Why is the Norelco 1.1kW step-down device so compact?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the compact design of a Norelco 1.1kW step-down device, exploring its construction, functionality, and efficiency. Participants inquire about the technology used in the device, including potential components and their implications for performance.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the device uses a neodymium-iron-boron alloy as the core of a transformer, an auto-transformer, a switched-mode power supply, or a voltage divider.
  • There is a suggestion that the device steps down voltage from 240V AC to 120V AC, but this is not universally confirmed.
  • One participant describes their experience with similar devices, noting the presence of an SCR and inductor, characterizing it as a "nasty dimmer" circuit.
  • Another participant speculates that the 1.1kW rating may indicate a trade-off between efficiency and compactness, suggesting that larger voltage converters might be more efficient.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the exact nature of the device and its components. Some agree on its classification as a dimmer circuit, while others raise questions about its efficiency and construction without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the specific technology used in the device and its operational characteristics, as well as assumptions about efficiency and performance based on size.

Bararontok
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This device was recently purchased at a hardware store, and it has a wattage of 1.1kW but can fit inside a pocket with dimensions of approximately 12cm x 6cm x 3cm.

Does it use a neodymium-iron-boron alloy with 44 times the magnetic energy density of iron as the core of a transformer, an auto-transformer, a switched-mode power supply, or a voltage divider?
 
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Bararontok said:
This device was recently purchased at a hardware store, and it has a wattage of 1.1kW but can fit inside a pocket with dimensions of approximately 12cm x 6cm x 3cm.

Does it use a neodymium-iron-boron alloy with 44 times the magnetic energy density of iron as the core of a transformer, an auto-transformer, a switched-mode power supply, or a voltage divider?

What does it do? Is it stepping down 240v AC to 120v AC ? Is it outputting DC?

I've opened some step down device of the former kind, it just had an SCR, a small-ish inductor, and a few other parts - basically, pre-set dimmer circuit. Really nasty.
 
Dmytry said:
What does it do? Is it stepping down 240v AC to 120v AC ? Is it outputting DC?

It steps the voltage down from 240V AC to 120V AC.
 
The thread originator is waiting for a response.
 
Looks like Dmytry has already answered your question, thread originator: it is a "nasty dimmer".
 
it 1.1kw the maximum power it is rated to handle? in that case, it is almost certainly trading efficiency for compactness and perhaps cost... without knowing the inner workings of the device, i can only suppose that a larger voltage converter would beat it in terms of minimizing energy loss
 
Bobbywhy said:
Looks like Dmytry has already answered your question, thread originator: it is a "nasty dimmer".

So this is basically a dimmer circuit that uses an inductor as the voltage divider, just like an auto-transformer.
 

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