Moving From USA Overseas... Looking For Advice re: Electrical Service and Gear


hello all,

i'm moving from the USA to Vietnam (220V / 50 hz) and am looking for some advice on the best and safest way to hook up my system out there.  the area i'm moving to - district 2 in ho chi minh city - apparently has power outages monthly.  any advice on safely running my gear out there would be appreciated.

  • is it better to have my gear converted to 220V, or simply use a 220V - 120V step down transformer?
  • should i use an uninterruptible power supply (UPS / battery backup) or is a good surge protector sufficient?
  • is it possible to use a step down transformer in line with a UPS, ie, wall to UPS, UPS to transformer, transformer to gear?

as you can see, i have no idea what's the best and safest way to run USA spec equipment in Vietnam and would appreciate all inputs and recommendations.

thanks!
Scott 
128x128srosenberg
I don't think any of these devices are intended for high quality stereo, that's not the point of making them. They have other transformers that they say don't change frequency just voltage. And I would expect enough distortion on the output. At least they look like quality things compared to cheap Chinese stuff.
+1 on the suggestion to contact the company.

i just pulled out the external transformer connected to my Mom's 27 qf GE fridge, it's by a company outa NY called Todd.
The unit states it's a 3 Prong transformer and converts 50h to 60h as well as 220-240 into 110-120v, 26 years on knock on wood no problems ever with the fridge.

should any of you contact Acupwr, please inform of your findings over here.

Al, why don't you contact them? You will know what they are saying.
Done!  I'll post back if and when I receive a response.

Regards,
-- Al