I want to buy some 650w movie lights from China. However, their voltage is 220v, and in Canada, the voltage is 110v. The seller told me that they can modify the lights to be compatible with 110v, but I am not sure whether it is safe?
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You really need to understand what you are doing here. They can't actually modify the "lights" (I take that to mean light bulbs.) They would have to insert a step-up transformer to take the North American 110v to 220v. This can be done but there is an obvious additional equipment cost for them.
Then you have the matter of wiring. When you halve the voltage you are going to double the amperage in order to support the same wattage. ( Watts = Volts x Amps ). Higher amperage requires heavier wiring, which is probably not built into these devices. Are they going to provide that? Since you will be across the ocean by the time any problem appears, I would guess they won't bother.
BOTTOM LINE --
I would not buy this.
Then you have the matter of wiring. When you halve the voltage you are going to double the amperage in order to support the same wattage. ( Watts = Volts x Amps ). Higher amperage requires heavier wiring, which is probably not built into these devices. Are they going to provide that? Since you will be across the ocean by the time any problem appears, I would guess they won't bother.
BOTTOM LINE --
I would not buy this.
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Most homes and businesses in Canada have 220V 2-phase laid on for dryer outlets etc.
Most professional movie companies seem to use portable generators.
Depending on just how many of these you are using, it may not be so stupid. Check if you have a 220V supply.
But no, if you want to just plug them into a regular home 15A 110V outlet, they won't work without a step-up transformer (which Canadian Tire sells for about $60 for a 5A unit)
Most professional movie companies seem to use portable generators.
Depending on just how many of these you are using, it may not be so stupid. Check if you have a 220V supply.
But no, if you want to just plug them into a regular home 15A 110V outlet, they won't work without a step-up transformer (which Canadian Tire sells for about $60 for a 5A unit)
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What do they mean - put a new plug on them with the same bulbs? Which would drop the wattage to like 162.5. Change the bulbs and the plugs to Canadian standard? The wiring should still be safe as that is only pulling about 3 amps at 220 and 6 amps at 110v and they physically couldn't use wire only rated at 3 amps in the units.
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What kind of lights?
Discharge lamps can be provided with 120V. ballasts easily enough.
With incandescent lamps you need lamps of the proper voltage rating.
These might be available for the lights in question.
Discharge lamps can be provided with 120V. ballasts easily enough.
With incandescent lamps you need lamps of the proper voltage rating.
These might be available for the lights in question.
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Safe? Yes.
Will they work? Most likely no.
Will they work? Most likely no.
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This would be a silly mistake. Get the lights (bulbs?) made for the proper voltage.