MrsG

I have been wondering if it's possible to convert a US 120 volt light fitting to a UK 240 volt (bayonet)?? We are looking at taking several wall lights home and would like to know if there is a company who sells or can convert the fittings and wires as appropriate?
Thanks,
Tony

paddingtongreen

You could do it yourselves if know how or you could probably get a repair man to change them when you get home. You have to change the bulb socket as well as the plug end.

Vimto

Tony,
you don’t need to modify your lamps when you return to the UK, you will find US type screw-in light bulbs are widely available in the UK now, only in the UK they are called European type, IKEA sells so many lamps with screw-in bulbs. The only thing is I don’t believe you can buy multi filament bulbs in the UK.

http://www.thelightbulb.co.uk/product/detail.php?id=16

http://www.thelightbulb.co.uk/faq_bases.php

scrubbedexpat099

Bayonet types are in the minority nowadays anyway.

MrsG

Thanks to all for the replies - It looks like the 240 volt screw in bulbs are the way to go. I am assuming that because the power is the same the wiring doesn't need to be changed at all?? I am planning on taking some wall mounted lights (hard wired) and some table lamps so it's only the lamps that will need the plugs changed over to UK ones (easily done).

scrubbedexpat099

Lamps show max Wattage

So basically it will just draw half the ampage with twice the voltage, no real difference as far as the cable is concerned.

fatbrit

Practically yes, you'll be fine. But there is a big difference: unwanted heating in the cable is proportional to the square of the current. Hence, there could potentially be a problem taking a cable from a 240V system and using it in a 120V system.