I need to purchase 2 lamps - I can't find what I want here in NZ. Im wanting to buy 2 lamps from the USA and use them here - obviously I know the plugs are different (easily fixed with an adapter) - but is it that simple. Im wondering about wattage / voltage etc - of which I know nothing about.
Would a US lamp work with just an adapter or would the whole thing need to be rewired?
TIA
gabbysnana,
Jul 25, 6:43pm
Rewired
farwest,
Jul 25, 6:44pm
I think you would need to be sure any fittings or switches were rated for 230 Volts.
neell,
Jul 25, 7:10pm
You can't use the American bulb as it would be 110volt, however you just need to put in a New Zealand bulb of the wattage you want. The American bulb will be the screw in type which are now readily available in NZ. As for the plug, go to M10/Bunnings/Placemakers etc and get a replacement.
tegretol,
Jul 25, 7:11pm
What bulb are you looking for? Might be able to help.
oh_hunnihunni,
Jul 25, 7:37pm
Depends on what kind of lamp. If you are talking table or standard domestic lamps, rewiring is a simple enough job - just replace the fittings, cable and plug. If it's another kind of lamp you might need a sparky.
triedntrue,
Jul 25, 8:12pm
Its a table lamp - So I need to change the bulb to a 230 volt bulb . but should the wiring be okay as is (with adapter plug)?
johotech,
Jul 25, 8:26pm
The voltage rating will be printed on the cable.
oh_hunnihunni,
Jul 25, 8:43pm
Don't use an adapter. Your household insurance could be voided. Pick up lamp fitting, flex and plug from a hardware store - I use PDL white plastic ones but there are brass ones there if they look better, the wiring is easy. The only tricky bit is often the nut at the base which may need a bit of fiddling to loosen or tighten.
If I can do it.
triedntrue,
Jul 25, 8:49pm
Hah! Thanks! I will bite the bullet and give it a go (will wait till I have a "handy" friend over!)
ianab,
Jul 25, 9:09pm
As the others suggest, get your tame "Electrical Stig" to rewire it properly.
I think the US 120v lamps will be an E26, while our 230V are E27, so the actual fitting is a different size. Rewiring the plug is easy, and the cable depends on what's fitted to the lamp. It might be rated for 230, or not.
All those things can be fixed.
tegretol,
Jul 26, 6:24pm
Bollox.
Adaptors of all sorts are available with NZ issued SDoc or NZS certification. Stop scaremongering.
bill1451,
Jul 26, 6:26pm
be careful when wiring up as black in USA is phase and white is Neutral, this is important as if wired to the plug incorrectly the unit could still be live when you think it is switched off. If in doubt call a spark.
farwest,
Jul 26, 6:28pm
It's not the adapter that's a possible problem, but the rating of the cable and fittings of the lamp.
johotech,
Jul 26, 7:28pm
It's not the adaptor that's the problem. Appliances that don't have a standard NZ plug are "electrically unsafe" according to the NZ Electricity Safety Regulations. 23(e)
Yes dear. Read the fine print on your insurance policy. And check Energy Safe while you're at it. Best to be safe, not sorry.
oh_hunnihunni,
Jul 26, 7:47pm
Which is why I'd strip the lot out and go all NZ made (well, probably Chinese, but you know what I mean)!
pico42,
Jul 26, 9:43pm
Better safe than sorry, not best. Best is to be certain.
coralsnake,
Jul 29, 6:42pm
Be aware that not all U.S. lamps can be rewired to NZ specs. I brought my fav ones over with me and took them into an electrical company. They were not able to rewire them due to the connections. It was not a simple matter of replacing either. I have been able to pick up 110v light bulbs - usually from larger electrical suppliers. I now run the lamps on step down transformers.
coralsnake,
Jul 29, 6:43pm
Are you aware that even on Trade Me you are not allowed to sell an item with a foreign plus that needs an adapter plug as well?
5425,
Oct 13, 5:15pm
Unfortunately many do and you only find out when the item is delivered , eg. power supplies .
johotech is correct ; It's not the adaptor that's the problem. Appliances that don't have a standard NZ plug are "electrically unsafe" according to the NZ Electricity Safety Regulations. 23(e)
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