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For your appliance to work correctly, you need to make sure your item is being powered by the appropriate voltage required.
Otherwise, this could result in overload (burnt equipment) or underload (overheated equipment due to overwork). The standard voltage in the Philippines is 220-230 volts. However, certain areas may experience lower volts (e.g., provinces) due to poor power infrastructure.
Keep in mind the following however:
- Appliances have different voltage requirements depending on where it was manufactured and how it was designed (Ex. US-manufactured appliance typically require 110-120 volts)
- Voltage fluctuations commonly occur in the Philippines
This is where transformers (voltage converters) and AVRs (voltage regulators) come in. Both transformers and AVRs ensure that the proper voltage is powering your equipment, but they do so in different ways.
Let’s find out what exactly is the difference between a transformer and an AVR, shall we?
What’s the difference between a transformer and an AVR?
Transformer is a Voltage Converter (from 220V to 110V, or from 110V to 220V)
What is the function of a transformer? / What is the purpose of a voltage converter?
A transformer converts the normal power supplied by local utility company (called input voltage) into the appropriate voltage required by your equipment (called output voltage)
When do you commonly use a transformer or voltage converter in the Philippines?
Transformers are commonly used for the following:
- Appliances purchased abroad. This is because power input voltage varies by geographic location (Japan: 100V vs US: 110-120V vs PH: 220-230V). As such, manufacturers in different countries build appliances with different voltage specification depending on the country
- Provincial areas where power input voltage is lower than normal (consistently less than 220V)
AVR is an Automatic Voltage Regulator
Unlike a Transformer (Voltage Converter), which seeks to convert (or change) the voltage output, a voltage regulator serves a slightly different function
What is the function or purpose of an AVR?
An AVR maintains voltage at the desired voltage level supplied to your equipment, by regulating any voltage fluctuations (over- and under- voltage) that might occur
When do you commonly use an AVR in the Philippines?
AVRs are commonly used for the for appliances with sensitive electronic components that could be damaged by voltage fluctuations (e.g., freezer, refrigerator, sound system, computer). Regardless of whether you live in the city or province, voltage fluctuation is a common occurrence in the Philippines
What if my appliance in the Philippines needs a transformer AND an AVR?
Worry not, we’ve got you covered.
Panther offers AVRs with built-in transformers (PVR and PVS series) exactly for this purpose.
These AVRs w/ built-in transformers serve both the voltage regulation AND the voltage conversion function requirements of your equipment.
It’s a two-in-one equipment that will allow you to use appliances purchased from abroad AND protect it from voltage fluctuations, all while saving money as it comes out cheaper compared to purchasing an AVR and a transformer separately.
We hope this article helped clarify the difference between an AVR (voltage regulator) and a transformer (voltage converter).
Looking for Panther Transformers or AVRs for sale?
If you wish to purchase, please find below links to the respective items Panther has on offer:
In case what you’re looking for is not available, feel free to reach out to us. As a leading local manufacturer of transformers and AVRs, Panther can create custom-made orders, depending on your specific requirements.
Still Have Questions?
This article provided you a comparison between transformers and AVRs, and should help you answer the following questions:
- What’s the difference in function between a transformer and an AVR?
- When would you use a transformer vs an AVR?
- What if I need both a transformer AND and AVR?
If you still have questions, feel free to drop a comment below or email us at pantherproduct@gmail.com
How much is the AVR with built in transformer? I have my air fryer came from USA. 1,700 wattage.
Good day, thank you for reaching out to us! For your air fryer (1700 Watts, 110V), we would recommend the PVR 2000: https://panther.ph/product/pvr-2000-relay-type-avr/
We’ve sent you a quotation via email. Thank you!
I have an air fryer gift from US. What is the transformer I should buy and how much?
Good day, it depends on the power consumption of the air fryer. Kindly provide the amps/watts of the air fryer (indicate if this is max. capacity or average capacity), as well as the voltage requirement (I assume it’s 110V or 120V since it was purchased from the US). Once you’ve provided this information, we can then help you ascertain the transformer requirement and provide you a quotation. We hope this helps!
What is the average lifespan of an AVR? And is there a way to test that it’s still working? Thank you.
Good day, a good quality AVR that’s taken care of properly can last a lifetime. However, we do recommend you bring it in for servicing and recalibration every ~3-4 years. This is because the consumable parts inside the AVR may wear down and require replacement. As Panther AVRs are covered under Lifetime Service Warranty, you can have these serviced for free (parts replaced will be charged at cost). For more details, please see link: https://panther.ph/panther-ecq-service-center/
We hope this helps!
I have an instant pot pressure cooker and instant pot rice cooker, 1000w 120v-60hz and 450w 120v-60hz respectively, what wattage do I need for the two kitchen equipment. Please recommend and give me your quotation including transportation charge. Can you deliver to Bulacan? Thanks.
Good day, thank you for the inquiry!
If you are planning to use both pressure cooker and rice cooker at the same time, we would recommend you purchase:
– If transformer -> PT 2000: https://panther.ph/product/pt-2000w-110v-step-down-transformer/
– If AVR -> PVR 2000 (already has a transformer): https://panther.ph/product/pvr-2000-relay-type-avr/
If you plan to use it one at a time, then you can purchase:
– If transformer -> PT 1500: https://panther.ph/product/pt-1500w-110v-step-down-transformer/
– If AVR -> PVR 1500 (already has a transformer): https://panther.ph/product/pvr-1500-relay-type-avr/
We’ve sent you a detailed quotation via email. We don’t deliver but you can book pickup. Our main warehouse is located in Meycauayan, Bulacan. Kindly let us know if you have any other questions.
Which is better to use for an air fryer oven from the US (110 V) 1,800 Watts, a transformer or an AVR with built-in transformer? What is the prescribed wattage to use? Thank you!
Good day! An AVR with built-in transformer would be better, as you can make use of a 2-in-1 device. We would recommend the following:
– 2500 Watts (or above) AVR w/ built in transformer: https://panther.ph/product/pvs-3000-servo-motor-type-avr/
– 2500 Watts Transformer (but no voltage regulation): https://panther.ph/product/pt-2500w-110v-step-down-transformer/
We hope this helps!
Hello how much is 5000watts transformer?
Hmm. I see exactly what you mean. Hey, would you happen to have Feed? Im attempting to subscribe in order to get updates. Tell me. I really enjoy reading your site! Should you keep making great posts Ill return every single day to keep reading!
Good day, we’re glad to hear you enjoyed our article. To subscribe to our newsletter, simply scroll down, input your email, and hit the Subscribe button. We hope this helps!
Hello. I have a Cuisinart Coffee Maker 120V 60Hz 1025W. I Need your recommendation regarding stepdown transformer or PVR suited for this appliance.
Thank you.
Good day! You’d need either a 1500 Watts Transformer to use this Coffee Maker.
Or if you wish for 24/7 protection from voltage fluctuations, you could opt to purchase our PVR 1500, which is a 1500 Watts Relay Type AVR, with built-in Transformer.
Goodday! I have a grinder 960watts from US. 120v. I want to use it for cutting granites. What can you recommend better? A plain transformer or avr with transformer? Which one will last longer using this powertool?
Good day! Is the 960 Watts max power consumption already? A plain transformer would be sufficient for you to use your grinder, however if you plan to use it for long periods of time (e.g. >30 minutes) and on a regular basis, then you may want to invest in an AVR with transformer, so that you can gain voltage regulation features. However, if you’re only using it for short spurts of time, then a transformer would suffice. We hope this helps!
Someone told me not to use AVRs for power audio amplifiers like Denon, Yamaha or Onkyo, etc. Instead use ordinary step down transformers. Is this true? Please advise. Thank you.
Good day!
Is this the advice of the manufacturer/supplier? If so, kindly follow said advice as they would have a much better idea of the power audio amplifier requirements.
We would like to note that we have several customers who purchase our AVRs for their home studio setup however, and they haven’t had any concerns.
Kindly check if your supplier meant AVR (Automatic Voltage Regulator – what Panther sells), or AVR (Audio/Video Receiver). Note that music purists don’t recommend an Audio/Video Receiver (not what Panther sells) for theater setup as this could result in below average sound quality, or tonal mismatch.
We hope this helps!
Hi,
I was gifted with an air fryer with rated power of 1500W.
Can you recommend the AVR wattage i should buy? Is Panther available in Ace hardware?
Good day! We’d recommend you use the PVR 2000 for your airfryer: https://panther.ph/product/pvr-2000-relay-type-avr/
Unfortunately, Ace currently does not carry this particular model (as of Feb 2021). You can find it at DIY, Handyman, or purchase from our online store directly: https://shopee.ph/Panther-PVR-2000-AVR-Relay-Type-with-100V-110V-220V-Output-and-3-5-Mins.-Power-on-Delay-i.226793333.7039499417
We hope this helps!
What transformer do i need for a dolce gusto coffee machine, 120 volts, 1460 watts
Good day! Given the power requirement of your coffee machine, we would recommend a 2000 Watts transformer. Please see link: https://panther.ph/product/pt-2000w-110v-step-down-transformer
I have an air fryer 110volts and 1400watts. Which is better to buy, the avr or transformer?
Good day!
Bare minimum: You need a transformer to use your air fryer in the Philippines. This is because Philippine voltage is at 220V, whereas your air fryer requires 110V.
Suggested transformer: https://panther.ph/product/pt-2000w-110v-step-down-transformer
However, if you plan to use the air fryer regularly everyday, then you may want to consider an AVR, which is meant to provide protection to your appliance from voltage fluctuations. In that case, we would suggest you purchase an AVR w/ built-in transformer.
Suggested AVR w/ built-in transformer: https://panther.ph/product/pvr-2000-relay-type-avr
We hope this helps!
Sir gud day,ask lng po sa amin po mahina ang kuryente ns 160 lng po.eto na po tanung ko.may aircon po ako n ns 970 po ang watss nya di po magamit dahil nga po mahina po tlg kuryente lagi bagsak voltahe.ano po kaya mairecomrnda nyo para dun po sa aking aircon na hindi magamit dahil po sa baba ng voltahe ng kuryente.salamat po
Good day! Lagi po bang saktong 160V ang kuryente sa lugar ninyo? Or paiba iba ang voltage? Kung laging 160V, pwede kayo bumili ng Manual Variable Transformer. Pero kung paiba-iba lagi, we would recommend you buy an Automatic Voltage Regulator.
For your aircon, average watts or maximum watts po ba ang 970 Watts? To be safe, kindly confirm with your manufacturer/supplier kung ano ang max. power consumption ng aircon, kasi ito ang magdedetermine kung anong capacity ng Manual Variable Transformer o Automatic Voltage Regulator ang kakailanganin ninyo 🙂
I bought a japan surplus refrigirator 125V, what type of transformer can you recommend?
Thank you.
Good day! You would need a Step Down Transformer. The exact wattage of the transformer will depend on the power consumption of your refrigerator. Kindly note – your refrigerator is a motorized equipment, so would apply a 200% buffer.
How to calculate appliance capacity requirement: https://panther.ph/how-to-calculate-appliance-capacity-requirements/
Available Panther Step Down Transformer to choose from: https://panther.ph/product-category/appliance-protection/transformers/step-down-transformer/
We hope this helps!
I have a pressure cooker w/ wattage of 1400 what would I need?
Good day! If your pressure cooker’s voltage is 100V-120V, then you would need a PT 2000 to safely use it in the Philippines. Please see link: https://panther.ph/product/pt-2000w-110v-step-down-transformer/
hi sir/maam my question po ako anu po ma rerekomend nyo s front loader washing machine ko..230-240 volts.50 herts 2050 watss.avr po ba or transformer?thank you po
Good day! No need for transformer because parehas namang 230-240V ang voltage. Based on your description, perhaps what you’re looking for is a frequency converter that converts PH frequency from 60Hz to 50Hz for your equipment requirements. Unfortunately, we regret to inform you that we do not carry this product.
Hi what do i need to run a 750watts power tool from the US which is 110v?
Good day Omar! You need Step down transformer. Is 750watts PEAK power of your equipment? If YES please consider PT 1000w-110v (https://panther.ph/product/pt-1000w-110v-step-down-transformer/). If NO please consider PT 2500w-110v (https://panther.ph/product/pt-2500w-110v-step-down-transformer/) for sufficient allowance. Best to also consult your equipment supplier for their recommendation to be sure. Hope it helps.