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danielletejes

Need help figuring out how to make a lamp from the UK work in US.

3 years ago

I bought some sconces from the UK knowing I would need to figure out how to switch out a bayonet fitting for an Edison fitting but now I'm struggling to figure out how to do it. The guy at home depot said they had nothing and I would have to get it all re-wired. Has anyone done this successfully? Or easily?


Thanks!



Comments (9)

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Call some one and get it rewired. It isn't hard but isn't home depot level either. If you were in Savannah I could send you to a guy, and high end lighting store should know someone

    Dee T thanked HALLETT & Co.
  • 3 years ago

    this might work its an adapter . otherwise yes new socket.https://a.co/d/9FC9DBW

    Dee T thanked RL Relocation LLC
  • PRO
    3 years ago

    I agree and BTW your house insurance will not be happy with no UL rating on the fixture so make sure it is done correctly and by some licensed .If it strats a fire you have no insurance.

    Dee T thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
  • 3 years ago

    fissfiss, voltage is nothing to do with a plug.

  • 3 years ago

    I've never done a Euro conversion, but I imagine if it's the same 2 wire you can do it (you can even replace the entire cord). You may have to find a socket that has the same neck attachment, or modify the neck attachment, or reuse the same socket shell, but no reason this can't be done. You don't need an electrician. If you have no DIY wherewithal, take it to a mom-n-pop lighting store.






    Dee T thanked 3onthetree
  • 3 years ago

    RL, I know…but an adaptor just allows you to plug into the socket…a converter changes the voltage running through the line. You will fry your US lamp if you just use an adapter in the UK.
    And if you bring a UK appliance to the US, it won’t work with just an adaptor because it will not be getting enough volts through the line….unless you take an adaptor and plug it into your stove outlet, which is special and the correct voltage. Most modern portable electronics have a dual voltage feature that you are not aware of, so you only need an adaptor.

  • 3 years ago

    Re-wire it and breathe easy!

  • 3 years ago

    "I agree and BTW your house insurance will not be happy with no UL rating on the fixture so make sure it is done correctly and by some licensed .If it strats a fire you have no insurance."


    Not even in the greatest of all nanny states do they issue licenses to rewire lamps, much less require them. And, no, your homeowners insurance is not invalidated by a miswired lamp, whether done by you or someone else. That's just nonsense.

    Every American house almost certainlly has dozens of non-UL inspected plug-in electrical devices. (not talking house wiring here, but things that plug into the wall) Read your policy, if it says you're not covered for using non-UL devices (I do read my policies and have never run into anything like this) then I'd definitely switch companies.