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#48048 02/02/05 05:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,520
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pauluk Offline OP
Member
I've received an e-mail inquiry from somebody wanting to install a European chandelier in an American home. Apparently it uses ten bulbs, and they're rather specialized types which can't be obtained in 120V versions, so the plan is to run a dedicated 240V branch for the two fixtures (she already brought back a supply of bulbs from Europe).

The plan is to run on a dimmer, and herein I see a problem. First, are there any U.S.-market 240V dimmers? I've checked through the Graybar catalog and can see only 120 and 277V types.

There's the possibility of using an American-made dimmer intended for export to 220/240V standards (it seems that Lutron might do one), but are there any such dimmers with double-pole switching? A single-pole one would work of course, but would not be code-compliant as it would leave the fixture hot when turned off.

Can anybody think of any other workaround which would be code compliant? Maybe a double-gang box with dimmer and adjacent double-pole switch?

The only other way I can see would be to run a normal 120V branch through the dimmer and install a transformer for the chandeliers (600 watts total each).

Any other ideas or code problems? I've already thought of the possibility of an inspector not liking a fixture which doesn't have UL approval.

#48049 02/02/05 05:51 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,391
I
Moderator
Paul a 240 volt fixture is not allowed in a house.

Quote
210.6 Branch-Circuit Voltage Limitations.

The nominal voltage of branch circuits shall not exceed the values permitted by 210.6(A) through (E).

(A) Occupancy Limitation. In dwelling units and guest rooms of hotels, motels, and similar occupancies, the voltage shall not exceed 120 volts, nominal, between conductors that supply the terminals of the following:

(1)Luminaires (lighting fixtures)

(2)Cord-and-plug-connected loads 1440 volt-amperes, nominal, or less or less than 1/4 hp

Sorry, Bob


Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
#48050 02/02/05 07:00 PM
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 7,520
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pauluk Offline OP
Member
Thanks Bob. I'd actually just come across that article myself while looking through the code.

I was trying to find the rule -- which I'm sure I've seen -- that in a residential system no conductor must be more than 150V to ground. I was thinking that any xfmr used for 220V output would need a center-tap ground to satisfy that requirement.

Still 210.6 kind of makes that academic now anyway. I'll break the bad news.

Thanks.

#48051 02/02/05 07:29 PM
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 806
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Member
Can the fixture be rewired using US standard lampholders?

#48052 02/02/05 08:08 PM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 650
W
Member
If the customer doesn't need the lamps to be _bright_, then you can simply install the fixture and use the existing 240V bulbs. You will need other light sources in the room, but the chandelier will produce rather nice 'mood lighting' at half voltage.

-Jon

#48053 02/02/05 08:14 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 231
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Member
Does this fixture have the proper certification? UL? Fixtures and appliances over in europe have CE approval. I was under the impression that anything here in north america must be approved(UL or another recognized approval)I don't think CE is approved here.
Let me know if I am wrong.

#48054 02/02/05 08:33 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,716
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Member
Robbie, there is no general requirement for fixtures to be third party listed or approved. Notice that in 410.4 the words; marked, suitable, and identified are used.

I have a few antique fixtures in my home, some I have rewired and others have the original wiring. I did however check all of them out as far as the wiring.

Roger

#48055 02/02/05 08:35 PM
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 231
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Member
Thanks!

#48056 02/02/05 10:50 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 209
H
Member
Pauluk,

Check your local supply house. Mine stocks adaptors that screw into the european sockets that take candleabra bulbs. Then wire it 120v. I've done it. And the adaptors are cheap!

#48057 02/02/05 11:13 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,716
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Member
HLCbuild, I don't think Paul will need the adapters, he is in England. [Linked Image]

Roger

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