infographic to make it easier for you to determine what type of transformer you would need depending on where you purchased the appliance, and where you plan to use the appliance.

Step-DOWN transformer brings DOWN the input voltage

This transformer will bring DOWN the input voltage, so that the output voltage supplied to your equipment is LOWER than the original voltage supply.

For example: You bought a washing machine from Japan, where the voltage required is 100V. The Philippines voltage supply is 220V however, so you would need a step-down transformer to STEP DOWN the input voltage (from 220V) into the appropriate output voltage (to 100V) required by your washing machine

Result: Input voltage of 220V (from Philippines voltage supply) is stepped down to 100V (equipment requirement)

Step-UP transformer brings UP the input voltage

This transformer will bring UP the input voltage, so that the output voltage supplied to your equipment is HIGHER than the original voltage supply.

For example: You migrated to Japan, but brought your hairdryer (purchased in the Philippines) with you. Your hairdryer requires a 220V voltage, but the Japan voltage supply is at 100V. As such, you would need a step-up transformer to STEP UP the input voltage (from 100V) into the appropriate output voltage (to 220V) required by your hairdryer

If you’re planning a move abroad but you’re not sure of the voltage used in that country, check this link out

Result: Input of 100V (from Japan voltage supply) is stepped up to 220V (equipment requirement)

In this article, we discussed the following:

• What is a transformer?
• What’s the difference between a Step-Up and Step-Down transformer?
  • Step-down transformer brings DOWN the input voltage
  • Step-up transformer brings UP the input voltage

And that’s pretty much it! Hope this short tutorial was helpful. Now that you know the difference between a step-down vs a step-up transformer, you can determine what type of transformer you’d require. But that isn’t the only consideration when purchasing a transformer, so we recommend you check out our Buyer’s Guide to Transformer article as well, for a complete list of things to consider when purchasing a transformer

Unsure where to purchase Panther Transformers in the Philippines?

We’re here to help you out! Below, you’ll find the links to the best quality transformers Panther manufactures in the Philippines:

• Panther Transformer
  • Step-down transformer (220V to 110V)
  • Step-down transformer with dual voltage (220V to 100V, 110V)
  • Step-down transformer w/ switch and fuse protection (220V to 110V)
  • Step-up transformer (110V to 220V)
  • Variable transformer
  • Adapter transformer
• Panther AVR
  • PVE: Relay-type AVR w/ 220V output
  • PVR: Relay-type AVR w/ built-in transformer (100V, 110V, 220V output)
  • PVS: Servo-motor type AVR w/ built-in transformer (100V, 110V, 220V output)

In case what you’re looking for is not available, feel free to reach out to us. As a leading local manufacturer of transformers, Panther can create custom-made orders, depending on your specific requirements.