How can Amercan light bulbs be used in Australia?

  • Thread starter Thread starter pstir2
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Australia Light
AI Thread Summary
American light bulbs, typically rated for 110V, can be used in Australia, which operates on a 240V system, primarily through high-efficiency bulbs that incorporate switching converters designed to handle a voltage range of 90V to 240V. Standard filament bulbs, however, would fail immediately if connected to a 240V supply. The discussion highlights the differences in bulb fittings, with Australia transitioning from standard bayonet fittings to include Edison Screw fittings, which are available in both countries. Examples of American bulbs in use in Australia are requested, emphasizing the need for practical applications. The thread concludes with a reminder to keep discussions focused on educational purposes.
pstir2
Messages
19
Reaction score
0
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?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
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.
 
Back
Top