Can lamps bought in the US be used in UK with 220V power , unlike the 110V here, without a transformer.,?

I am moving to the UK and want to take a long the wonderful Verilux natural light bedside lamps I have. Am just wondering if these lamps can be used without a transformer – as as you have fdeduced, I am not an "electricaly oriented" nor have any knowledge. Thanks

in addition to bill’s answer, it the lamp uses any kind of electronic dim control, there is a great possibility that the electronic is going to fail once connected to double voltage

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4 Responses to “Can lamps bought in the US be used in UK with 220V power , unlike the 110V here, without a transformer.,?”

billrussell42 on February 19th, 2010 at 9:49 am

No, US lamps will operate only on 120 volts.

But you may be able to find 240 volt light bulbs that you can use in the US type lamp socket, and then you just have to put a plug adaptor on the plug.

Do these lamps have the conventional screw type bulbs? what wattage? I’ll take a look on the internet.

I did find this:
http://www.goinggreensolutions.com.au/products.aspx?ID=8
Look about halfway down the page for
"E27 – 240 volt LED bulb replacement"

to help you in your search, E27 designates the US standard screw base used in most light bulbs. UK uses 220-240 volts 50 Hz

.
References :
Mike S on February 19th, 2010 at 10:12 am

in addition to bill’s answer, it the lamp uses any kind of electronic dim control, there is a great possibility that the electronic is going to fail once connected to double voltage
References :
R@j!\/ on February 19th, 2010 at 10:40 am

NO!
They would burn twice as brighter – for maybe a second or two – and burn out – poof!!
References :
Poor one on February 19th, 2010 at 11:11 am

I don’t know what a "Verilux" is. A light with a standard screw in bulb will work with the same screw 240V bulb. Most bulbs in the UK are bayonet cap but screw ins are available easy enough. If its not a standard bulb fitting then you may be wasting your time.

There are another couple of considerations. The insulation will be rated for US 120v. It may be fine on 240V but its a risk, also the wiring quality and grounding may be much lower than something made to British standard. I have taken items but ended up re-wiring them because of the quality issue and lack of ground on metal lamps.
References :

Everything Lamps