Can a lamp bought in the states (110V) be used in China (220V)?

[divadhslee]

Today, a newly installed lamp fixture started fuming and before a fire started I quickly switched it off and had an electrician check that out. He found that the 160W lamp had melted the "heatproof" plastic material which was inches away. I was then told that the 160W lamp was 110V and not appropriate to be used here in China. Yes, I ordered these lamps from US and have been using them in Beijing China where I reside. The electrician said that used here in China (220V), that lamp would be twice as bright (producing twice as much heat I suppose then) and that that would also cause the lamp to have a shorter life. Is it true? The said 160W (110V) lamp is Zoo Med PowerSun UV self-ballasted mercury vapor lamp. One which I could not get an equivalent of here in China. Can someone tell me how I could use this lamp safely here in China? I really love this lamp for what it could do.

 

[Expensive Brick]

Yes this is true. The US, is one of the only countries (if not the only) that uses 110v standard for everyday use. You can shop around online for a 220v to 110v converter. This is a bit of a generalization I'm making, but without getting into the meat of Tesla v. Edison I'll leave it at that.

 

[tutubi]

there are lots of portable converters out there now. you shouldnt have a problem especially in china where all things are made

 

[kurtyboh]

all you need to plug a 110 lamp into 220 is a 220w bulb and a plug adaptor. without which yest your lamp will be brighter if it lasts more than a couple of seconds... if they dont make a bulb for it you will need to use a converter.