answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

== == Assuming this inquiry is a request for information rather than related to any practical application, here is the answer: It won't work for long. If it was a low-power bulb it would probably just go "pop" and be useless but if it was a high-power bulb it might even explode with a loud "bang", sending broken glass shards in all directions!

So don't try to do it as an experiment because the result could be very dangerous.

<><><>

As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.

Before you do any work yourself,

on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,

always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

6mo ago

No, a 120v bulb is not designed to handle the higher voltage output of a 240v socket. Plugging a 120v bulb into a 240v socket can cause the bulb to burn out or even create a safety hazard. It's important to always use bulbs that are compatible with the voltage of the socket to avoid damage and danger.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

The result is depend on the capacity and the type of the bulb, if the bulb is made of the material which have the high melting point and it have the high resistance then the bulb will light and if the bulb can't afford the voltage means the resistance of is not to much high or the area of the filament is thin then the bulb will light for 1 or 2 sec after that the filament will break and the bulb will not be able to light again.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Assuming it fits you will get about 1/2 the light output if it lights at all. If it is a typical incandescent bulb you'll get some light. If it is some type of specialty bulb it may require the higher voltage or a ballast and may not light at all.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

It makes no sense to try to use a 12 volt bulb in a socket that is fed by 120 volts, even if the socket is the right size, because 120 volts is ten times bigger than 12 volts. If you did it, the 12 volt bulb would be totally overloaded by the extra voltage and its filament would immediately be destroyed.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

11y ago

If you mean that the lamp is rated for 240 volts then yes, a 120 volt bulb will operate in it if the lamp bases fit. If the 240 volt lamp is operating on 240 volts then no, a 120 volt lamp will not work in the fixture.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

You can use it, the light will not be as bright but the lamp will last much longer. A few years back there was an advertisement for light bulbs that would last years. All they were was bulbs that had a 130 volt rated filament and running at 110 volts they did last for years. The draw back was that they didn't produce the rated wattage that was printed on the bulb.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

lamp go "POOF!" It may be very bright, but not for very long!

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

Without a transformer, the 120v lamp with receive too many volts and it will "blow up" (fuse).

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

Not only will it work, but it will last for much longer than if it was connected to 220volts!

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Can 120v bulb work in a 240v socket?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Can you use 120V lamps in Europe by just putting in a 240V bulb and a European adapter on the plug?

No, it is not safe to operate a 120V lamp with a 240V bulb in Europe simply by using a plug adapter. The lamp is designed to work at a specific voltage, and using a higher voltage bulb can overload the lamp, potentially causing it to overheat or malfunction. It is important to use the correct voltage lamp for the specific electrical system in which it will be used.


How do you convert a 120V receptacle to a 240V receptacle for a European stereo system that uses 230V if the Stereo has no toggle switch to 110V like some units on the market?

Converting a 120V receptacle to a 240V receptacle requires more than just changing the outlet. It involves creating a circuit that provides 240V power, which typically requires running a new wire from a 240V breaker in the electrical panel. It's important to consult with a licensed electrician to ensure the conversion is done safely and in compliance with electrical codes.


Can a 120V Generator run 240V machines?

No, a 120V generator cannot run 240V machines directly. The voltage output of the generator must match the voltage requirements of the machines for them to operate properly and safely. You would need a 240V generator to power 240V machines.


Can you convert an existing 120V plug on an appliance to a 240V plug not speaking of a converter but actually changing the plug so there are no long term effects on the appliance?

No, you cannot convert an appliance designed for 120V to operate safely at 240V by changing the plug alone. The internal components of the appliance need to be designed to handle the higher voltage to prevent damage and ensure safety. Modifying the plug without considering the appliance's design may lead to serious damage or pose a safety hazard.


Can you take a 240V circuit and run it into another box running 4 120V breakers off it?

No, you cannot directly run a 240V circuit into a box with 120V breakers. The breakers in the box must match the voltage of the circuit. If you want to power 120V circuits from a 240V source, you'll need a subpanel with a 240V-to-120V step-down transformer or install a dedicated 240V circuit for the 240V loads.

Related questions

If you put a 60W 120V bulb in a 120V lamp that has a transformer for 240V and plug it into a 240V outlet will it work or blow the circuitry?

Off hand no but your explanations are not clear as to who is doing what to whom,,


Is it possible to run a computer power supply off of a 240volt utility socket I was told this would reset it as it won't run on 120volt anymore. Is there a risk of shock Do I need a thicker cable?

NO. Don't try it. Some are designed to work on either, some aren't. If it won't work on 120v, it won't work on 240v.


What is the difference between a 120v bulb and a 110v?

There is no practical difference between a 120V bulb and a 110V bulb. Both are designed to work with the standard voltage in most household electrical systems, which is 120V in the US. The slight variation in voltage is within the acceptable tolerance range for most light bulbs.


Can you use 120V lamps in Europe by just putting in a 240V bulb and a European adapter on the plug?

No, it is not safe to operate a 120V lamp with a 240V bulb in Europe simply by using a plug adapter. The lamp is designed to work at a specific voltage, and using a higher voltage bulb can overload the lamp, potentially causing it to overheat or malfunction. It is important to use the correct voltage lamp for the specific electrical system in which it will be used.


120V light fixtures wall mounted you want to convert to 240V for a house overseas?

It will work it you use 240 volt light bulbs.


Will a diode work as a light dimmer when switched or added in series to an incandescent 120 volt AC bulb?

Actually, I have seen this in a respected electronics magazine (Elektor) quite some time ago: A diode (selected to be capable to handle the amps, the voltage and the heat from the bulb - if placed inside the lighting fixture) is used to "cut off" one half of the AC sine wave and thus sending pulses of 120V to an incandescent light bulb, simulating a simple dimming device. The proposal was meant to run 240V bulbs at 50% of their brightness but I am pretty certain this concept can be used to run 120V bulbs from 240V power. One other way of connecting 120V bulbs to 240V would be to connect two 120V bulbs OF THE SAME WATTAGE in SERIES, so the two bulbs form their own voltage divider. Not sure what happens if one bulb burns out - I would expect the other one to blow too, as a dying light bulb represents zero Ohms (plasma/arcing) for a few milliseconds before it goes dark forever.


Can a light bulb work on a DC voltage?

It can, but if you're wanting to run a 120v light bulb on DC, you'll need 120v DC to get the rated output. That's a lot of batteries. It's easier, and more sensible, to find a DC rated light bulb, such as an RV bulb.


How do you convert a 120V receptacle to a 240V receptacle for a European stereo system that uses 230V if the Stereo has no toggle switch to 110V like some units on the market?

Converting a 120V receptacle to a 240V receptacle requires more than just changing the outlet. It involves creating a circuit that provides 240V power, which typically requires running a new wire from a 240V breaker in the electrical panel. It's important to consult with a licensed electrician to ensure the conversion is done safely and in compliance with electrical codes.


Will your UK washer and dryer work in the us?

The UK uses 240V, so your dryer will probably work, as the US uses 240v in homes for dryers. However, your washer won't as the US uses 120V for washers.


Can you charge a US kindle expecting 110 to 120V in Bahrain which has 220 to 240V?

No - The us version will NOT work in Bahrain ! You would need a charger suitable for use on the Bahrain electricity system.


Why will your licence plate light on your 2002 Honda Accord SE not work after changing the bulb and fuses?

Verify that wires to bulb socket are connected and not damaged. Verify that socket is not corroded. Verify that fuse and bulb really are good. Drew


How do you fix the license plate bulb if it wont work?

Find out why it is not working. Do you have 12 volts at the bulb socket. If not, then you have a loose or corroded connection. If you have 12 volts then the bulb is blown or not making good contact. The license plate bulb is wired into the taillight circuit and operates on the same fuse. So if your taillights work then the problem is between the taillights and the license plate bulb socket.