Alabaster lighting guide
Can You Use European Lights in the US? Voltage, Bulb Bases and What to Check
Often not without changes. US mains is 120V at 60Hz, while most of Europe and the UK use about 230V at 50Hz, and bulb bases differ (E12 in the US, E14 in Europe). Always read the voltage and lamp socket on the product page, and buy the version made for your supply instead of relying on an adapter.
Why can imported lighting fail in the US?
Six things can differ between regions: voltage, frequency, bulb base, dimmer type, wall-box fit and local listing requirements. Check all six before you order.
Check 1: Voltage
SPACE361 lists voltage on each product page. The Elara, Aurelian and Marmo should be specified in 120 V configurations for US projects. Confirm 120 V availability for the exact Marmo version before ordering. Confirm the exact version, input frequency and rating label before connecting any fixture. A 220–240V fitting on 120V will not work as designed. A 120V fitting on 230V can overheat or fail dangerously. A plug adapter changes the shape of the plug, not the voltage.
Check 2: Bulb base
E14 (14 mm) and E12 (12 mm) are different sizes, and neither fits the other's socket. The Marmo takes an E14 bulb. G9 pin-base bulbs are sold in both 120V and 230V versions, so buy the one that matches your supply. See What Bulb Does an Alabaster Light Need?
Check 3: Integrated LED drivers
Integrated LED fittings such as the Elara and Aurelian have a driver built for a stated input voltage, and the LED cannot be swapped like a bulb. Ask the supplier to confirm the driver input range for your country.
Check 4: Dimmers
SPACE361 product pages ask you to confirm driver and dimmer compatibility before ordering. Match the dimmer type to the LED driver, and check it is rated for your local voltage.
Check 5: Wall box and fixing
US wall boxes follow standard sizes. The Aurelian's brass back plate is designed to cover a standard US wall box, which is the kind of detail to confirm for any wall light.
Check 6: Paperwork
Ask for the documentation your electrician or local inspector may need. Requirements vary by state and city, and hospitality or commercial projects can be stricter than homes.
Can a transformer fix it?
A transformer can convert voltage, but for a hard-wired or integrated LED fitting it adds cost, bulk and another failure point. Buying the correct voltage version is almost always simpler and safer.
How to order with confidence
Send SPACE361 the product link, your country and your supply voltage before ordering, and confirm the electrical version in writing. The wider checklist is in Buying Lighting Overseas.
Frequently asked questions
Can I plug a 230V lamp into a US outlet with an adapter?
No. An adapter does not change voltage.
Is E14 the same as E12?
No. E14 is a 14 mm base and E12 is a 12 mm base, so they do not interchange.
Do SPACE361 lights come in 120V?
Specify a 120 V configuration for the Elara, Aurelian and Marmo for US projects. Ask SPACE361 to confirm availability and check the exact fixture label for voltage and frequency.
Can I use a 120V light in Europe?
Not unless the product is rated for 230V. Ask the supplier for the correct version.
Related reading
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