Solving 150W CFL Issue: 220V Adapter Solutions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a suitable adapter for a 150W CFL bulb that operates on 220V. Participants explore various options for connecting the bulb, including potential risks and the compatibility of different bulb bases. The conversation includes technical considerations and safety warnings related to electrical connections.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in finding an adapter that fits the large base of their 150W CFL bulb, which is designed for 220V.
  • Another suggests that if the bulb is to be connected to an existing holder, an adapter is necessary, while cautioning against direct connections without proper safety measures.
  • Some participants recommend searching online for lamp adapters compatible with European sockets, noting the abundance of options available.
  • There is a suggestion that the bulb may have a different fitting type (E27 vs. E14), prompting further inquiry into the specific bulb base.
  • One participant mentions the possibility of the bulb being a Mogul E39 or E40 type, which may not be commonly found in standard retail outlets.
  • A warning is issued regarding the dangers of electrical work for those unfamiliar with electrical terminology and safety practices, emphasizing the importance of seeking help if needed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific type of adapter needed or the safety of directly connecting the bulb without an adapter. Multiple competing views regarding the bulb base compatibility and connection methods remain present.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include uncertainty about the exact bulb base type and the potential risks associated with direct electrical connections. Participants express varying levels of familiarity with electrical systems, which may affect their understanding of safety protocols.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking to connect high-wattage CFL bulbs to existing fixtures, those exploring electrical safety practices, or anyone interested in the compatibility of different bulb bases.

francistm
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Hey!
I'm actually a bit noob when it comes to electricity in a whole. So I've a big CFL 150w that runs on 220V but I can't find any adapter that fits in the "base of my bulb
Would it be possible to get it running without it? How would you do it?
(I live in europe so my electrical grid runs on 220V)
Thanks in advance!
 
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I have no idea what the bulb base or the holder looks like. No voltage conversion needed so it must be a simple adapter that either connects to the holder or has screws for wires etc.

If you want to connect it to an already installed holder, get the adapter. Otherwise do not connect it.
 
francistm said:
runs on 220V but I can't find any adapter that fits in the "base of my bulb
Do a Google search for: lamp adapter european socket

I get over 400 000 hits here in the USA.
 
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PhysicoRaj said:
I have no idea what the bulb base or the holder looks like. No voltage conversion needed so it must be a simple adapter that either connects to the holder or has screws for wires etc.

If you want to connect it to an already installed holder, get the adapter. Otherwise do not connect it.
The thing is, the socket is so large (35mm) I can't find any adapter for it!
Wouldn't it be possible to directly connect the lamp to the greed with wires? Maybe a little dangerous but with the right isolation it wouldn't be a problem right?
 
francistm said:
The thing is, the socket is so large (35mm) I can't find any adapter for it!
Wouldn't it be possible to directly connect the lamp to the greed with wires? Maybe a little dangerous but with the right isolation it wouldn't be a problem right?
If you have to ask, don't do it. Can you post pictures of the socket and bulb?
 
Is it possible you have a fitting for an E27 bulb and your bulb is E14?https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/?iid=192038292946&&&adgroupid=44594567914&rlsatarget=pla-298245035656&abcId=1088856&adtype=pla&merchantid=101734942&poi=&googleloc=9044886&device=t&campaignid=805978797&crdt=0&ul_ref=http%253A%252F%252Frover.ebay.com%252Frover%252F1%252F710-134428-41853-0%252F2%253Fmpre%253Dhttp%25253A%25252F%25252Fwww.ebay.co.uk%25252Fitm%25252Flike%25252F192038292946%25253Fchn%25253Dps%2526itemid%253D192038292946%2526targetid%253D298245035656%2526device%253Dt%2526adtype%253Dpla%2526googleloc%253D9044886%2526poi%253D%2526campaignid%253D805978797%2526adgroupid%253D44594567914%2526rlsatarget%253Dpla-298245035656%2526abcId%253D1088856%2526merchantid%253D101734942%2526gclid%253DCj0KEQjw6LXIBRCUqIjXmdKBxZUBEiQA_f50PsTyaqv3iUIuvQS1KaOfd6tdsu0Wig1V5tncL_uf7n4aArzU8P8HAQ%2526srcrot%253D710-134428-41853-0%2526rvr_id%253D1211590071918&chn=ps
 
CWatters said:
Is it possible you have a fitting for an E27 bulb and your bulb is E14?
My bet, if it's a screw-in type bulb, is the Mogul E39.
This image is from http://www.bulbs.com/learning/basechart.aspx
screw base.jpg
 
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dlgoff said:
My bet, if it's a screw-in type bulb, is the Mogul E39.
Or in Europe an E40, also called Goliath ES (ES= Edison Screw). I haven't been able to find an E35 size standard.
 
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  • #10
Mogul base sockets abound in industrial castoffs. My salvage yard gets plenty of old sodium vapor light fixtures with nice ceramic sockets .

@francistm : An important note to you -
if the terms ' Hot, Line, Neutral, Earth, Bonding, and Ground Fault ' are not familiar to you then get help from somebody who does know them before you attempt to wire a socket. Your local electrical supply house desk sales guys will know how it should be done. They can sell you a socket, too.

In US "Hot" wire is black(color of the smoke that's in it), Neutral wire is white(current in that one has surrendered its energy), Earth/Bonding is green or bare. I don't know the Euro colors.

You can build something that's very dangerous without knowing it. Are there tiny fingers in your household? Don't be too vain to ask for help.

old jim
 
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