How can Amercan light bulbs be used in Australia?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the compatibility of American light bulbs, which operate at 110 V, with the Australian power supply of 240 V. Participants explore how these bulbs can be used in Australia, considering various technical aspects and examples.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that American light bulbs are routinely used in Australia despite the voltage difference, prompting questions about the methods of use.
  • One participant suggests a scenario involving two 110 V light bulbs in series on a 240 V supply, questioning the implications of this setup.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for examples of how 120 V light bulbs are being utilized in Australia, indicating a lack of clarity on the original poster's claims.
  • A participant mentions that a 110 V bulb would be destroyed if connected directly to a 230 V supply, while high-efficiency bulbs with switching converters can operate across a wider voltage range.
  • Discussion includes the differences in light bulb fittings between the US and Australia, noting the availability of both bayonet and Edison Screw fittings in Australia.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the practicality of using American bulbs in Australia, comparing it to using air conditioning in extreme conditions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and methods of using American light bulbs in Australia. There is no consensus on the specifics of how this is accomplished, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some participants call for more information and examples to clarify the original question, indicating that assumptions about the use of American light bulbs may not be fully substantiated. There are also references to specific voltage ratings and fitting types that may influence compatibility.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring electrical compatibility issues, students working on related homework assignments, or those curious about international standards for electrical appliances.

pstir2
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In America power is supplied at 110 V. In Australia power is supplied at 240 V, however American lights are routinely used in Australia. How is this possible?
 
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Do you know in what way they are used? How do you know they are used?
 
pstir2 said:
In America power is supplied at 110 V. In Australia power is supplied at 240 V, however American lights are routinely used in Australia. How is this possible?

From your other threads which have been deleted, it appears that you don't have much of a background in electricity yet (which is okay). As Averagesupernova says, please provide much more information and some examples so we can asses your question. Thank you.
 
Lets say we had two 110V lightbulbs in series on a 240V power supply

And we have one 110V lightbulb alone on a 240V power supply

The lightbulbs are each 1000W
 
pstir2 said:
Lets say we had two 110V lightbulbs in series on a 240V power supply

And we have one 110V lightbulb alone on a 240V power supply

The lightbulbs are each 1000W

Let's say you answer the questions you were asked for the sources of your information. I checked and Austrailia is indeed (mostly) 230Vrms at 50Hz. Can you show us examples of how some US 120Vrms light bulbs are being used please?
 
I can buy 240 volt lamps right here in Arkansas (almost the middle of USA).
 
Seems strange to me. Of course there are ways they can be used. The same way air conditioning can be used at the north pole. Seems odd that it would be, but there is certainly a way even though it seems unlikely there is a reason.
 
pstir2 said:
And we have one 110V lightbulb alone on a 240V power supply
If you are considering filament globes here, a 110V globe on 230V will immediately vaporise and so be destroyed.
High Efficiency globes that contain a switching converter can be designed to operate on the 90V to 240V range.

In Australia 10 years ago, globes all used a standard bayonet fitting.
In the USA the Edison Screw fitting is available everywhere.
Now the ES fitting is also available in Australia, but the globes are rated at the Australian standard 230V.
 
  • #10
Thanks Aleph! Thread locked.

@pstir2 -- please keep this discussion in your schoolwork thread.
 

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