USA lights working in the UK?

[Natrod]

Hi

i have a customer who wants us to hang these lights on his Patio but I have no idea if they will work without a transformer?

Amazon.com: Table in a Bag SL5015 Outdoor Commercial String Lighting, 48-Feet, 15 Lights: Patio, Lawn & Garden

Any advice gratefully received.

Cheers

N

 

[oldtimer]

why would they need a transformer why not put a 230v ES lamp in instead of a 110 or am i reading this wrong

 

[Octopus]

Why would they buy from the USA and ship to the UK?

 

[Silly Sausage]

why would they need a transformer why not put a 230v ES lamp in instead of a 110 or am i reading this wrong

With those two wires.....

 

[Natrod]

They can't get these lights in the UK

 

[johnboy6083]

Put them in series in sets of two ;-)

 

[Sintra]

Just looks like some sort of festoon lighting. What type of lamps does it take? And are they available in 230V?

 

[Octopus]

They can't get these lights in the UK

Suggest to them politely that importing such products from the USA isn't going to be a good idea and get them to look at UK/EU sources.

How daft some people are!

 

[Natrod]

25 Pack of Clear 11 Watt S14 Replacement Bulbs
Long life 6,000 hour Bulbs
Nickle Coated E27 Base - 130 Volt/ 11 Watt Bulbs - For Outdoor Use


These are the recommended bulbs - haven't found any 230 version

 

[Silly Sausage]

I predict an E54 comment soon...

 

[Knobhead]

If they’re ES lamp holders there may be a problem. EU and NA ES lamps are 1mm different in size. EU lamps are liable to be tight in the fitting and liable to break.

 

[Octopus]

So the solution is buy USA sourced lamps and a 3000 mile, water proof extension lead.

 

[Natrod]

They have the lamps (and spares) but not the extension lead - I'm afraid they may be stuck with not being able to use them

 

[Silly Sausage]

So the solution is buy USA sourced lamps and a 3000 mile, water proof extension lead.

If they live near Lands End ish, maybe they could utilise the old telephone cables?
Volt drop might be a bit of a problem though.

 

[Natrod]

The transatlantic connection is probably more than they were expecting spend - so I guess they are stuffed

 

[Knobhead]

If they live near Lands End ish, maybe they could utilise the old telephone cables?
Volt drop might be a bit of a problem though.

The first link was screwed up when they tried raising the voltage to get the signal through.

 

[Adam W]

What's the difference between these and UK festoon lights like these:
Elec 20M Outdoor Festoon Light String with 20 x 25W ES Lampholders C/w Lamps - QVS Electrical Supplies | Electrical Wholesaler ?

 

[Silly Sausage]

What's the difference between these and UK festoon lights like these:
Elec 20M Outdoor Festoon Light String with 20 x 25W ES Lampholders C/w Lamps - QVS Electrical Supplies | Electrical Wholesaler ?

See post 3

 

[Adam W]

See post 3

See post #5

 

[ipf]

They must be bloody powerful..if they're lighting us up from across the Atlantic.

 

[telectrix]

even if they could get them compatible with our supply, it would take 2 years for them to switch on.

 

[Natrod]

Agree with all the above - problem is they already have the lights

- - - Updated - - -

Agree with all the above - problem is they already have the lights

 

[Richard Burns]

You would need to check that the fitting is compliant with BS as you should not fit non BS items.
Check that the cable is rated for 230V since it is designed to 120V.

You could fit a transformer that would cost more than the fitting but would work OK.

So long as the fitting is E27 (and not E26) then:
You could try using pygmy sign lamps, a bit short, a bit bright but may be OK.
Some LED replacement lamps are about the right size.
Tubular or round cooker lamps may work but not be designed for out side use.
60mm Golf balls may well fit OK.

All depends on the sealing arrangement and depth of fitting.

 

[Octopus]

Agree with all the above - problem is they already have the lights

- - - Updated - - -

Agree with all the above - problem is they already have the lights

In which case walk away. Some customer are not worth dealing with.