Converting US wall light to UK

[garrrrrr]

Hi all,

I have purchased a vintage US wall light and wish to install it in the UK.

It's very basic, wiring is old and although it works, I will re-wire it.

The bulb it is using I can't seem to find in the UK - it is a screw in 120v 25w Tubular bulb, total length around 6"

I am unsure of the best way to get this running on 230v

I could put in a 230 to 110 converter in the loft and buy some bulbs from the US, or I could put in UK light fittings and use UK bulbs, but the closest to this type of bulb is a candle bulb - not really long enough and might be just too wide!

Untitled

• garrrrrr
• 6 Oct 2012
• 1

Anyone know where I can get this type of bulb as a 230v?

Any other alternative way of wiring this to get it running on 230?

Thanks

 

[Robin0577]

http://www.bltdirect.com/products.php?cat=279&nm=Tubular

 

[garrrrrr]

Thanks for the link. Unfortunately the only bulb which is closest to the correct length is a blacklight bulb.

 

[RF Lighting]

Is there really not a fitting on the UK market which would be suitable for your application?

Are you aware that the US have a different thread on their lamps to europe? So you're going to have to rewire the fitting and also replace the lampholder

 

[garrrrrr]

Is there really not a fitting on the UK market which would be suitable for your application?

Are you aware that the US have a different thread on their lamps to europe? So you're going to have to rewire the fitting and also replace the lampholder

Length of bulb is important as it is the length of the light it illuminates.

If I can't get a UK bulb, then I will probably not have to worry about the lamp holder.

Anyone know of a reasonably priced step down converter?

 

[ericmark]

Years ago 60W or there about auto transformers were used in florescent lamps with 240, 120, 110 volt tapping but it would need mounting some where they were designed to fit inside the florescent fitting. With auto transformers does not matter if stepping up or down.

There are hundreds of small step down transformers and auto transformers designed for the USA visitor to UK.

However be wary of using a tool transformer.
1) They use a lot of power even when not supplying anything.
2) The earth is centre tapped i.e. there is no neutral just split phase.
3) They get quite hot if left on for a log time.

The heat may also be a problem with other transformers as clearly they are designed to only be used intermittent.

 

[garrrrrr]

I just need it to run 2 x 25w incandescent bulbs?

Advise just converting it to UK and make to with what I can get over here?

 

[Robin0577]

IF we're talking about a SINGLE FITTING with 2 lamps of IDENTICAL rating AND IF the lampholders are sufficiently well insulated, then what about running 2 x 115v lamps in series?

Provided this is done properly by somebody competent, I can't think of a rule that it would break, as far as i know it is still acceptable to sell series connected mains christmas lights in the UK, provided the insulation is up to scratch and there are a number of theatre lighting fixtures using 2x115v lamps in series.

Can anybody think of a regulation this would break? The only one I think would be relevant is the one concerning polarity of screw in lampholders, which would be satisfied if the lampholdes are the type with an all plastic tread with the contact at the bottom.