120V vs. 220V
- Thread starter Mark-P
- Start date
Cool Lights
DVXuser Sponsor
Depends upon the type of lighting it is. Is it ballast-oriented like fluorescent and HMI? In that case, the ballasts must be able to operate in both voltages like those that Cool Lights uses on most all its products. That is when you plug them in they automagically adapt to whatever voltage is coming in without the need to flip a switch or use a transformer.
If its tungsten, the bulb is directly driven by the line and the only way to operate in both voltages is to keep two sets of bulbs: 110v and 220v.
If its tungsten, the bulb is directly driven by the line and the only way to operate in both voltages is to keep two sets of bulbs: 110v and 220v.
ProfessorU
Veteran
I wouldn't buy any kits for 220 unless it's for a very special application.
If you're on site and you need 110, you can find it anywhere. If (through some weird wiring dilemma) you only have 220, you could build a box that gives you 110. You can't really do it the other way without a lot of work and a transformer.
If you're on site and you need 110, you can find it anywhere. If (through some weird wiring dilemma) you only have 220, you could build a box that gives you 110. You can't really do it the other way without a lot of work and a transformer.
Phil Brown
Active member
Mark,
There are plenty of kits that are dual voltage and personally, I wouldn't buy any lights that weren't unless you were never going to leave the US.
Dedo are dual voltage, Britek, Lowell, Altman, Arri, etc ... but not all models - so check the specs carefully before you buy.
The main thing is to remember to use 110/120 v globes when in the US and 230/240v globes in Asia & Europe & Australasia.
All you will need is a plug adaptor (approx $15) to plug in the lights when you travel overseas. I know in Australia this needs to be an earthed adaptor, but not sure about other countries - anyway, just take a light into an electical store when you go overseas and test a few adaptors.
Phil Brown
There are plenty of kits that are dual voltage and personally, I wouldn't buy any lights that weren't unless you were never going to leave the US.
Dedo are dual voltage, Britek, Lowell, Altman, Arri, etc ... but not all models - so check the specs carefully before you buy.
The main thing is to remember to use 110/120 v globes when in the US and 230/240v globes in Asia & Europe & Australasia.
All you will need is a plug adaptor (approx $15) to plug in the lights when you travel overseas. I know in Australia this needs to be an earthed adaptor, but not sure about other countries - anyway, just take a light into an electical store when you go overseas and test a few adaptors.
Phil Brown