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Replacing a 220 Volt Light Bulb with 120 Volt

I bought a wooden decorative lamp from Korea, the salesman told me that I’d need to change the 10 watt bulb because they use 220 V electricity, what bulb should I get…


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Selecting a 120 Volt Light Bulb for a 220 Volt Fixture
[ad#block]Question: On a trip to Korea, I bought a wooden decorative lamp. The salesman gave me a little plug to fit over the Korean plug so that I can plug it in here, but he also told me that I’d need to change the bulb. It came with a little 10 w bulb. I believe they use 220 V electricity in Korea, and we use 110 V here in most outlets, right? Is this lamp safe to use? and what am I looking for in a bulb? Do I just need to find one that’s 20 w? or are there other issues?

This electrical question came from: Mark, a Homeowner from Ellsworth, Maine.
See more about Electrical Wiring for Maine

Additional Comments: Great site. I’m happy I came across it.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Mark.
Mark, purchase a bulb that has the same base and watt output. You could use the existing 220 volt bulb but it will be half as bright as if it were plugged into 200 volts.

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

220 Volt Wiring Diagram

Electrical Safety

electrical outlet wiring
outlet-wiring
Wiring Electrical Outlet for the Home
Home electrical wiring includes 110 volt outlets and 220 volt outlets and receptacles which are common place in every home. See how wiring electrical outlets for the home are done.

For more information about Other Electrical Issue
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Home Electrical Wiring Issues

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Do-It-Yourself Electrical


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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

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Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
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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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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

4 Responses to “Replacing a 220 Volt Light Bulb with 120 Volt”
  1. Anne says:

    I bought a lamp in the US (120 volt) and brought it back to Denmark (220 volt).
    I am aware that I should change the light bulp but is it safe to use the wire made for 120 volt in 220 volt?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Anne,
    Yes, the wire size should be fine, in fact because the light fixture will be used for 220 volts the wire size is about twice the size that is necessary. The higher the voltage the smaller the wire size. No need to change the wire size, it will be fine.
    Enjoy your light fixture.
    Dave

  3. Mellodie says:

    I just bought a 50’s era night light that was made in Japan.The light socket reads 660watts and 250volts.What light bulb do I use?

  4. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi Mellodie, Great Question!
    The light socket states the maximum rating, so if the socket is the standard type which I assume it is, then a conventional incandescent or LED light bulb will work for you. Since this is a night light then a lower amount of light is typically used, therefore there will not be a problem of overheating the fixture.
    I hope this helps you,
    Enjoy your night light!