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FAQS FOR OUR OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS
Can Jim Lawrence lights be used in the EU?
Yes, our lights can be used in EU countries without any issues, as the UK and EU share the same mains electricity supply of 240V / 50Hz.
Do I need a voltage converter?
No. All Jim Lawrence lights are rated 240V (apart from the Gladstone) and will work on EU electricity without a converter.
Are your lights compliant for EU use?
Yes, our lights are designed to meet EU safety standards and are suitable for installation across Europe. A qualified electrician will ensure correct earthing and installation.
Do I need an electrician?
We strongly recommend using a qualified local electrician for all hard-wired installations. This ensures safety, correct fitting, and compliance with local regulations.
Are the bulbs the same in the EU?
The most commonly used bulbs in the EU are E27, E14, GU10, G9 and G4.
Because our roots are in British Manufacturing, we have historically used SBC (Small Bayonet Cap) and BC (Bayonet Cap) fittings on the majority of our lights.
Please see our guide: Everything You Need to Know About Bulbs for more information.
Some of our lights already use GU10 and G9 bulb fittings. SBC and BC fittings can be used in Europe but the bulbs may be more difficult to source (although sites like Amazon do offer a range of these bulbs and we will always hold them in stock).
If you do require an E14 or E27 fitting we are able to customise most of our lighting to suit, please refer to individual item's Customisation information on the product page.
For more information on modifications, you can also see our Bespoke Services guide in the Knowledge Base.
Will the light need rewiring?
It depends on the type of light:
Ceiling lights, pendants and non plug-in wall lights are hard-wired and can be installed directly by a local electrician.
Table lamps, floor lamps and plug-in wall lights will need either:
An EU plug fitted (recommended).
Or a high-quality plug adapter for temporary use.
If you require a particular plug to be fitted we are able to customise most of our lighting to suit.
Please refer to the Customisation information secion within the description on the product page and see our guide on Bespoke Services in the Knowledge Base.
Will the light work with EU dimmer switches?
Usually, yes. However: LED dimmable bulbs should be used with LED-compatible dimmers.
See our guide: Are LEDs Dimmable?
Smart or advanced dimming systems will require compatibility checks. If you are unsure, your electrician can advise before installation.
Can UK lights be used in bathrooms/ outdoors in the EU?
Yes, provided the light has the correct IP rating for the location.
IP ratings are standard across the UK and EU. Always check the product description to ensure it is suitable for bathrooms, outdoor or exposed locations
For more information on IP Ratings, see our guides:
IP Ratings Explained
IP Ratings Explained - Outdoors
What should I tell my electrician?
You can simply tell them:
The light is rated 240V
It is a UK-manufactured fitting
What if I’m unsure that a light will work in my country?
Our team will be happy to help. If you contact us before ordering, we can confirm:
Voltage compatibility
Plug options
Can Jim Lawrence lights be used in the USA?
Not unless they have been wired for use in the USA as America and Canada use a different, lower voltage for their mains electricity supply.
The UK and EU have 240V / 50Hz.
The USA and Canada have 120V / 60Hz.
Do I need a voltage converter?
No. If lights are suitable for use in the USA, for a small additional cost, we can customise them for you.
To find out if your light is suitable for use in the USA, and to request a customisation, please refer to the Customisation section on the item's product page.
For more information, see our Bespoke Services guide in the Knowledge Base.
Are your lights safe for USA use?
Yes, however our lights are designed to meet UK and EU safety standards and while they will be suitable for United States domestic applications, they are not UL approved for use in commercial and public installation.
A qualified electrician will ensure correct installation.
Do I need an electrician?
We strongly recommend using a qualified local electrician for all hard-wired installations. This ensures safety, correct fitting, and compliance with local regulations.
Our lights comply with the BS EN Standard, but we are unable to guarantee compliance and compatibility outside our approved and tested regions of the UK and EU.
DO YOU SHIP OVERSEAS?
Yes, international carriage charges are based on the destination address, weight, box size and quantity.
For countries we ship to regularly, the shipping cost is automatically added to your order at checkout.
For countries we do not ship to regularly, the shipping costs will need to be calculated for you via our courier UPS and we will need to take extra payment.
For more information, please see our guide on International Deliveries.
Will I have to pay import duties?
Possibly. EU countries with an order value over £135 will be subject to import duty and taxes levied by the importing country at the time the delivery arrives in your country.
Orders to other countries may well also be subject to local import duties on orders over a certain value.
To find out what these are you will need to contact your customs office.
Will I have to pay other charges?
Possibly. All applicable duties, fees and any additional charges are outside of our control and are the responsibility of the purchaser.
If you would like a quote to include shipping costs, kindly supply your billing address (and delivery address if different), including a contact name and number and the products you would like to order and we will create a quote for yo