Can I use a 120v light bulb in a 110v lamp socket?
Can I use a 120V light bulb in a lamp socket designed for 110V? I want to ensure that the bulb will function properly and safely in this socket. Are there any potential risks or considerations I should be aware of when using a 120V bulb in a 110V fixture?
10 Answers
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RE:
Can I use a 120v light bulb in a 110v lamp socket?
There are two possible interpretation of your question: 1 the socket is designed or 110 volts, but we are applying 120 volts and using a 120 volt bulb. Typically the increased risk is near zero 2 the socket is designed and supplied 110 volts, but the bulb is designed for 120 volts and is thus operating slightly below it's ratings = about 4% less current and about 9% less voltage. That will be about 13% less watts, so the filament temperature is reduced by perhaps 100 degrees c = 212 f and bulb surface temperature is reduced by perhaps 9 degrees f = 5 degrees c. A 550 lumens bulb will produce about 450 lumens. Typically that will be barely noticeable and there is no increase in hazard. Neil
I didn't read anything about bulb wattage's. Are you sure? I lived in Europe and I know the bulbs don't have a range like that on them. If you plug a 220 bulb into a 110 socket then it's only going to glow because it is only drawing half the power it needs to work at capacity. If you put a 110 bulb into a 220 socket that's too much and it will blow the bulb. Are you sure it's not the set up that 110/220 like a lot of newer electrical devices are?
Jan 06, 2025
There is no fire hazard and it will last a while. You know what happens when you apply to much voltage to a lamp? The filament burns out, never a fire. Lamp fires typically occur with recessed luminaries overheat but current NEC standards really mitigate this problem with type IC and non IC luminaries.
Anyway, the 110v spawns from the idea that every circuit in a home experiences varying voltage due to things like voltage drop or what other things are connected to the circuit. It is true that a lamp will burn out slightly quicker at a higher voltage (say 10v higher in your case) but it wont be a dramatic change and it will also be slightly brighter.
Jan 28, 2025
yes.
In the US, the line voltage is listed as 110, 120, 115, 117 volts. It's all the same. The power company tries to deliver a nominal 115 to 120 volts, but it can be anywhere between 110 and 125 volts.
Any appliance or light sold in the US is made to work with that variation in voltage, between 110 and 125 volts, or even 105 to 125 volts.
.
You could but it is not recommended, the lamp was rated for 110v because anything more then that is a fire hazard (Example: It works with 120v for a few weeks maybe even months then one day, any given day a fire breaks out)
Not trying to scare you, just trying to keep a fire from starting in your house.
I just now realized you light bulb + socket and not light bulb + light bulb so my whole statement does not really apply to your question directly.
I'm leaving my comment incase anyone reading this is wondering about light bulb + light bulb.
Sorry for all the confusion.
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