Voltage Converter 220 to 110 getting Very Very Hot?

I recently bought a wooden display unit that was made for exporting to USA and has US plug and 120V/40W 2 bulbs. I am in NZ and we have 220V here. I don't think it has a transformer but a small box that has touch control wiring in it as the bulbs glow when you touch the hinges on the door of the unit. I bought one of these - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VOLTAGE-CONVERTER-ADAPTER-SWITCH-110-220V-SAFE-PROMOTE_W0QQitemZ390033224617QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_TravelTickets_Accessories_RL?hash=item390033224617%26amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m14%26amp;_trkparms=72%3A1690|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

I lugged it in the bulbs are working but this converter is getting extremely hot and started to smell. I am using the converter with the black selector set to 220V. I switched it off and opened the unit and some sort of plastic strings around the transformer inside has melted. It still works but gets so hot you can't touch it after about 15-20 minutes then I switch it off? What is wrong?Voltage Converter 220 to 110 getting Very Very Hot?
Good lord, go unplug it. If you want it to run just pull one leg (red or Black) and use the other with the neutral (white) and the ground. That will give you the 110V you need.



The way you have it now WILL cause a fire. Not might, not could----WILLVoltage Converter 220 to 110 getting Very Very Hot?
Do not use this transformer, most likely the insulation inside have melted and the unit is now short circuited. Better buy another simple "step down transformer" , meaning from a 220 line you can plug in a unit which has 110 or 120 rating. Be careful that you choose power rating higher than the intended appliance to avoid overheating. Transformer normally gets hot as you use it but it should not be an scalating temperature, until you can not touch it anymore.