I'm based in Australia (240v) and have previously bought all manner of 120v US lamps, simply rewired them with local cable, plugs and using local bulbs and have used them with no problem.

I am contemplating buying a few more US lamps but with some relatively complicated wiring (I suspect - they are pole lamps).

How does US 120v lighting cable handle 240v - in short, is it absolutely necessary to put in new cable or can the existing US cable handle the increased voltage?

Many thanks for any input.

Pia

You should check with the manufacturer but I would be very surprised if the wiring for a lamp recently manufactured in the US was rated at less than 300 volts.

Thanks for the input! We're looking at vintage lighting - probably manufactured in the 50s or 60s. Any thoughts on that? Cheers/Pia

With something that old I'd be inclined to open it up and check the wiring for any cracks or loose connections. I'd have it apart anyway so I'd update the wiring because it is unlikely the wires will have any legible markings to tell you their rating.

Thank you, Tev. Your advice makes total sense and we will follow it. Cheers/Pia