You guys are very knowledgeable about electricity so I was wondering if you could tell me if its OK to import (from the US) a ceiling light fitted with 60 x 50w GU10 bulbs (fitted already) and if it would work over here. Would it be as simple as replacing the bulbs or would I need an electrician to rewire the whole thing if it didn't work??

S

60x 50w bulbs? that is 3000 watts Are you sure?
Many people say "just screw in a new bulb", but in all fairness, if the light has stamped on it 110-125v, the cabling insulation and switch can only withstand that amount of voltage safely. Look very carefully on the light socket, be 100% sure or ask a specialist, if it shorts out while you are not at home,,,

its all double dutch to me I'm afraid

I have copied out what they said - but I have a feeling they mean 6 bulbs of 50W - that seems to make more sense - even to someone like me

S

Could you send us a picture of this, or point us at a website describing what it is?

There is a vast array of lights for sale here. It might be safer and easier to buy what you want here.

I wouldn't waste the time and money on an unsure item, but your choice.
If it is GU10, these are low voltage, but the transformer which runs them MUST show between 220-240v, if not, DO NOT connect it.

I will be moving to Switzerland from the UK in a few weeks, and have a 6-gang Surge Protector for all my PC equipment. Would it be safe to change the plug on this, or would this void the warranty/make it unsafe? I could buy one in Switzerland, but that would mean also buying new cords for my PC, monitor, printer, etc. Sorry if someone's already asked this, couldn't find anything related to it!

Don't worry about the warranty on a surge supressor, they rarely need repairing.
Cut the end off when you get here and replace it with a Swiss cap to save the cash.
Good luck with your move.

Thanks!! Of course, my PC is in with my heavy baggage and won't arrive until a few weeks after me, but I'll know what to do when it does!

I'm sure this has been discussed, but a search found me nothing. Sorry if it's a repeat.

I was looking for voltage adapters online for my US items. And I stumbled accross a website saying that if appliance are marked 110v-240v that you do not need the voltage adapter, just a plug adapter. I checked a few of the things that I am bringing like my laptop and battery charger and see that it is 110v-240v. Many things like my electric toothbrush and curling iron are not. ( I just assume buy new ones.)

Anyone that can shed more light on this? Is it true? I tried to Google it and since I couldn't word it right just kept getting sites to buy adapters. It would be wonderful if I could get away with just plug adapters!

Thanks!
Lauren


Again, sorry if this is a double post.

Yes it's true.

I do not think a generic thanks covered it. So wooohooo! Thanks a bunch. Ahhh... where would I be without EF??? Oh yeah, completely lost.

just to summarise - transformers are NOT NEEDED if the item in question is marked with 110v-220/240v (like many low-power consumer goods are). Then you just need to replace the plug or get an adaptor so that it'll go into the wall sockets.

What kind of power sockets do you have in German Switzerland?
I want to figure out if a need adaptors for my recharger, PC, monitor, etc...

We have a 3 pong you can also use a 2 pong hope this helps

Same as in French Switzerland, Italian Switzerland and Romansch Switzerland

To be more specific:

230V @ 50 Hz using these types of plugs.

man, I just wish Europe could finally agree on a simple thing like common power plugs. For heaven's sake, that can't be so difficult now, can it? After all, all it'd take would be an investment of 50 Fr. or so for adapter plugs in order to use your old appliances with new standard sockets and within 10 years the transition would be over and forgotten.

I guess this shows just how far we're away from getting rid of the nation state mentality on this continent...

peter

At least the Swiss have the weak excuse of not being part of the EU. But you can imagine my frustration when I went to France last week and found that my German/Austrian EU plugs and adaptors didn't really fit the French EU sockets properly. They where close enough that I could use them. But would fall out if knocked and I'm not convinced where properly earthed.

Anyway, here is more detail http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_s...Swiss_3-pin.29

We in Italy have these ones and also the ones like yours with 2 pins.
I think I will need adaptors for my PC, isnt it?
Voltage and frequency is the same as there.

Here you go, lots of info on -->European plugs<-- from Wikipedia.

I agree... borders should have only one direction, DOWN