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Hope this is on topic for this stackexchange.

I recently bought a lamp from the US and had it shipped to Australia. Stupidly I powered it straight off the mains through an adapter. The device is rated at 120V 60Hz and Australian mains are 240V 60Hz. The lamp turned on for a split second and wouldn't power on at all after that. The device has a fuse in the back of it that appears to still be whole, the manual says this should be replaced if the lamp no longer dims correctly.

Have I written off the device or is it possible that it has remained intact? (I know it is impossible to say definitively but some information would be of great help)

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  • I did this with a Dremel once. That was visually stunning.
    – Drew
    Commented Mar 30, 2011 at 6:10
  • +1 for introducing me to a new term that I will incorporate into my vocabulary directly, "boned"
    – kmm
    Commented Apr 2, 2011 at 15:27

1 Answer 1

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Does the device have a transformer or similar internal electrics?

If so there's a very good chance you've burnt it out. The fuse only protects against excess current - not incorrect voltage.

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  • I'm not sure about the electrical internals, but it is a reasonably expensive and sophisticated lamp so it's quite possible. Since it is expensive is it worth taking it to a repairer to have a look?
    – radman
    Commented Mar 29, 2011 at 22:26
  • @radman - it couldn't hurt. A decent place should look and quote for repair without charging you so you won't have lost anything.
    – ChrisF ♦
    Commented Mar 29, 2011 at 22:28
  • Globetrotters should get a lamp with a 120-240 autoswitch power supply, which are plentiful now. Many of them switch as far as 90-306V (Japan 100V minus 10%, American 277V plus 10%).
    – Harper - Reinstate Monica
    Commented Jun 23, 2017 at 16:08

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