I want to use a Photo printer made for the US Market (with ONLY 120
Volt power) in New Zealand (220 Volts).Since the Printer (also made
for the New Zealand market) is MUUUCH cheaper in the USA, I would
prefer to use a step-down transformer when in New Zealand. Do I need
to worry about anything else ?

Hi!!

You must take care on two more things:
The watts on your printer (or if you cannot find that, the amperage
will be useful) and the shape of the power sockets in New Zealand.

For the first topic and a little more things related please read the
following advices from "The Electronic Company":
"How To Find the watts on your appliance so that you can select the
correct Step Down Voltage Converter / transformer:
To determine the correct model of step down voltage converter or heavy
duty step down voltage transformer you need, you must find the watts
of your appliance. You can find this information listed on the
appliance manufacturer's label located on the back or bottom of the
appliance or in the specifications section of the appliance owner's
manual. We recommend to use a transformer that's max watts is at least
30% higher than your appliance.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Watts may be abbreviated as W on your appliance.
However if you can't find watts or W on the label of your appliance,
than you may be able to Find Amps also known as amperage, and A. amps
are sometimes abbreviated as " A " Amps can be converted into Watts
very easily with the following formula :
Multiply the input voltage by the amperage rating to the volts
required to run the appliance to find the wattage rating. Volts x Amps
= Watts example if there is a US appliance with 1.5 A rating you are
planning to use in UK the formula suggests 110V x 1.5 A = 165W.

Cycles - 50 Hz vs. 60 Hz:
North American 110 - 120 volt electricity is generated at 60 Hz.
(Cycles) Alternating Current. Most foreign 220-240 volt electricity is
generated at 50 Hz. (Cycles) Alternating Current. This cycle
difference will cause analog clocks and timing circuits that use
Alternating Current as a timing base to keep incorrect time. Most
modern electronic equipment including battery chargers, computers,
printers, stereos, tape and CD players, VCR/DVD players, etc. will not
be affected by the difference in cycles.
IMPORTANT: Voltage converters and transformers do not convert cycles."
http://www.theelectroniccompany.com/voltage_converters_Step_down.html

When you are going to buy the transformer take the specifications
chart of your printer with you to see the watts and/or the amperage on
your printer with the seller.
 

Regarding to the shape of the power sockets. in New Zealand, standard
power sockets require three blade plugs, please see the image at the
following page:
"New Zealand Information: ELECTRICTY"
http://www.new-zealand-nz.co.nz/aotearoa/electricity.html

I also suggest you to take with you a picture of the New Zealand's
standard power sockets.


You will find Step Down Voltage Converters at the following pages:
"DVDoverseas.com - Step Down Voltage Converters":
http://www.dvdoverseas.com/store/index.html?catalog1_0.html

"The Electronic Company - Step Down Transformer":
http://www.theelectroniccompany.com/SearchResult~CategoryID~25.html


To find the proper Plug Adapter:
"DVDoverseas.com - Foreign Plug Adapters":
The SS416 appears to be the one.
http://www.dvdoverseas.com/store/index.html?catalog11_0.html

"The Electronic Company - VOLTAGE AND PLUG ADAPTERS":
http://www.theelectroniccompany.com/PLUG_ADAPTERS.HTM


I hope that this helps you. Please feelfree to request for any
clarification if it needed.

Best regards.
livioflores-ga

The photo printer will probably have a separate power supply unit. It
may be neater and safer to obtain a replacement power supply unit in
New Zealand.

Owain