US converted Mathmos Astro not heating hot enough

[Michael Strong]

I recently got my mathmos and had been waiting for it to flow but it hasn't. I probably left it for  a day and a half on and nothing. It came with an oem 30 w bulb so i don't know. Do you think it has something to do with me converting the socket to US?

[Keith]

If you converted the wiring to U.S., 110-120 volts, then you need to use a 120v bulb.  The original bulb, rated for 240v, would only be getting about half power on a 120v system.

[LampHead]

An Astro will require a 40 watt bulb also.

[KittenChops]

You need to get a transformer that steps up your voltage from 120v to at least 220v. Mathmos is from Britain. Their household wiring is 220v. Our household wiring in the US is only 120v. Your only getting half power without a step up transformer.

[Mooge123]

Sylvania 14819. Enjoy!

[Michael Strong]

Thanks, everyone for the input. So I ended dismantling the bulb it came with and took the screw and used it as an adapter for a Sylvania 40w 16.5 bulbs with aluminum tape wrapped around the screw, so it can fit snug on the adapter, and it works like a dream now.

[KittenChops]

Good to hear. Enjoy your lamp! Best lamp you can buy.

Michael Strong said:

Thanks, everyone for the input. So I ended dismantling the bulb it came with and took the screw and used it as an adapter for a Sylvania 40w 16.5 bulbs with aluminum tape wrapped around the screw, so it can fit snug on the adapter, and it works like a dream now.

[Michael Strong]

Okay that wasn't long term. The bulbs I  used on the "adapter" all burnt out prematurely. So if you're impatient like me while waiting up for an actual astro bulb then I guess you can use this method