VCT VT-500J - Japanese Step Up/Down Voltage Transformer Converts Japan 100 Volts To 110V OR Vice Versa - 500 Watt

Works great with Japanese video game consoles!
I recently purchased a Japanese "Slim" Sony Playstation 2 to play games never released in North America. The SCPH-7000x model of Playstation 2 comes with an external power supply which is multi-voltage (100V-240V) capable, but the newest model of "slim" PS2, the SCPH-9000x series, has an internal power supply set at 100V. Instead of risking a burnout of my new console, I purchased this step-down/step-up converter to safely reduce the voltage coming out of the wall. This transformer has a wattage capacity of 500W, which is more than enough to cover the 70W output of the PS2. So far in my testing, the voltage transformer runs quiet and cool, even after several hours of use. An external light lets you know that the unit is functioning properly, and should its internal fuse fail, it can be easily replaced. Overall, I highly recommend this piece for its heavy-duty metal build (it's heavy!) and affordability.

(FYI, should you also be planning on importing a SCPH-9000x to North...

For those times that you need a 100V transformer.
The Americas uses 120V as a standard and the rest of the world uses 240V. Japan is the exception with 100V. It's not much of a problem as most appliances come with a 100-240V universal adapter,or you can supply one with your own local voltage.

The problem can be where you buy a great gadget in Japan,that was never meant to be exported outside Japan and the voltage is fixed at 100. The bigger problem is that it might not function at 120V. Modification by a service tech may be anywhere from expensive to impossible. This is where the VCT/VT-500J comes in handy and for only $36 if your appliance is less than 500 watts.

I've had it a while and it works. It is meant for continuous operation,something I would not trust to a cheaper wall converter. It does use a fuse for safety reasons and comes with three spares,but it might pay to buy some extras. The design is very compact. The switch and pilot light are in the back with the power cord. I wish both were up front...

Nifty Converter
I purchased this Japanese Step Up Voltage Transformer to use on a recent trip to Japan. From past experience I knew my curling iron would not work well on the Japanese current. This converter works great, but you need to take a three prong adapter along. All Japanese plugs are for two prong appliances; the converter is three prongs. I left my adapter at the first hotel on our tour; I ended up breaking off the ground plug on the converter so I could continue to use it! (Not recommended!) This little unit is quite heavy. We had to put it on our carry-on because we were concerned about our luggage weight. Going to Japan--this gizmo is priceless and I found the best price on Amazon.

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