[Shop-talk] Converting a lamp from U.S. to European voltage

[wmc_st at xxiii.com]

At 10:17 PM 6/27/2007, Peter Schauss wrote:
>We recently sent some furniture to my daughter who lives in 
>Helsinki.  I converted some floor and table lamps for her by 
>removing the U.S. plug and replacing it with a pin style plug which 
>matches the outlets in her apartment.  I reasoned that since the 
>amperage at 220 volts for a given size bulb is half of what it is at 
>110 volts there would be no reason to replace

My understanding has been the current is more demanding of 
conductors, switches, etc than voltage.  So doubling the voltage & 
halving the current should be ok.  But you really need to go with 
code over there.  Wouldn't wanna burn down the flat for one lamp, eh?

But shipping furniture & lamps clear across the pond?  Wouldn't it be 
easier to give her some funds and send her to the local Ikea or whatever?

   -WC