Buying light fittings from the USA

[BasinHaircut]

Has anyone done this and what did you have to do to make them compatible for use in the UK?

I'm having a nightmare finding light fittings as I've got an idea in my head of what I want and the only website I can find ones on ships from America.

Alternatively does anyone know a UK website that sells lights like this? The only ones I can find are about £300 each and the US ones are only £60!

www.overstock.com/#/8239051/product.html

[RoganJosh]

We have friends who just did this. They had to get special light bulbs made and the fitting rewired (although we think their electrician may have been being overly cautious).

[SoupDragon]

I think this is the relevant bit PLEASE NOTE: USE ONLY WITH PROPER OUTLET ADAPTORS AND VOLTAGE CONVERTERS FOR YOUR AREA. WITHOUT THE PROPER ADAPTOR AND VOLTAGE CONVERTER, PLUGGING THIS PRODUCT INTO AN OUTLET WITH VOLTAGE IN EXCESS OF 110-120 VOLTS MAY RESULT IN FIRE AND/OR INJURY.

Cut and pasted - sorry about the capitals!

I think UK voltage is higher isn't it?

[SoupDragon]

What is it you like about the light specifically?

There's this from Wayfair although it isn't as plain.

[BasinHaircut]

rogan that sounds like a right ballache and expensive!

soup yeah I was just wondering what that blurb meant in lay and terms. I think rogan has answered my question and it means 'an expensive faff'.

I do like that one you linked to actually thanks. I want something Art Deco-ish but not too over the top. They are for the kitchen so need to be relatively easy to keep clean.

I hate spotlights and those light fittings that have spotlight type things on.

[SoupDragon]

Have a look at Wayfair, they do have a huge variety of lights. I guess in a kitchen you don't want manky nooks and crannies for greasy dust to settle. :)

[SanityClause]

Your link doesn't work for me; it just gets me through to the home page. So I can't actually see what you're looking for, but have you looked at the Christopher Wray website? They usually have a huge variety. I'm sure they'd have something you'd like, although they're not madly cheap.

[didireallysaythat]

Don't forget customs charges - always gets me...

[BasinHaircut]

Just been having a look at the way fair site. Some lovely stuff on there thanks.

Will have a look on that other site now

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Dar lighting have a lot of similar lights in their bathroom range.

[BasinHaircut]

Thanks lone

[PigletJohn]

the idea of changing the voltage is ridiculous.

Screw-in lightbulbs in USA are not quite the same size as in Europe, but European ones may sometimes fit. If not you would have to change the lampholders. Then you can use ordinary European lamps. BC lamps are more widely available in UK.

Metal light fittings must be earthed. It would be best to have it inspected and installed by a qualified electrician (you can search on NICEIC or other schemes). Preferably not one who is newly-qualified or just a "Domestic Installer" as that is the lowest qualification. With screw-in lamps, the L goes to the tip and the N goes to the screw.

[BasinHaircut]

Thanks piglet. Sounds like a pain in the arse! Think I'll stick to UK bought lights