Raist said:
Is there such a thing as a converter from a light bulb socket to mains
power? Something that could be used in a place where a power outlet is
not available, but a light bulb socket is?
Yes. Any hardware store will have them for around a dollar, often in
your choice of ivory or brown. The number 758 at
http://www.cooperwiringdevices.com/catalog/PDF/SECTION_S/S_6_CWD_Taps_Adapters.pdf
is typical. You can also get an adapter to go the other way, to plug
a light bulb into a standard outlet - see number 738 above.
If you want to have an outlet and keep the bulb, the 715/718 devices
will let you do that. One of them has a pull chain switch for its bulb
socket (the outlets are always on) and the other's bulb socket is always
on.
Some things to watch out for when using these: they are typically rated
at 660 W, which is a touch over 5 amps. The most common appliances
that would exceed this limit are things that heat up (space heaters, hot
plates, hair dryers, etc) and devices with larger motors, such as some
larger power tools. Things like wall transformers/chargers (for cell
phones, answering machines, laptop computers, power tool chargers, etc),
many small kitchen appliances, most table lamps, and entertainment
devices (radios, DVD players, VCRs, cable boxes, any TV set that one
person can lift, stereos within reason, probably not including a full
Marshall stack) should all be fine. Check the nameplate on the
appliance to learn its rating in amps or watts. If the amp rating is
5 or less, or the watt rating is 660 or less, you should be good.
It is best to use these on a light socket that is on all the time or
controlled by an on-off switch. A light socket that is controlled by
a photocell or a dimmer switch should not be used. Also, use these
devices only indoors, in dry locations.
Finally, these are not suitable for appliances that have three-prong
(grounding) plugs. Even if you use an adapter, there is no place to
connect the ground wire, which could create a hazardous situation.
(In the early part of the 20th century, electricity was primarily used
for lighting. When electric appliances first became available, it was
not unusal for their cords to end in bulb threads instead of a plug,
since many homes only had bulb sockets.)
I hope this helps!
Matt Roberds
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