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kking254 t1_j61oxlt wrote

Technically, double the current will flow through the wire for an American 5W bulb on 120v vs. a European 5W bulb on 240v. It's possible that the wire gauge needs to be bigger for 120v. However, for just a 5W bulb, the wire is likely oversized anyway. You should be fine.

Edit: Wow. ITT people who don't understand electricity but will downvote and say the wrong thing confidently.

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BrasilianEngineer t1_j62k0sc wrote

I think you have something backwards. A 240v load moved to a 120v circuit should draw half the current or 1/4 the power. Wire size should be fine. You'll have less power than you are used to.

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stthicket t1_j62zegk wrote

This is true if it's a resistive load. If it's an electronic load (switched psu with 110-240V input), then the load will be the same and the current will be double.

In other words, it's a valid concern for OP, but not necessarily for a low power light bulb.

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kking254 t1_j62lfdy wrote

It's not the same load though. If you cut the voltage in half but consume the same power (because you switched from a European 5W bulb to American 5W bulb) then current needs to double.

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stthicket t1_j62zy4n wrote

5 watts is 20mA @240V, and 40mA @120V

This is negligible.

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