Electricity & EquipmentQuestion 483 of 484
A 'transformer' attached to a salon device's power cord (the rectangular block in the plug) generally functions to:
a.Boost building voltage from 120 V up to 480 V for hair tools
b.Sterilize the air around the device
c.Step household alternating-current voltage DOWN to the lower voltage (and often rectify it to direct current via internal electronics) that the device's electronics need to operate, also providing physical separation that improves user safety
d.Replace the GFCI requirement
Explanation
Small consumer/professional devices often need a much lower voltage (5, 9, 12, 24 V DC) than the 120 V AC that comes out of the wall. The 'wall-wart' or in-line block contains a small step-DOWN transformer plus rectifier and filter circuitry that converts the 120 V AC down to the device's required low voltage DC. The transformer also provides galvanic isolation between the household mains and the user-facing low-voltage side, which improves safety. It does NOT replace a GFCI (option D), step voltage up (option A), or do anything to the air (option B). Equipment safety is required under CCR Title 16 §979.2.
Law Reference: CCR Title 16 §979.2Practice all 484 questions free — no signup required.
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