Buying guide
How to choose a step down transformer for US & Japanese appliances in Australia
Australia runs on 240V at 50Hz. Most appliances from the US and Canada expect 110V / 120V at 60Hz, and Japan runs at 100V. Plugging an imported appliance straight into an Australian power point will damage it instantly. A step down transformer drops the mains voltage to a level your appliance is built for. Use the steps below to size it correctly.
- 1
Check your appliance's voltage and wattage
Find the rating label on the back or base of the appliance. Confirm the input voltage (usually 110V or 120V for US gear, 100V for Japanese) and note the wattage (W) or VA rating. If only amps are listed, multiply amps × voltage to get VA.
- 2
Add at least 25% headroom
Transformers should run loaded, not maxed out. Multiply the appliance's VA by 1.25 for resistive loads (heaters, lamps, audio). For anything with a motor or compressor — fridges, power tools, espresso machines — use 2× to 3× to cover startup surge.
- 3
Match the result to an ABW part number
Choose the next ABW model up from your calculated VA. For example, a 400W US appliance needs roughly 500VA with headroom, which suits the 94/93 500VA unit. A 1500W microwave needs the 94/95 2KVA unit.
- 4
Use the correct plug and outlet
The transformer accepts a standard Australian 240V plug on the input. The 115V output is supplied with a US-style NEMA outlet — plug your appliance straight in, or use an unswitched adapter for unusual plug shapes. Avoid cheap travel adapters on anything running continuously.
- 5
Install in a ventilated location
ABW's enclosed TC housings are designed for indoor use. Leave airflow around the case, keep it off carpet, and don't stack items on top — transformers generate heat under load and need somewhere for that heat to escape.
Not sure which unit suits your appliance? Get in touch with the appliance's voltage and wattage and we'll recommend the right ABW transformer.