Can I use US table lamps in the UK?

thenap80

Hi - I have two table lamps all the way from the US. I plugged them into a UK socket using an adapter but it blew the bulb.

The lamps say Max 69W. As far as I know then, I've run is it 240V through it by using a UK socket? Is there anyway I can use these in UK or are they useless unless in the US?

Thanks - Oh and now jokes about shedding some light on the subject please!

Gloomendoom

They should work if you swap the 110v bulbs to 240v ones.

They will be using less than half the current so the existing wiring should be ok.

thenap80

The current bulb - one that went bang - has on it 40W and also 230V. Does that mean it's a 240V bulb already?

27col

The fact that the bulb blew is probably pure coincidence. If it said 240v then there should not have been a problem.
The wattage limitation is only usually stated to prevent the lamp shade from being damaged by heat.
Try another bulb. It will probably work OK.
Also change the plug for a 13amp British one. Then you won't have to faff around with adaptors.

brightontraveller

Correct thing is to check way its wired if its earthed, double insulated, The switchgear, control gear , lamp holder, cable identification , type/size, rating etc all to approved UK standard


But if the lights are without transformers, switching etc most would simply cut of usa plug and put on uk plug with three amp fuse,,,, Slight difference with there and are lampholders its mm though UK / Euro e27 USA e26

http://www.donsbulbs.com/cgi-bin/r/b.pl/socket-db-e26-1.html

HappyMJ

UK voltage is 230V +10% -6%. So it can be anywhere from 216V to 253V. Historically it was 240V and most of the time you'll measure that if you put a voltmeter on your line. Everything now is designed for 230V.

thenap80

brightontraveller wrote: »

Correct thing is to check way its wired if its earthed, double insulated, The switchgear, control gear , lamp holder, cable identification , type/size, rating etc all to approved UK standard


But if the lights are without transformers, switching etc most would simply cut of usa plug and put on uk plug with three amp fuse,,,, Slight difference with there and are lampholders its mm though UK / Euro e27 USA e26

http://www.donsbulbs.com/cgi-bin/r/b.pl/socket-db-e26-1.html

It does have a switch along the cable for on/off. Is this going to cause a problem then. I am just a bit worried (ie. scared) about trying again as it nearly took my eye out last time!

Gloomendoom

happymj wrote: »

everything now is designed for 230v.

230v +10% or -6%

brightontraveller

thenap80 wrote: »

It does have a switch along the cable for on/off. Is this going to cause a problem then. I am just a bit worried (ie. scared) about trying again as it nearly took my eye out last time!

Really depends on switch what it actually does and is ? If its an inline switch like
http://www.websparky.co.uk/acatalog/In-Line-2-Amp-Switch-White-JEANI701W.html?gclid=CJP4y7fgxMcCFSQXwwodDAwD1Q

Vast majority of these are 110v/ 240v so no problem if in doubt get an electrician to look at it first?

Ralph-y

what sort of adapter was it ?

Ralph:cool:

xyz123

27col wrote: »

Also change the plug for a 13amp British one. Then you won't have to faff around with adaptors.

13A fuse in table lamp is a big no, unless advised by manufacturer. It should be 3a or 5a at max.