Iam a DIY' ER!

[essie3]

I have an old American lamp & am being told different reasons why I can't just change the plug & bulb! I have always understood that the wiring has to be changed as UK is greater than US! because the lamp has metal tubing to attach to the main lamp it needs to be earthed! I have new 3 core,but will I need to change all the switches etc? I would love to find a 'local' electrician who could help me,but they don't exist in central London anymore!

 

[Wilko]

Hi Essie and welcome .
Often older lamps had exposed metal parts and unless they are double insulated (with a square inside a square symbol) they need to be earthed for safety.
If you’d like to post a pic of the lamp we could hopefully be a bit more specific.

 

[essie3]

Hi Essie and welcome .
Often older lamps had exposed metal parts and unless they are double insulated (with a square inside a square symbol) they need to be earthed for safety.
If you’d like to post a pic of the lamp we could hopefully be a bit more specific.

I wish I could tried a photo but it won't come out now,sorry & thank you for your help Wilko (lamp is approx 20 yrs old!

 

[littlespark]

I had a similar problem. A customer of mine had an American piece of furniture (drinks cabinet) with a strip light in it.
I changed the plug, the flex and the fitting to a LED strip just to ensure everything was UK specific.

One option I had if I couldn't get the old flex out was to use a low voltage LED tape with the driver on the outside of the cabinet, using the old flex to carry 12v

 

[Lou]

Welcome, have you fixed it?