Strange Question About Disney Lights

[Tillybud]

I'm hoping someone will help me out with this one.

I purchased some fab Disney lights of ebay from the USA and I'm wondering what's the best way to convert them to be able to use them here. Would it be better to switch the plug on them or just use an adaptor ? I'm hoping someone who has the candy cane mickey head lights may be able to help .... I'm after those next

 

[Netty]

you can't switch the plug or use an adaptor! you'll blow them up!! our voltage is 240 compared to usa 110
you need to use a transformer!

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Xmas_Lights/USA_110volt_Convertor_Transformer/index.html

 

[Danauk]

I have the Mickey candy cane head lights (I love them!!), I have a voltage convertor with a UK plug on the end that the US plug on the candy cane lights plugs into. I am tempted to get another set though, maybe next year when we go back for Christmas!!

 

[Tillybud]

thank you ladies, I did wonder what I'd need to do to get them working. I'll have to order myself a transformer. Can't wait to see my lights in action, will post a picture when that finally happens

 

[CustardTart]

Great question!!! I've been debating about ordering a very large pre-lit Christmas tree off eBay (even with postage and potential duty it's still BEYOND cheaper than anything I've seen here...) and was wondering about the voltage issue!!! Off to hunt down a transformer...

 

[Pinky166]

Yes you definately need a transformer .......I learn't the hard way after I blew my Mickey head lights up last christmas when I used a convertor! I wanted to replace them last month but couldn't find them anywhere.

 

[Netty]

I bought an xmas palm tree from wal mart yrs ago and have since bought loads of xmas lights as well
you can also buy transformers in walmart-down the luggage aisle!

 

[Tillybud]

Yes you definately need a transformer .......I learn't the hard way after I blew my Mickey head lights up last christmas when I used a convertor! I wanted to replace them last month but couldn't find them anywhere.

oh no, what a nightmare I would be so upset, I love the Mickey head lights. In the meantime I'll make do with my Mickey candy cane garden lights ... I just need to sort myself out with a transformer

 

[Tillybud]

you can also buy transformers in walmart-down the luggage aisle!

I think I may be over-complicating the transformer thing, I'm looking at them and I'm very confused (although at times, that doesn't take a lot )

Can anyone recommend one which I can order online and in the UK ? the lights are for use outdoors if that helps.

Thankyou

 

[bazzanoid]

I think I may be over-complicating the transformer thing, I'm looking at them and I'm very confused (although at times, that doesn't take a lot )

Can anyone recommend one which I can order online and in the UK ? the lights are for use outdoors if that helps.

Thankyou

This will do you nicely, just remember that you'll need to make sure the socket is covered and weatherproofed, so in a box or in the shed, porch etc.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=19413

 

[CustardTart]

I bought an xmas palm tree from wal mart yrs ago and have since bought loads of xmas lights as well
you can also buy transformers in walmart-down the luggage aisle!

Jeanetty, is your palm tree like this one??? I kinda want one too...

 

[Tillybud]

This will do you nicely, just remember that you'll need to make sure the socket is covered and weatherproofed, so in a box or in the shed, porch etc.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=19413

thank you I can't wait to get them up and working

 

[bazzanoid]

thank you I can't wait to get them up and working

Just a word of advice, check the Wattage of the lights BEFORE you buy the converter - the unit i linked to covers up to 45W. If you need something meatier Maplin do also sell a 100W or 300W unit, but they're nowhere near as compact and neat.

 

[Tillybud]

Just a word of advice, check the Wattage of the lights BEFORE you buy the converter - the unit i linked to covers up to 45W. If you need something meatier Maplin do also sell a 100W or 300W unit, but they're nowhere near as compact and neat.

thanks for that, I think I'll tell Maplin what I have and let them tell me what's best. DH was originally just going to switch the plugs without a thought for anything else, I would have been gutted if he'd blown them

 

[Tillybud]

Jeanetty, is your palm tree like this one??? I kinda want one too...

that is so sparkly and pretty, if that is your tree how did you get it home ?

 

[Netty]

Jeanetty, is your palm tree like this one??? I kinda want one too...

Yes thats mine!!!!!
I wanted to buy another one, but Ithink walmart only sell them online now

 

[Netty]

that is so sparkly and pretty, if that is your tree how did you get it home ?

It comes in 3 parts, so i just chucked it in the case!!

 

[bazzanoid]

thanks for that, I think I'll tell Maplin what I have and let them tell me what's best. DH was originally just going to switch the plugs without a thought for anything else, I would have been gutted if he'd blown them

What's the ebay item number? I may be able to find out and advise which one to go for (wouldn't always trust the opinion of a Maplin staff member!)