120V to 100V Voltage Converter 500watts Step Down toroidal Voltage Converter for Japan appliances Used in US［CE, CQC Certified］

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Product information

Technical Details

Item Weight	‎4.9 Pounds
UPC	‎894076000862
Manufacturer	‎VCT Electronics
Part Number	‎VT-500J
Item Weight	‎4.85 pounds
Product Dimensions	‎6 x 3 x 4 inches
Item model number	‎VT-500J
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	‎No
Size	‎500 Watt
Color	‎Black
Voltage	‎100120110 Volts
Wattage	‎500.00
Item Package Quantity	‎1
Plug Format	‎Type K
Batteries Included?	‎No
Batteries Required?	‎No

Additional Information

ASIN	B000PC4JL4
Customer Reviews	(1,350) 4.4 out of 5 stars
Best Sellers Rank	#79,341 in Tools & Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement) #270 in Power Converters
Date First Available	April 11, 2007

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Product Description

From the Manufacturer

This voltage transformer enables the use of Japanese products in USA or the use of american products in Japan. This transformer is capable of both up/down voltage conversions for Japan/USA. It Can be used in both 100 and 120 volt countries. This transformer will convert from 120 volt to 100 volt AND from 100 volt to 120 volts - Input: 100/120V and Output: 100/120V. This transformer is rated for 500 Watts max including power surge. This is a heavy duty for continuous use. There is a built in Power ON/OFF Switch and Fuse Protection.TRANSFORMER PURCHASE GUIDE: Remember to leave at least a 100% slack for the transformer, Heating appliances, laser printers and power tools spike when you turn them on. For these products you need to buy a transformer that is at least 3 times the items capacity.

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Customer reviews

1,350 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the transformer works well with specific devices like 500 watt kotatsu heaters and Yamaha disklavier MX 100R, and appreciate its build quality and usefulness for various appliances including sewing machines. However, the durability receives mixed reviews, with some units lasting up to 4 months while others fail after 3 years. The fuse protection and value for money also get mixed feedback, with some reporting blown fuses and considering it overpriced. The transformer is somewhat heavy and bulky.

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Functionality Build quality Use Quality Fuse protection Value for money Durability Weight

252 customers mention "Functionality"212 positive40 negative

Customers report that the transformer works well, particularly with 500-watt devices like kotatsu heaters and Yamaha MX 100R pianos.

"Works great. Used to power Japan unit in USA. Only complain so far is that 1 of the 3 units purchased failed overnight after one week of use...." Read more

"The good thing about this is that it works perfectly! I've been using this for two weeks or so, but I haven't got any problems yet...." Read more

"I can finally use the rice milling machine. Heavy but works well." Read more

"...and when used with our 18 W Doshisha shaved ice maker, it works as expected, nothing gets burnt, no humms and mist importantly, the size made it..." Read more

33 customers mention "Build quality"29 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the build quality of the transformer, with one customer noting its solid construction and another mentioning the use of 22AWG PVC.

"Got the 500W for a Japanese piece of electronics. It’s solid and the conversion ratio is spot on. There is a slight humming noise, but it’s normal!..." Read more

"...Well made, quality box and plug connectors. Throws off very little heat and is quiet. Would not hesitate to buy another one...." Read more

"...The heavy medal build gives the unit a strong durability and the simple switch button is pretty easy to use." Read more

"...The issue with this product is that although sturdy, the paint flakes off right out of the box...." Read more

33 customers mention "Use"28 positive5 negative

Customers find the transformer very useful, with several mentioning it works well with sewing machines, and one customer noting it's great for running Japanese products.

"Compact, no frills, great for small appliances using Japan's voltage that don't want to ruin using a higher voltage elsewhere." Read more

"Just worked straight off. Plugged in, no fuss, perfect for Japanese appliances with Japanese plugs - in our case, a 80w Panasonic Alkaline Water unit..." Read more

"The VCT VT-500J - Is perfect for use with my CostWay Mini washing machine, Rated at 110V AC At it's input...." Read more

"Perfect for use with a Korg Synth that is wired for 100 VAC (Japan). Built like a battleship." Read more

96 customers mention "Quality"60 positive36 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the transformer's quality, with some finding it a great transformer while others report poor quality.

"This is a great product I bought it so that I can set up a heater under my table and it has been working well since I bought it...." Read more

"...voltage selector switch are all underrated by half, and they are poor quality (particularly the power switch)..." Read more

"Good product so far. Larger than I thought it would be, quite heavy. I use it for my Kotatsu table and it all works well, simple to use...." Read more

"Good Quality" Read more

51 customers mention "Fuse protection"22 positive29 negative

Customers have mixed experiences with the transformer's fuse protection, with some reporting no blown fuses while others experienced blown fuses.

"It keeps blowing fuses(I did realize I was asking too much of it when I plugged in the popcorn maker(1400watts))...." Read more

"...indicate the unit is powered, a five amp fuse and the unit comes with two extra fuses just in case...." Read more

"Came with a blown fuse Returned with same fuse" Read more

"...The fuse was fine so the issue is internal. Customer service was unhelpful after 4 emails. Buy the Amazon warranty or don’t waste your money." Read more

44 customers mention "Value for money"26 positive18 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the transformer's value for money, with some finding it a good value that saves money, while others consider it overpriced and not worth the investment.

"...an Effects Modulator that I found in Japan for free shipping and a good price...." Read more

"...Now I can't return the item and it was a waste of money. Don't buy this converter. It was a waste of money." Read more

"...I purchased this because it was the cheapest 1000w model I could find but I guess I need to spend more to get a better product." Read more

"Broke less than 6 months. Definitely not worth the money." Read more

114 customers mention "Durability"26 positive88 negative

Customers report significant durability issues with the transformer, with multiple units breaking within months of use, particularly noting that the on/off switch fails.

"I bought this product on May 3rd 2018, today it stopped working, no eletricity went through the transformer, 100 dollar is just for one and half..." Read more

"Worked well until the switch broke. It was working well from August 25 to October 9th, $89 works for only 48 days...." Read more

"...The first one failed after 4 months, but I thought it might have been a one off event. Bought another one and it also failed after 4 months...." Read more

"Looks and feels really sturdy. Because of it's sturdiness, it has a bit of weight on it. Very simple to use...." Read more

30 customers mention "Weight"4 positive26 negative

Customers find the transformer heavy and bulky.

"Works as expected. Is very heavy though!" Read more

"Good product so far. Larger than I thought it would be, quite heavy. I use it for my Kotatsu table and it all works well, simple to use...." Read more

"...It's heavy, you have to find a space for it on bench/shelf, and so far (three weeks) it hasn't missed a beat. Quiet, and unassuming...." Read more

"...The unit is a little heavy box with a slight audible hum which is to be expected since it's a transformer...." Read more

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K. Sink
Good price
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2025
Size: 200 WattVerified Purchase

Worked well on my 1980's Japanese computer.

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harrypottar
Great transformer if running Japanese appliances in North America
Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2025
Size: 2000 WattVerified Purchase
My wife is Japanese, and we have several devices that utilize this feature; it works great. We turn it off when not using one of the devices and just run when needed. It works fine with high-amperage appliances; she has a large steam oven from Japan, and it works with that, no problem.

We had the same model for over 15 years, then it blew, and so we looked to replace it with the same model because we knew it was reliable.

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zakurowrath
Perfect For The XRGB Mini Framemeister!
Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2014
Size: 500 WattVerified Purchase
For someone who uses Japanese videogame consoles, small computers and in my case the XRGB Mini Framemeister this device is simply perfect. What this device does is convert United States 120 Volts 60hz AC to Japanese 100 Volts 60hz AC with a 500 watt maximum or if your in Japan, the opposite 100 Volts 60hz AC 120 Volts 60hz AC.

The unit is a little heavy box with a slight audible hum which is to be expected since it's a transformer. It feels well constructed and both outlets on the front are nice and tight to ensure your electronics stay plugged in. I did test both outlets with a multimeter to ensure proper voltage in which it passed with the Japanese side showing around 101.2 Volts 60hz AC being transformed from 118.2 60hz AC, from my APC H15 Power Conditioner. Note that both outlets are live on the front meaning one could theoretically plug American and Japanese devices in at the same time but I personally wouldn't recommend it to extend the life of the unit.

I played a full game of Sonic The Hedgehog 2 through my XRGB mini for about two hours and the unit is only lightly warm to the touch which is wonderful. The unit does have an on/off power switch on the back if you want to turn off the unit when not using a particular device along with a red LED to indicate the unit is powered, a five amp fuse and the unit comes with two extra fuses just in case. The default voltage setting switch is set to transform 120 Volts 60hz AC to 100 Volts 60hz AC. This can be switched if one were to ever to travel to Japan with American electronics. You would have to buy a three to two prong adapter to use the three prong receptacle thou being Japan uses two pronged outlets predominately.

Even thou some electronic devices in Japan have a voltage tolerance that could work with 120 Volts 60hz AC, if they are designed to work only with 100 Volts 60hz AC they have to work harder transforming twenty extra volts to usually DC and that means more heat and a shorter life for the power electronics. So to be on the safe side, this device is perfect for anyone who wants to ensure their Japanese electronics will last a long life.

Read more

zakurowrath

Perfect For The XRGB Mini Framemeister!

Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2014
For someone who uses Japanese videogame consoles, small computers and in my case the XRGB Mini Framemeister this device is simply perfect. What this device does is convert United States 120 Volts 60hz AC to Japanese 100 Volts 60hz AC with a 500 watt maximum or if your in Japan, the opposite 100 Volts 60hz AC 120 Volts 60hz AC.

The unit is a little heavy box with a slight audible hum which is to be expected since it's a transformer. It feels well constructed and both outlets on the front are nice and tight to ensure your electronics stay plugged in. I did test both outlets with a multimeter to ensure proper voltage in which it passed with the Japanese side showing around 101.2 Volts 60hz AC being transformed from 118.2 60hz AC, from my APC H15 Power Conditioner. Note that both outlets are live on the front meaning one could theoretically plug American and Japanese devices in at the same time but I personally wouldn't recommend it to extend the life of the unit.

I played a full game of Sonic The Hedgehog 2 through my XRGB mini for about two hours and the unit is only lightly warm to the touch which is wonderful. The unit does have an on/off power switch on the back if you want to turn off the unit when not using a particular device along with a red LED to indicate the unit is powered, a five amp fuse and the unit comes with two extra fuses just in case. The default voltage setting switch is set to transform 120 Volts 60hz AC to 100 Volts 60hz AC. This can be switched if one were to ever to travel to Japan with American electronics. You would have to buy a three to two prong adapter to use the three prong receptacle thou being Japan uses two pronged outlets predominately.

Even thou some electronic devices in Japan have a voltage tolerance that could work with 120 Volts 60hz AC, if they are designed to work only with 100 Volts 60hz AC they have to work harder transforming twenty extra volts to usually DC and that means more heat and a shorter life for the power electronics. So to be on the safe side, this device is perfect for anyone who wants to ensure their Japanese electronics will last a long life.

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42 people found this helpful

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Guangyan
Decent transformer for the price, but nowhere near the power rating.
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2018
Size: 500 WattVerified Purchase
I bought the 500VA VT-500J transformer for use with a 100V 495W Zojirushi rice cooker (Japan Model), for use in the USA. In short - the transformer works and is decent for the price, but be well aware of the ratings (for example, without cooling, the transformer in this 500VA rating is likely only good for 100-125VA continuous!).

As an electrical engineer, I work with power systems daily. I have worked with proper 500VA-rated transformers and they are significantly larger, typically weighing in at about 7kg. The transformer inside this as you can see is very small, about 1.5kg, and likely rated for no more than 100VA continuous operation. This is evident in the small-text the manufacturer is recommending, since they do say (in customer feedback in the comments section) to leave a 4x margin. Meaning this '500VA' transformer is in fact, more like a 125VA-continuous transformer.

However, for the price (about $35), and keeping in mind that I'll be reviewing this as a 125VA unit (instead of a 500VA unit), it's decent. Construction is good sheet metal with a very nice powder coat finish. It operates in both 100 to 120V step-up and 120 to 100V step down operation (default). Soldering inside was OK, wires used were cheap but OK 22AWG PVC, and grounding was properly done with a locking washer and crimped terminal. Quick measurement for voltage conversion - 122.7VAC input gave me 104.0VAC output with no load - good enough.

If I claim that the transformer is only 125VA, why am I using it for my 495W rice cooker? While a transformer of this size is only good for 100+VA continuous operation, it can operate at higher power levels for short periods of time. The limits are (1) thermal and (2) transformer saturation. In order to make this 'work' for my rice-cooker, I did some measurements and found that my particular rice cooker only turns on its heating element (which when it does, does draw about 500W) for fairly short periods of time (10s of seconds), before turning it on and off. As a result, the total average duty cycle is low. I also found the transformer performance to be acceptable at full load. Now we're left with thermals. To mitigate this, I added my own 120VAC fan on top of the transformer box. The unit draws just over 4A from my 120VAC outlet, so I kept the 5A fuse.

I've run this box with my rice cooker many times now with no issues. Regardless, I am doing so knowing that I'm pushing the transformer to its saturation limits and keeping in mind that the overall duty cycle of my rice-cooker is fairly low. In addition, I DO NOT recommend modifying this product in any way, unless you’re absolutely sure you know what you’re doing, and understand that it will void your warranty.

I will certainly NOT recommend this though for any product that uses 500W continuous for any period of time. For that, you will need to buy the 2000VA model. However, for smaller products which draw a lot less power, this is an acceptable unit.

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Guangyan

Decent transformer for the price, but nowhere near the power rating.

Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2018
I bought the 500VA VT-500J transformer for use with a 100V 495W Zojirushi rice cooker (Japan Model), for use in the USA. In short - the transformer works and is decent for the price, but be well aware of the ratings (for example, without cooling, the transformer in this 500VA rating is likely only good for 100-125VA continuous!).

As an electrical engineer, I work with power systems daily. I have worked with proper 500VA-rated transformers and they are significantly larger, typically weighing in at about 7kg. The transformer inside this as you can see is very small, about 1.5kg, and likely rated for no more than 100VA continuous operation. This is evident in the small-text the manufacturer is recommending, since they do say (in customer feedback in the comments section) to leave a 4x margin. Meaning this '500VA' transformer is in fact, more like a 125VA-continuous transformer.

However, for the price (about $35), and keeping in mind that I'll be reviewing this as a 125VA unit (instead of a 500VA unit), it's decent. Construction is good sheet metal with a very nice powder coat finish. It operates in both 100 to 120V step-up and 120 to 100V step down operation (default). Soldering inside was OK, wires used were cheap but OK 22AWG PVC, and grounding was properly done with a locking washer and crimped terminal. Quick measurement for voltage conversion - 122.7VAC input gave me 104.0VAC output with no load - good enough.

If I claim that the transformer is only 125VA, why am I using it for my 495W rice cooker? While a transformer of this size is only good for 100+VA continuous operation, it can operate at higher power levels for short periods of time. The limits are (1) thermal and (2) transformer saturation. In order to make this 'work' for my rice-cooker, I did some measurements and found that my particular rice cooker only turns on its heating element (which when it does, does draw about 500W) for fairly short periods of time (10s of seconds), before turning it on and off. As a result, the total average duty cycle is low. I also found the transformer performance to be acceptable at full load. Now we're left with thermals. To mitigate this, I added my own 120VAC fan on top of the transformer box. The unit draws just over 4A from my 120VAC outlet, so I kept the 5A fuse.

I've run this box with my rice cooker many times now with no issues. Regardless, I am doing so knowing that I'm pushing the transformer to its saturation limits and keeping in mind that the overall duty cycle of my rice-cooker is fairly low. In addition, I DO NOT recommend modifying this product in any way, unless you’re absolutely sure you know what you’re doing, and understand that it will void your warranty.

I will certainly NOT recommend this though for any product that uses 500W continuous for any period of time. For that, you will need to buy the 2000VA model. However, for smaller products which draw a lot less power, this is an acceptable unit.

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106 people found this helpful

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Debbie Kronebusch
Durable, Solid, Quiet, and Small
Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2025
Size: 500 WattVerified Purchase
This little step-down box won't let you down. The build is high quality, with super tight outlets and a well-made metal case. It runs pretty quietly compared to the devices I plug into it. It's *really* heavy though, so be prepared. I've been using this transformer for nearly a year now, and it's worked no less than perfectly.

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REGGIE L.
Wrong plug for transformer
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 9, 2025
Size: 500 WattVerified Purchase

It is rather ridiculous to have an america plug instead of british for a transformer to convert japanese voltage to british.

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Ed
Funciona bien perfectamente
Reviewed in Mexico on January 24, 2024
Size: 200 WattVerified Purchase
Después de 1 mes de uso funciona perfectamente, lo compré para poder conectar un aparato Japonés de los 90s que consume 100v a mi corriente de 110v (México).

Antes de comprarlo no pude encontrar fotos en ningún lado para saber como era la selección de voltaje de entrada y salida, me intrigaba saber como era que funcionaba el selector y que voltajes aparecían disponibles así que anexo fotos por si a alguien más le sirve.

Por cierto, viene con varios fusibles de repuesto.

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Ed

Funciona bien perfectamente

Reviewed in Mexico on January 24, 2024
Después de 1 mes de uso funciona perfectamente, lo compré para poder conectar un aparato Japonés de los 90s que consume 100v a mi corriente de 110v (México).

Antes de comprarlo no pude encontrar fotos en ningún lado para saber como era la selección de voltaje de entrada y salida, me intrigaba saber como era que funcionaba el selector y que voltajes aparecían disponibles así que anexo fotos por si a alguien más le sirve.

Por cierto, viene con varios fusibles de repuesto.

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Juan Carlos Lopez Escudero
excelente para productos japoneses que trabajan con 100V
Reviewed in Mexico on April 21, 2025
Size: 500 WattVerified Purchase
Excelente producto, con este transformador pude usar una secadora Dyson que compre en Japón ya que solo encendían unos leds pero no trabajaba, una vez que la conecte al transformador ya la puedo usar sin problema alguno

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Luis Filiberto Barbosa Gurrola
Funciona perfectamente con productos japoneses
Reviewed in Mexico on September 3, 2024
Size: 500 WattVerified Purchase
Llego a tiempo sin ningún daño y funciona perfecto yo lo uso para mi mesa Kotatsu de 300W

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Lups
No exactamente, pero lo suficientemente cerca.
Reviewed in Mexico on April 11, 2024
Size: 2000 WattVerified Purchase
Lo compré para usar la airwrap de JP en México. Como son aparatos muy delicados, no resistí y adquirí el medidor de voltaje con la finalidad de corroborar el funcionamiento correcto del transformador. Primero medí el voltaje del outlet en el que conecto el transformador, y arroja 120v. Luego conecté el transformador, lo encendí y medí ambas salidas para aparatos japoneses. En las dos arroja 104v.

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Lups

No exactamente, pero lo suficientemente cerca.

Reviewed in Mexico on April 11, 2024
Lo compré para usar la airwrap de JP en México. Como son aparatos muy delicados, no resistí y adquirí el medidor de voltaje con la finalidad de corroborar el funcionamiento correcto del transformador. Primero medí el voltaje del outlet en el que conecto el transformador, y arroja 120v. Luego conecté el transformador, lo encendí y medí ambas salidas para aparatos japoneses. En las dos arroja 104v.

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Brand	VCT
Power Source	Corded Electric
Product Dimensions	5.75"D x 3.6"W x 3.4"H
Mounting Type	Rack Mount
Specification Met	UL

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

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Product voltage: 100

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Perfect For The XRGB Mini Framemeister!

Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars Good price

5.0 out of 5 stars Great transformer if running Japanese appliances in North America

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect For The XRGB Mini Framemeister!

Perfect For The XRGB Mini Framemeister!

Images in this review

4.0 out of 5 stars Decent transformer for the price, but nowhere near the power rating.

Decent transformer for the price, but nowhere near the power rating.

Images in this review

5.0 out of 5 stars Durable, Solid, Quiet, and Small

Top reviews from other countries

2.0 out of 5 stars Wrong plug for transformer

5.0 out of 5 stars Funciona bien perfectamente

Funciona bien perfectamente

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5.0 out of 5 stars excelente para productos japoneses que trabajan con 100V

5.0 out of 5 stars Funciona perfectamente con productos japoneses

4.0 out of 5 stars No exactamente, pero lo suficientemente cerca.

No exactamente, pero lo suficientemente cerca.

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

Price

About this Item

Product Description

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Size

Important Information

Bulb Voltage

Product Guidance & Documents

Feedback

Good price

Great transformer if running Japanese appliances in North America

Perfect For The XRGB Mini Framemeister!

Decent transformer for the price, but nowhere near the power rating.

Durable, Solid, Quiet, and Small

Wrong plug for transformer

Funciona bien perfectamente

excelente para productos japoneses que trabajan con 100V

Funciona perfectamente con productos japoneses

No exactamente, pero lo suficientemente cerca.

Product summary presents key product information

Keyboard shortcut shift + alt + opt + D