Transformer/converter Update

You´ve done the right thing by asking the manufacture what they suggest. I don´t personally find the answer they gave you very helpful. Converters of adequate size to reliably produce 600 watts at 110VAC from a 220VAC source would probably weigh more than you might possibly want to carry. Have you considered renting one from a pharmacy or medical supplier in France?

I used to be familiar with hemo dialysis, but not peritoneal dialysis. How often do you need the procedure? Every other day, like hemo dialysis?

When Tocard says "rent one" I assume he means the PD cycler, not the converter.

Does anyone in the US make a cycler that runs on multi voltages (100-240 VAC)? My partner's oxygen concentrator runs on 100-240 VAC so she was able to use it in Europe without a converter. The first thing I would do is see if anyone in the US makes multi voltage cyclers and try to rent one.

If you can't find one in the US that is multi-voltage you could try, as Tocard suggest, to arrange to rent a 230V one over there.

You might check to see if there are clinics in Paris that do PD.

I found a 600W voltage converter (2:1) step-down transformer on Amazon but it weighs 7.3 lb.

I assume that the PD cycler has integral electronics so that you cannot use an electronic voltage converter. These converters use transistors and are much lighter, but the wave form they produce is not suitable for (can damage) electronics.

Thank you for the suggestions. They are very helpful. I will definitely take them into consideration.

Nelson,

To add to Lee's post, THIS is another transformer-based Voltage Converter* that you could use. This has slightly greater capacity than you need, and is also rated for continuous duty. However, as Lee mentioned, transformers are inherently heavy and this one is about 10 lbs. If you're using larger wheeled luggage, that may not be a problem.

Again as mentioned, a transformer-based converter will be better for devices which may contain sensitive electronics, as it produces a clean, accurate sine wave. You indicated that your PD cycler is designed for 50/60 Hz, so the frequency difference won't be a concern.

Unless you can find a dual-voltage PD cycler, your only options would appear to be.....

• Buy or rent one in Europe
• haul along a heavy transformer-type converter and use your present machine

If you decide to go with the transformer converter, you might confirm with the manufacturer before departure that this arrangement will be suitable.

Good luck!

Thank you! I think I will probably buy this transformer as I will be traveling to Europe often. I am really thankful for the Forums on Rick Steves, they really have helped me in travel planning.

The reason the big transformers are so large (and produces such good sine wave electricity) is that they use the old technique of big lumps of iron and coils of copper wire (twice as many turns in one coil as the other).

That makes them heavy.

They also tend to have relatively sharp edges, at least some of mine do.

Have you looked in Fry's?

Don't skimp on the rated wattage - if you are using it for long continuous periods go high.

It will get warm, and there will be a magnetic field around it.

Since transformers work equally well stepping up as stepping down be absolutely sure you plug into the correct socket - all of mine are clearly labelled - and put the jumper bar in the right holes. Your equipment is too valuable to burn up if you set it up the wrong way.

And yes, to keep flogging the same horse - they are heavy.

If you are making regular trips, can you store the transformer somewhere on this side of the puddle?

The specs say 115V/50/60 Hz? I know of no power that is 115V, 50 Hz (Japan was 100V/50/60Hz, depending on the island). So maybe the specs also say 115V-230V? If so you don't need a converter.

Update: I guess there are a few countries with ~115V, 50 Hz - Jamaica, Barbados, and Curaçao, so maybe 50 hz does not mean it also runs on 230V.

But anyway, double check that is doesn't say 115-230 V, 50/60 Hz.