| 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 |
Learn more
No featured offers available
We feature offers with an Add to Cart button when an offer meets our high standards for:
- Quality Price,
- Reliable delivery option, and
- Seller who offers good customer service
VCT VT-500J - Japanese Step Up/Down Voltage Transformer Converts Japan 100 Volts To 110V OR Vice Versa - 500 Watt
| 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 |
About this item
- This continuous use transformer is capable of both up and down voltage conversions for Japan and USA electricity to enable use of Japanese products in USA and USA products in Japan
- 500 Watts is the maximum capacity of this transformer including the power surge
- It converts 110/120 volt USA power to 100 volt Japan power AND 100 volt to 110/120 volts (means it will convert the American power to Japanese power and also convert Japanese power to American)
- Power ON/OFF Switch. Fuse protection for safety
- Remember to leave at least a 100% margin for power surges/spike when buying a transformer. For power tools, laser printers and heating appliances like Rice cookers, coffee makers, toasters, halogen or fluorescent bulbs you must leave a power spike margin of 4 times. Please Note: Kindly refer the User Manual before use.
Product voltage: 100
This product is compatible with outlets that support 100 volts and might require a converter when used outside of the United States.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Product information
Technical Details
Additional Information
| ASIN | B000PC4JL4 |
|---|---|
| Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank |
|
| Date First Available | April 11, 2007 |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
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.
Safety and product resources
Safety documents
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers 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.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
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
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
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
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
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
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.
"...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
"...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
"...This has been a great save for all the items we brought back, from small gadgets to our kotatsu..." Read more
"Broke less than 6 months. Definitely not worth the money." Read more
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
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
Reviews with images
Perfect For The XRGB Mini Framemeister!
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2025Size: 2000 WattVerified PurchaseMy 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2025Size: 500 WattVerified PurchaseThis 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2015Size: 200 WattVerified PurchaseExactly what we needed to use an air purifier we bought from Japan. No issues whatsoever. It's been a few months and it's going strong. I think there were some slightly cheaper units, but this one had consistently good reviews. For something like this you definitely want good build and engineering because without it whatever you plug in to it becomes useless and sometimes that means expensive useless.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention you need to check how much your appliance is going to draw before buying any transformer and plan to get one with the appropriate rating. This unit is rated at a max of 200 Watts. Keep in mind that transformers/power supplies, in general, work optimally at about 50% of the rated maximum load. Any more than 50% and not only is the unit less efficient, it will physically start to heat up and all the extra heat/work will shorten its lifespan and blow the fuses. For my appliance I knew it wouldn't pull more than 100 Watts (I think mine was rated at a max of 80 watts), so I knew this 200 Watt model would work very well.
Also of note is that although it steps-up and steps-down, it only has the Japanese 2 prong outlet. So you'll need an adapter if you want to use it to step-up and plug in a US 2 prong or 3 prong.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2018Size: 500 WattVerified PurchaseI 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.
4.0 out of 5 starsI 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!).Decent transformer for the price, but nowhere near the power rating.
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2018
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.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2017Size: 2000 WattVerified PurchaseYou have probably heard the expression "You get what we pay for" which typically means if you buy something cheap, you are probably getting something that isn't made well. On the other hand, if we do our homework and find a good product at a decent price that might cost just a few more dollars than the cheapest one available, well... we get a better product. In this case, the difference was like night and day. I won't go into details about the other product I ordered prior to receiving this one, but I retuned it right away. After receiving this one, the difference in quality was apparent right out of the box. This product is light weight, small in size and works flawlessly. It is important to note that this type of electronic equipment needs air or ventilation to remain cool during peek usage. The case on many of these products do not have a lot of vents to allow for air flow, but this case has been engineered very nicely to provide maximum ventilation. I feel very comfortable using this product in comparison with some of the other transformers that are available on the market. After comparative review, I have to say I would recommend this product to anyone.
PERSONAL NOTE: I am using this with a 600W Japanese Kotatus. Please keep in mind when purchasing a transformer that it is very important to choose a product that is capable of producing at least 3 times as much wattage as the product that will be drawing electricity from it. In this case, 3 x 600W = 1800W, so purchasing a 2000W transformer means the transformer will never exceed maximum throughput.
Top reviews from other countries
REGGIE L.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 9, 20252.0 out of 5 stars Wrong plug for transformer
Size: 500 WattVerified PurchaseIt is rather ridiculous to have an america plug instead of british for a transformer to convert japanese voltage to british.
-
EdReviewed in Mexico on January 24, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Funciona bien perfectamente
Size: 200 WattVerified PurchaseDespués 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.
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).5.0 out of 5 stars
EdFunciona bien perfectamente
Reviewed in Mexico on January 24, 2024
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.
Images in this review
-
Juan Carlos Lopez EscuderoReviewed in Mexico on April 21, 20255.0 out of 5 stars excelente para productos japoneses que trabajan con 100V
Size: 500 WattVerified PurchaseExcelente 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
-
Luis Filiberto Barbosa GurrolaReviewed in Mexico on September 3, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Funciona perfectamente con productos japoneses
Size: 500 WattVerified PurchaseLlego a tiempo sin ningún daño y funciona perfecto yo lo uso para mi mesa Kotatsu de 300W
-
LupsReviewed in Mexico on April 11, 20244.0 out of 5 stars No exactamente, pero lo suficientemente cerca.
Size: 2000 WattVerified PurchaseLo 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.
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.4.0 out of 5 stars
LupsNo exactamente, pero lo suficientemente cerca.
Reviewed in Mexico on April 11, 2024
Images in this review
Product summary presents key product information
Keyboard shortcut
shift
+
alt
+
opt
+
D
Product Summary: VCT VT-500J - Japanese Step Up/Down Voltage Transformer Converts Japan 100 Volts To 110V OR Vice Versa - 500 Watt
From VCT
About this Item
- This continuous use transformer is capable of both up and down voltage conversions for Japan and USA electricity to enable use of Japanese products in USA and USA products in Japan
- 500 Watts is the maximum capacity of this transformer including the power surge
- It converts 110/120 volt USA power to 100 volt Japan power AND 100 volt to 110/120 volts (means it will convert the American power to Japanese power and also convert Japanese power to American)
- Power ON/OFF Switch. Fuse protection for safety
- Remember to leave at least a 100% margin for power surges/spike when buying a transformer. For power tools, laser printers and heating appliances like Rice cookers, coffee makers, toasters, halogen or fluorescent bulbs you must leave a power spike margin of 4 times. Please Note: Kindly refer the User Manual before use.
Product Description
Important Information
Bulb Voltage
100120110 volts
Product Guidance & Documents
Feedback
Did you find this product summary feature useful?























