Imported light fittings in NZ? Do I need to switch fitting?

Forums › Home Workshop DIY › Imported light fittings in NZ? Do I need to switch fitting?

Nikkic

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#108571 1-Sep-2012 12:16

I'm a brand new homeowner and would love to put up an art deco light in my bathroom but I can only find this one from an American website. I'm not sure with wall fitted lights though, do I just need to get NZ light bulbs or would I have to get the electrical fittings change as well?

Any advice would be obviously greatly appreciated.

sbiddle

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Biddle Corp

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#680063 1-Sep-2012 12:28

The first thing you need to establish is whether it's rated/supports 230V. It's no good in NZ if it's only designed for 110V.

SATTV

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#680066 1-Sep-2012 12:37

Being that it is from the USA there will be a lot of modifications to bring it up to NZ standard. ( USA is typically 110v not 230v like we are )

1) internal witing will beed to be replaced
2) Lamp holders will need to be replaced
3) Bulbs will need to be replaced
4) Will need to have an earth wire if there is not one on it as it has exposed metal.

This all needs to be done by a regerested electrician.

Dont forget you will have to pay shipping, duty, customs and GST on arrival, as it is electrical it may have to be sent for type approval before the electrician can install it.

Cheers
John

I know enough to be dangerous

Nikkic

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#680086 1-Sep-2012 14:01

Great advice I guess I'll keep looking at local options!

Niel

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#680120 1-Sep-2012 16:26

You can look at AU options as virtually all regulations are the same or they are adopted shortly after the other country introduced it. Next you can look at Europe as virtually all our regulations come from EU regulations. As others said, USA regulations are very different and best avoided.

Unless you go low voltage fittings and locally buy a certified transformer, then there are no issues as the transformer is the safety barrier.

You can never have enough Volvos!

gregmcc

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#680137 1-Sep-2012 17:28

SATTV: Being that it is from the USA there will be a lot of modifications to bring it up to NZ standard. ( USA is typically 110v not 230v like we are )

1) internal witing will beed to be replaced
2) Lamp holders will need to be replaced

Lamp holders will not need to be replaced, an ES is a standard lamp holder in NZ

3) Bulbs will need to be replaced
4) Will need to have an earth wire if there is not one on it as it has exposed metal.

This all needs to be done by a regerested electrician.

Dont forget you will have to pay shipping, duty, customs and GST on arrival, as it is electrical it may have to be sent for type approval before the electrician can install it.

Cheers
John

If you are bringing the light fitting in to the country for personal use and not on selling it then it does not have to meet the standard, but saying that should a fire be caused by this light the insurance company may ask if it was compliant with the NZ standard...and decline the insurance payout

SATTV

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#680236 1-Sep-2012 22:20

@GREGMCC

Lamp holders will not need to be replaced, an ES is a standard lamp holder in NZ

ES lamp holders may still need to be changed as they may not be rated at 230v.

John

I know enough to be dangerous

richms

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#680312 2-Sep-2012 10:43

Us holders are e26 unless it came from asia to start with.

Richard rich.ms