usa to uk lamp conversion

[sunnydaze8]

how do you convert a lamp bought in the usa so that it works in the uk, we have a higher voltage here , almost double it seems?

[scotman]

Are you referring to a table lamp, standard lamp or what?

[Buenchico]

What type of lamp is it? If it's just something like a table lamp, all you need to do is to change the bulb to a 230V one (and, of course, to fit a UK plug with a 3A fuse). US lamps use bulbs with an 'edison screw' fitting, rather than the UK's 'bayonet cap', but such bulbs are widely available here.

If the lamp is more complex than a simple table lamp (i.e. it contains electronic components as well as a simple bulb), you'll need a suitably rated convertor. If the power drawn by the bulb (and any associated components) doesn't exceed 45W , this will do the job:
http://www.maplin.co....e.aspx?moduleno=19413
For a higher power rating, up to 100W, you'd need this:
http://www.maplin.co....e.aspx?moduleno=31899
(Remember though that you'd need to continue using the lamp with a US 120V bulb in it. It could be very hard to get a replacement bulb for the lamp).

Chris

[deggers316]

pussy......lol.lol

[Old_Geezer]

If the US use 120v and you want to use it on 240v then you can change the bulb for a 240v bulb, but you need to check other stuff too.

After the bulb switch you will still be doubling the voltage and halving the current. The lower currant is probably not a problem, but is the electrical insulation in the US lamp capable of coping with the increased voltage ? If not sure you may want to consider not using it.

How valuable is the lamp ? Is it worth spending on a convertor to avoid the pitfalls ?

[scotman]

Following on from O-G's reply above. The insulation value would be my concern too. Can you just completely rewire it with UK type fittings. This would probably be cheaper than buying voltage convertors.

[R1Geezer]

You need to import a couple of bucket loads of American lecky, try Ebay