Using 110v US string lights in AU

L

LVAN

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Sep 26, 2024
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Hello everyone!

As many of you know, finding string lights that use either C9 or C7 bulbs can be quite challenging. Some of you might be aware of Tru-Tone lights from the US (https://tru-tone.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooojU23817e2DmmoG26uKRicgS4EWs0ck0xV0HyGxq4_wRIaut_).

I'm considering purchasing some of the Tru-tone light strings/bulbs - because I really like their color arrangement. However, I know I’ll need to address the DC mains supply issue.

I’m imaging I’ll need a step-down converter to deal with the 110V up to 220V. Since I'm not planning to use too many strings, I'm hoping to find a simple option that allows me to plug in without having to rewire with a converter.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
I think you're better off looking for some sort of low voltage DC equivalent. The lights don't appear to be in strings which means that you'll also have to buy a string to screw them into. You have no choice to run them except to use a 240V to 110V stepdown transformer which are relatively common. If you're wanting to control/dim them then there is virtually no option for dimming AC lights except to use a lightorama AC controller and a 16 channel controller (https://store.lightorama.com/en-au/...1&_sid=e8304c6c0&_ss=r&variant=45475698639093 ) will cost around $350 plus freight to get a new 1. There are plenty around Australia that people are getting rid of as they upgrade however. Then there is the problem that AC controllers will commonly have issues with LED lights. Because LED's have no current at the voltage zero crossing point they are known to cause issues with the dimmers not turning off properly. To fix the issue a dummy resistive load is generally needed in order for the lights to dim and turn off properly.
The appearance of a filament isn't like the C9 globes but there's quite a few pixel equivalents of a similar shape that are a more cost effective option.
 
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