All converters are reducers, but not all reducers are converters. That is a mouthful, but it's a fundamental distinction. The difference is determined by how they reduce the voltage to a usable range for aftermarket accessories. The Reliance 36V/48V-12V Voltage Reducer/Converter takes the golf cart's total pack voltage and reduces it down to around 12 to 13 volts. This way, each battery is affected minimally, and the golf cart's overall runtime is not hampered.Minimal reducers only use two to three batteries and drop the overall voltage through a diode reduction process. This method generates a lot of heat. You know, as well as we do, heat is the worst enemy of electrical items, including golf carts. Things get warm and start to melt and then stop working. Whatever you can do to prevent that from happening is imperative. It also draws down the partial pack quicker than the rest, un-equalizing your charge and killing the batteries' lives. Make sure you avoid all the hassle by getting an aftermarket Reliance 36V/48V-12V Voltage Reducer/Converter from Buggies Unlimited.