110/220 Volts - what issues to be aware of? at DVinfo.net

Michael Wisniewski · April 19th, 2009, 12:49 AM

What issues are involved when dealing with different 110/220 outlet voltages? I will be traveling, and would like to bring some Lowel lights with me. The lights & bulbs were purchased in the U.S.

Thank you for any advice.

Richard Andrewski · April 19th, 2009, 01:15 AM

Sounds like they're tungsten units. You'll need 220v bulbs to change out to when you're in a 220v country. These kind of bulbs are hooked directly to the line voltage and thus depend upon that being the right one for what they are rated for. And forget transformers, with the kinds of wattage we deal in, its far better just to change out the bulb. You may also need a plug adapter which is a mechanical thing to adapt your American plug to whatever plug they use in the countries you go to. Sometimes you can find a bag of common adapters at travel stores. If they try to sell you the transformer thats commonly used for hair dryers though, you don't need that.

Paul Mailath · April 19th, 2009, 02:33 AM

yea - take care, 110v gear gets upset when you just 'plug er in'. Some years ago I worked for a company that bought over a driving simulator from the states and it was set up in a conference room to try out - the handyman noticed that the plug was different so he kindly 'fixed it' with some pliers and 'plugged er in'. I can still remember hearing the bang and screaming abuse at the guy.

April 19th, 2009, 12:49 AM	#1
Michael Wisniewski Wrangler Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Makati, Metro Manila Posts: 2,706 Images: 32	110/220 Volts - what issues to be aware of? What issues are involved when dealing with different 110/220 outlet voltages? I will be traveling, and would like to bring some Lowel lights with me. The lights & bulbs were purchased in the U.S. Thank you for any advice. __________________ "Ultimately, the most extraordinary thing, in a frame, is a human being." - Martin Scorsese

April 19th, 2009, 01:15 AM	#2
Richard Andrewski Major Player Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Shenzhen, China Posts: 781	Sounds like they're tungsten units. You'll need 220v bulbs to change out to when you're in a 220v country. These kind of bulbs are hooked directly to the line voltage and thus depend upon that being the right one for what they are rated for. And forget transformers, with the kinds of wattage we deal in, its far better just to change out the bulb. You may also need a plug adapter which is a mechanical thing to adapt your American plug to whatever plug they use in the countries you go to. Sometimes you can find a bag of common adapters at travel stores. If they try to sell you the transformer thats commonly used for hair dryers though, you don't need that. __________________ Richard Andrewski - Cool Lights USA - RED #114 http://www.coollights.biz Last edited by Richard Andrewski; April 19th, 2009 at 09:20 AM.

April 19th, 2009, 02:33 AM	#3
Paul Mailath Trustee Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Central Coast - NSW, Australia Posts: 1,606	yea - take care, 110v gear gets upset when you just 'plug er in'. Some years ago I worked for a company that bought over a driving simulator from the states and it was set up in a conference room to try out - the handyman noticed that the plug was different so he kindly 'fixed it' with some pliers and 'plugged er in'. I can still remember hearing the bang and screaming abuse at the guy. __________________ Cheers - Paul M. www.perbenyik.com