Hey guys, Could do with some advice please.

[Doneao]

Hey all.

I have aload of lights that I wish to run, But they are all 120 Volts(USA).
What would you say is the best way to go about this?
I can buy Converters from ebay, but this is gona cost quite a bit with the amount I may have to buy.

Isit possible to change a UK Wall socket over to 120 volts?

Please let me know your advice, Maybe you have a better solution

Thanks in advance

 

[wattsup]

You will have to wire a dedicated 120v socket through a transformer, or plug in a transformer to the existing uk socket. You will need to calculate total wattage of the lighting to determine what size transformer you need, and allow 30% oversize.
If the socket is for other US devices (not lighting) US frequency is 60, we are 50htz, so some equipment may not work or be damaged, if so you will also need a converter.

For lighting, it may be easier / cheaper to change the lamps to 230v (although you may have to change lampholders if no suitable 230v lamp is available that would fit existing lampholder)

 

[Notsosmart]

I have aload of lights that I wish to run, But they are all 120 Volts(USA).

@60Hz but this should not have significant effect. What kind of lights? if they are selv/pelv then what about changing the integral transformer. If they are simply mains then it may just be a 230v lamp you require

What would you say is the best way to go about this?
I can buy Converters from ebay, but this is gona cost quite a bit with the amount I may have to buy.

Are you looking at step down transformers?

Isit possible to change a UK Wall socket over to 120 volts?

You will need a plug-in transformer.

 

[Doneao]

Hey, wattsup and notsosmart, THanks for both your replies.

For lighting, it may be easier / cheaper to change the lamps to 230v (although you may have to change lampholders if no suitable 230v lamp is available that would fit existing lampholder)

The lights themselves are fluorescents, now im guessing that wen ur using the word "lamp holder", thats something inside the actual framework that holds the light? I hardly know much about electrics, But If i know it can be done, Il definatly give it a try.
if what u call a lampholer is somthing different to the inside framework, Isit actually possible to change something over in the framework?

Are you looking at step down transformers?

In reply to to above question, I was just looking at singular plugs that you plug into your exsiting UK plug socket, Then you then plug ur us applicence into that, I belive it sorts the 2 pin problem for you and also the volt issue.


THanks again guys, Look forward to hearing your replies

 

[wattsup]

Oh fluoros!...you need a transformer then.
The tube itself would probably be ok on 230v or 120v, but the control electronics ballast etc may melt!

 

[dufjax]

Oh fluoros!...you need a transformer then.
The tube itself would probably be ok on 230v or 120v, but the control electronics ballast etc may melt!

You can always change the ballast aswell? but it's starting to sound expensive. Not sure it wouldn't be easier to buy new.

In reply to to above question, I was just looking at singular plugs that you plug into your exsiting UK plug socket, Then you then plug ur us applicence into that, I belive it sorts the 2 pin problem for you and also the volt issue.

I know the plugs you mean but I've never seen any that sort the voltage issue out, only converts the 2 pin us to the UK plug (BS1363)

Jim

 

[Doneao]

Oh fluoros!...you need a transformer then.
The tube itself would probably be ok on 230v or 120v, but the control electronics ballast etc may melt!

You can always change the ballast aswell? but it's starting to sound expensive. Not sure it wouldn't be easier to buy new.

In relation to both your replies, Is this the specific "part" I would have to change inside the framework of the light?

Also you mention it maybe expensive, How hard would it be? Or is there another part I edit?

I know the plugs you mean but I've never seen any that sort the voltage issue out, only converts the 2 pin us to the UK plug (BS1363)

##240 VOLT TO 120 VOLT 45 VA VOLTAGE CONVERTER UK-US ## on eBay (end time 18-Feb-10 13:47:30 GMT)

Thanks again guys.

But one last theory, If I was to buy 1 of those converters I just posted, What If I was to for every 5 lights, I plug one into the converter I posted above in the link, and manually connected the 4 others in a link starting from the end of the first plugged in light and out of that into the next, So I end up with something like

Plug|=-----[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]

Now if for example that converter I posted above was to work, If I could also do the lights like that, That would be even better, I wouldnt have to buy around 40 Converters, Just 5-10.

Would be interested to hear your opnions on this.

Thanks in advance

 

[Notsosmart]

In relation to both your replies, Is this the specific "part" I would have to change inside the framework of the light?

Also you mention it maybe expensive, How hard would it be? Or is there another part I edit?



##240 VOLT TO 120 VOLT 45 VA VOLTAGE CONVERTER UK-US ## on eBay (end time 18-Feb-10 13:47:30 GMT)

Thanks again guys.

But one last theory, If I was to buy 1 of those converters I just posted, What If I was to for every 5 lights, I plug one in, and manually connected the 4 others in a link from that one source, So I end up with something like

Plug|=-----[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]

Now if for example that converter I posted above was to work, If I could also do the lights like that, That would be even better, I wouldnt have to buy around 40 Converters, Just 5-10.

Would be interested to hear your opnions on this.

Thanks in advance

The converter is only 45watts max load so it depends on the rating of each Fluorescant,

changing the internals of the fitting would be possible & reasonably easy but you need to ensure that you get the correct type for the size of tubes.

 

[Doneao]

The converter is only 45watts max load so it depends on the rating of each Fluorescant,

changing the internals of the fitting would be possible & reasonably easy but you need to ensure that you get the correct type for the size of tubes.

Hey thanks for the reply again

The lights themselves are about 60 watts, But there are some converters on ebay that convert up to 200watt.

and about changing the inside of the lights

correct type for the size of tubes.

correct type of wat?

also, Do you know if my theory would work? (the chain linking through 1 converter)

Thanks in advance

 

[Notsosmart]

200watts will still only drive one fitting as due to start up energy & power factor losses etc a rule of thumb multi-plyer factor of 1.8 has to applied to the 60 watts (= 108 watts)

By type I meant starter less, rating, physical size etc; Have a look at the link below this may give you a better insight & help you decide if the cost & nuicance outweighs buying new fittings.

Fluorescent Starters & Ballasts - Fluorescent Tubes - Light Bulbs - Lyco Direct

Fluorescent Fittings - Light Fitting Types - Buying Guides - Lyco Direct

 

[bugsy]

Are these a special fitting? why american ?

 

[m4tty]

Plug|=-----[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]
PLANT PLANT PLANT PLANT PLANT

Not a cannabis factory is it mate lol

 

[Doneao]

Thanks for the post and links notsosmart, It seems I mite aswell buy new, The lights themselves only cost around £18 brand new, I guess theres no point buying £16 ballasts

Are these a special fitting? why american ?

They are single striplights, 4inch, Only place I could get them

Plug|=-----[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]
PLANT PLANT PLANT PLANT PLANT

Not a cannabis factory is it mate lol

Haha, Nice adition to the diagram.
Your not doing that are you? Wonder how when you saw that light formation you thought about cannabis factorys
I didnt know its possible to grow with Fluros

I may not plan to have them literely that close to each other or in line even

 

[Notsosmart]

Plug|=-----[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]--------[Fluro]
PLANT PLANT PLANT PLANT PLANT

Not a cannabis factory is it mate lol

In that case he's better of going to hydroponicsRus

 

[sparkdog]

Perhaps you could wire them in series in pairs if they are all the same wattage 2x120=240.