Whether you’re unboxing a new table lamp for your Paris apartment or setting up a chandelier in your Toronto living room, one small detail can make or break your experience: voltage and plug compatibility. Mismatched voltage or the wrong plug isn’t just an inconvenience—it can damage your lamp, cause electrical hazards, or even void your warranty. To help you avoid common pitfalls, we’ve put together this essential guide for international customers, covering everything from voltage checks to adapter choices.
First, let’s break down the basics: Different countries and regions use entirely different electrical systems. A lamp designed for the U.S. (110-120V) plugged directly into a socket in Germany (220-240V) won’t just “not work”—it will likely burn out the internal wiring, melt the plug, or even start a fire. Similarly, a UK-style 3-pin plug won’t fit a U.S. 2-pin outlet, and forcing it can damage both the plug and the socket.
The good news? With a little pre-planning, you can keep your lamp safe and functional no matter where you live. Let’s start with the most critical step: checking voltage.
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Lamp Voltage Label
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Compatible Regions (Typical)
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What It Means
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100-240V (Dual Voltage)
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Global (U.S., EU, UK, Australia, etc.)
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The lamp works with almost any standard voltage—this is the most flexible option for international use.
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110-120V (Single Voltage)
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U.S., Canada, Mexico, Japan (Some Areas)
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Only use this lamp in regions with 110-120V power. Using it in 220-240V areas will destroy it.
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220-240V (Single Voltage)
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EU (Germany, France, Italy), UK, Australia, India
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Only safe for 220-240V regions. Plugging into a 110-120V outlet will result in dim light (or no light at all) and may damage the bulb.
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Pro Tip: If your lamp is dual-voltage (100-240V), you only need a plug adapter (more on that below). If it’s single-voltage, you’ll need a voltage converter (not just an adapter) to match your local power—we’ll explain the difference next.
Plug types vary wildly across the globe, and a “one-size-fits-all” adapter rarely works. The key is to match the adapter to both your lamp’s plug type and your region’s outlet type. Here’s a quick reference for the most common regions:
| Your Region |
Standard Outlet Type |
If Your Lamp Has This Plug… |
Use This Adapter |
| U.S. / Canada |
Type A (2 flat pins) / Type B (2 flat pins + ground pin) |
EU Type C/F (2 round pins) |
Type C/F to A/B Adapter (UL-certified) |
| EU (Germany, France, Spain) |
Type C (2 round pins) / Type F (2 round pins + ground clips) |
U.S. Type A/B |
Type A/B to C/F Adapter (CE-certified) |
| UK / Ireland |
Type G (3 square pins) |
U.S. Type A/B or EU Type C/F |
Type A/B/C/F to G Adapter (BS-certified) |
| Australia / New Zealand |
Type I (2 flat pins, angled) |
U.S. Type A/B or EU Type C/F |
Type A/B/C/F to I Adapter (SAA-certified) |
| Japan |
Type A (2 flat pins, same as U.S.) |
U.S. Type A/B |
No adapter needed (but confirm voltage: Japan uses 100V, so dual-voltage lamps work best) |
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Always choose certified adapters: Look for labels like UL (U.S.), CE (EU), BS (UK), or SAA (Australia). Uncertified adapters can overheat or short-circuit.
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Adapters ≠ voltage converters: An adapter only changes the plug shape—it does NOT change voltage. If your lamp is single-voltage (e.g., 110V) and your region uses 220V, you need BOTH an adapter AND a voltage converter.
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Check power capacity: Make sure the adapter can handle your lamp’s wattage (found on the bulb or voltage label). Most lamps only need a 100-250W adapter—avoid cheap, low-wattage models.
Even with the right voltage and adapter, small mistakes can cause big problems. Follow these rules to keep your lamp (and home) safe:
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Never modify the plug or cord: Cutting, rewiring, or forcing a plug into an outlet will void your warranty and create fire risks. If the plug doesn’t fit, use a certified adapter—don’t “DIY” it.
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Test with a bulb first (not the lamp alone): If you’re unsure about compatibility, plug in a low-wattage bulb (e.g., 40W LED) first. If the bulb flickers or dims abnormally, unplug immediately—you may have a voltage issue.
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Don’t leave adapters plugged in when unused: Adapters can draw small amounts of power even when the lamp is off, and over time, this can cause overheating. Unplug both the adapter and lamp when not in use.
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Avoid extension cords with adapters: Using an adapter + extension cord increases the risk of loose connections. If you need extra length, use a heavy-duty extension cord that matches your region’s plug type.
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For fixed-plug lamps: Confirm before buying: Some lamps have non-detachable plugs (e.g., small desk lamps). If you’re in the EU and the lamp has a U.S. plug, make sure you can find a compatible adapter before purchasing.
We get it—electrical systems can be overwhelming! If you’re unsure about your lamp’s compatibility with your region, here’s how we can help:
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Send us your location and product model: Email our customer service team with where you live (e.g., “Paris, France”) and your lamp’s model number (found on the box or order confirmation). We’ll send you a custom compatibility checklist.
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Ask about region-specific plugs: For popular regions (like the EU or UK), we often have versions of our lamps with pre-installed local plugs—just ask if this is available for your order.
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Troubleshoot issues: If your lamp isn’t working after plugging in, don’t panic! Contact us first—we can help you diagnose whether it’s an adapter, voltage, or bulb issue (and avoid unnecessary returns).
Voltage and plug compatibility might seem like a small detail, but it’s the difference between enjoying your new lamp for years and dealing with costly damage. By checking the voltage label, choosing a certified adapter, and following basic safety rules, you can ensure your lamp works safely—no matter where in the world you are.
Have more questions? Drop a comment below, or reach out to our customer service team—we’re here to help!
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