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

[Doug Braun]

In my experience, USA-spec electrical stuff like
cords, plugs, switches, and lamp sockets are
better-made and more durable than European stuff.

The Europeans seem to have taken the attitude that
since 220-volts means that things use less current,
the wires can be thinner, and everything else can be
lighter and more plasticky, too.  Metal conduit or
junction boxes are almost unheard of, for example.

They also have a greater range in quality between
well- and cheaply-made stuff than you usually see here
(assuming you stay out of dollar stores).  

Doug


--- Peter Schauss <schauss at worldnet.att.net> 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
> the cord, switch, or socket.  Is this correct or
> should I have replaced any
> of the other components of the lamps?