" Hi all, I have a question of immediate importance: Do Swiss lighting fixtures take the same style bulbs as other European countries? I''ve heard that in Switz. they use the Edison screw-style bulbs. Also, if one brought a lamp from another country, using a different system of bulb or fitting, will they still work if I just use an outlet adapter for the plug? Or do I have to replace my lamps with local Swiss lamps? Thanks so much! Janene Mecca "

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" Hi again Janene The Swiss power grid uses 240 volts. This is the same for many European countries. The American continent uses mostly 110 volts. US light bulbs attached to US lamps will not work. The power rating on the US lamps cords/leads however, should be OK for use in most European countries without the risk of fire (what I have read, not experienced). Just change the bulb and fitting, then it should work. As the voltage is the same, lamps from other European countries will work fine here. Just change the wall plug/adaptor. The Swiss do use a screw-style bulb. Never tried to source the Bayonet or other bulb styles so don''t know if they can be purchased here. (Side Note: Apartments usually come without light fittings - try Ikea and second hand - a drill will probably be required to attach fittings). Below is some other replies for the Expat Exchange site on the UK network. Regards Allan ************************ We are currently in Italy and have dealt with the same issues here. Just about any electronic gear will work fine with a transformer. I saw another comment about things with motors but I want to point out that it is only true for things with AC (alternating current) motors because and AC motor''s speed is dependent on the number of cycles per second (Hertz) of the power supply which is frequently 50Hz in Europe but 60Hz in the US( therefore things turn slower). Tape deck and CD players almost always use DC motors so this does not affect them. I am currently using my guitar amplifiers / equip, computer, tape deck, VCR (although video format NTSC/PAL is still an issue), etc through a transformer but for reasons of cost during our move (we moved a very small number of things with us on the plane) I didn''t bring my monitor and just bought it when I arrived. It is true however that monitors and TVs areusually the real power hogs in the electronics realm so make sure that if you plan to use a transformer you add up the rating in Watts of the device you want o be able to use simultaneously and have anough transformer capacity on hand. For modems and phone related stuff we have no problems here although I can''t speak for the UK because I haven''t made it there yet. I will say though that because the dial tone here is different (and expect also in the UK) from the US, the modem doesn''t recognize it. We needed to set our US modems to dial_without_ checking for the dial tone or else they would decide there was no dial tone and not connect. **************** i brought my stereo (receiver, cd changer/player, dual tape deck) and my computer + printer over from the US. i went to an electronic store with my stereo specifications in hand and i made sure that i got a powerful enough transformer for my entire stereo + a little. it was 100 pounds and it has 4 US outlets. my monitor and computer can use a UK outlet, but my printer plugs into my transformer. the good thing is that when i move to france next year, i''ll be able to use my transformer there, so i won''t have to buy a new one. i can get FM just fine (except there''s nothing worth listening to), but AM i can''t get at all. here they have it split into medium wave and long wave. unfortunately, there are many interesting things on AM, but i can only listen to them in my car. i think for all of your stuff, it''s worth just buying however many transformers you need. make sure the power rating is high enough to handle the things you plan on pluggin into them. since my stereo and computer cost around $3000, a 100 pound transformer was well worth it (especially because to replace them here would have cost more than they cost me originally). "

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