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Electrical Wire and Cable


How to Safely Use Light Fixtures From Other Countries


The key difference with dual voltage light fixtures from other countries and how they may be used.



Home Electrical Wiring Video

Hooking Up a Generator to the House Panel
Using a Circuit Breaker Interlock Kit
for Backup Power

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The Key Difference With Foreign Light Fixtures

[ad#block]Question: I’d like to know if lighting bought from USA will work in Australia. On some website it has “input voltage 110V or 220V”, what does this mean?

This electrical question came from John, a Homeowner from Brisbane Australia, Other

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Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question John.
Dual Voltage Light Fixture Safety
John, typical voltages for most countries that is used for household light fixtures is 110 volts or 220 volts. Some countries have the provision of using either voltage, and adapters may be used in some applications to allow the use of a dual voltage light fixture. The input voltage that is being referred to is the voltage of the home which the light fixture will be connected to. The key issue is if the light fixture manufacturer has specified that the light fixture may be in fact used for the voltage that you have at your household in your part of the world. This should be clearly marked or identified on the light fixture. All of the components of the light fixture must be rated for the same voltage in the home location as well, including the light bulb, the switch, the wiring, and the plug. Once this compatibility and compliance has been established then the light fixture may be safely used. As with any light fixture, it is best to consult the manufacturer for complete guidelines and approved voltage ratings.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Lighting for the Home

World Electrical Systems


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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book
Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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