european lamp sockets and parts

european lamp sockets and parts

After a six week trip that covered most of France and a large number of campsites, we thought we would pass on a few of the things that we observed first hand. We travelled to France with certain preconceptions, so hopefully this article will help to sort the fact from fiction.

Reverse polarity on electric posts

This is not a myth in France! Several of the sites we visited had the live and neutral wires crossed in their plug sockets. If you haven’t heard of this then it is really quite simple in concept. Old Euro plugs had two pins and could be turned upside down, so switches in Europe are normally double-pole (i.e. they cut the connectivity on both the live and neutral wires when you switch off). This extra protection has made European electricians a bit lazy when it comes to wiring plug sockets. They often don’t seem to care whether the live and neutral wires are switched over.

Now, as a UK traveller, your equipment will probably work fine when you plug it into a reverse polarity socket. The risk is that it will still be ‘live’ even if you turn the wall switch off and it appears to turn off. This is because in the UK we normally use single-pole switches, only cutting the live wire feed (but remember the neutral wire is ‘live’ on a reversed socket).

For example, if you were changing a bulb it would still be sitting in a live lamp fitting – potentially dangerous stuff.

Fortunately the solution is simple. Get a polarity tester and a crossover cable and you are ready for anything. Your local caravan supplier could provide expert advice on this, but the parts are easily bought and self-explanatory in use.

If you are equipped with the necessary skills, then the ultimate solution for a caravan is to get a polarity checker and changeover unit that is simply wired between the inlet socket and your transformer.

Plug types on campsite electricity towers in France

You will still find a mix of the older French-style plug (2 pins plus a socket for earth) plus the new-standard 3 pin cable connection as used on most UK sites. Get a 2 pin (plus earth socket) adapter to fit on the end of your standard electricity cable and you will be fine. This was a 50/50 socket split on our travels, so don’t gamble on this!

Pitches are sometimes a long way from the electricity posts – so take a long cable!

Campsite crime

We had put these reports down to urban myth, but sadly our experiences proved that this is very much something to consider. Campers are extremely vulnerable as they have to carry their papers, documents and cash with them. Criminals know this! We stayed at terrific campsites in beautiful rural areas of France and yet during our stay we were around the following incidents at two different sites in two different regions:

• car window being smashed and handbag stolen from outside reception in broad daylight mid-afternoon while the campers checked in yards away (great start to holiday)
• bag stolen from unlocked car during night
• trailer tent slashed during night by thieves rummaging for valuables
• four tents slashed open during one night with loss of bags, etc

These thieves are unbelievably bold. They wander into campsites and slice open occupied tents in several places and reach in for bags, car keys, wallets etc. Our advice is keep this stuff inside your sleeping bag or locked in your car! Look out for any spots offering easy intruder access (such as near fences or rivers) and pitch somewhere else.

Pitch space

This varied widely across sites, with no direct relationship between pitch cost and size. Research carefully and if you value your space then perhaps pack a windbreak to avoid getting hemmed in (people have different ideas on personal space as you travel around Europe – protect yours!)

WIFI availability

Most large sites now offer WIFI, but the cost varies hugely. We found independent sites tended to offer it for free or for perhaps a couple of Euros. Our experience with one of the larger chains (Castels) was that they wanted EUR5 for a WIFI session – outrageous in this day and age. Don’t forget you can get unlimited free WIFI at McDonald’s (and their coffee isn’t bad).

and finally…

Toilet paper

Take your own into the shower block…it is often not provided!

more camping tips here

Happy camping

Slip Uno Adapter Harp Converter Lamp Shade Uno Euro Fitter 1 7/16 I.D. $7.19 Slip Uno adapters are made to fit directly over a plastic lamp socket found on lamps usually purchased at places like IKEA this adapter will then let a harp attached to it. Then it will allow you to use nearly any replacement shade on that lamp. This is meant to be an alternative to the lampshade which has fitter already attached to it. You can now easily attach a harp to a lamp without one. The ...

HELLA HLA-H83140171 H4 12V 100/80W Halogen Bulb Off Road Use $6.65 Bulbs: Halogen Bulb; 12 volt; 100/80 watt; H4 bulb; off road use; single pack...

Honda CRV Replacement Headlight Assembly (Euro Projector Type, Black) - 1-Pair $185.95 OE replacement Headlight Assembly (lens, housing, socket, and bulb). (Euro Projector Type, Black)...

Slip Uno Adapter Harp Converter Lamp Shade Uno Euro Fitter 1 7/16 I.D. $7.19 Slip Uno adapters are made to fit directly over a plastic lamp socket found on lamps usually purchased at places like IKEA this adapter will then let a harp attached to it. Then it will allow you to use nearly any replacement shade on that lamp. This is meant to be an alternative to the lampshade which has fitter already attached to it. You can now easily attach a harp to a lamp without one. The ...

HELLA HLA-H83140171 H4 12V 100/80W Halogen Bulb Off Road Use $6.65 Bulbs: Halogen Bulb; 12 volt; 100/80 watt; H4 bulb; off road use; single pack...

Honda CRV Replacement Headlight Assembly (Euro Projector Type, Black) - 1-Pair $185.95 OE replacement Headlight Assembly (lens, housing, socket, and bulb). (Euro Projector Type, Black)...

Repti-Glo Full Spectrum Lamp - 13W $13.99 Exo-terra self-ballasted Compact Fluorescent Full Spectrum 2.0 Lamp fits into standard light sockets and emits the ideal light for most reptiles and amphibians. Intense visual spectrum brings out amazing color highlights in your pets, while UVA radiation helps stimulate feeding. The 2.0 lamp is also great for plants. Combine with another Exo-Terra 5.0 or 10.0 lamp for pets that require high UVB lighting content.

Repti-Glo Full Spectrum Lamp - 26W $14.99 Exo-terra self-ballasted Compact Fluorescent Full Spectrum 2.0 Lamp fits into standard light sockets and emits the ideal light for most reptiles and amphibians. Intense visual spectrum brings out amazing color highlights in your pets, while UVA radiation helps stimulate feeding. The 2.0 lamp is also great for plants. Combine with another Exo-Terra 5.0 or 10.0 lamp for pets that require high UVB lighting content.

Mia Floor Lamp by Carpyen $1188 For contemporary reading areas, Mia lamp is your lamp. The Carpyen Mia Floor Lamp features a slick Chrome finish on the tubular base, coolly complementary to the various colors available with the flared cotton shade. To control the breadth of usable downlight, the height of the shade is adjustable eight inches along the base. Designed by Gabriel Teixido. Carpyen started in Spain in 1954 as a family enterprise and continues the intimate feel of their designs in their contemporary lighting pieces. Designers Antonio Carpintero, Encamacian and Roberto Capintero head the company as industrial talents and Pascual Salvador and Gabriel Teixido, among others, contribute to creating clean, modern lighting with a European edge. Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Tango is a U.S. distributor of contemporary European lighting founded in 1997. Tango Lighting specializes in bringing top quality contemporary lighting from creative Spanish designers into the United States. The Carpyen Mia Floor Lamp is available with the following: Details:Flared drum-shaped cotton shadeMetal baseChrome finishAdjustable heightUL ListedMade in SpainDesigned by Gabriel TeixidoOptions:Shade: Beige, Black, or White.Lighting: One 100 Watt 120 Volt Type E26 Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 1-2 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Width 17 In., Height Adjustable from 47 In. to 55 In. Shade: Height 7.8 In., Upper Diameter 11.4 In., Lower Diameter 13 In.

Naomi Floor Lamp by Carpyen $1270.08 An interesting play of shape and space, the base of this lamp is open and approachable while the flared shade features a unique bookbinding tape. The Carpyen Naomi Floor Lamp keeps illumination warm yet intriguing, designed by Porcuatro for the casual soft contemporary living space. Complements the Naomi Table Lamp. Carpyen started in Spain in 1954 as a family enterprise and continues the intimate feel of their designs in their contemporary lighting pieces. Designers Antonio Carpintero, Encamacian and Roberto Capintero head the company as industrial talents and Pascual Salvador and Gabriel Teixido, among others, contribute to creating clean, modern lighting with a European edge. Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Tango is a U.S. distributor of contemporary European lighting founded in 1997. Tango Lighting specializes in bringing top quality contemporary lighting from creative Spanish designers into the United States. The Carpyen Naomi Floor Lamp is available with the following: Details:Flared bookbinding tape shadeBlack finishDimmer on cordUL ListedDesigned by PorcuatroMade in SpainOptions:Cable: Black Color, or Red Color.Shade: Beige, Black, or Red.Lighting: One 150 Watt 120 Volt Type E26 Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 1-2 days. Dimensions: Base: Diameter 17.3 In. Shade: Height 13.3 In., Upper Diameter 20.5 In., Lower Diameter 25.2 In. Fixture: Height 67 In.

Naomi Table Lamp by Carpyen $490.56 Featuring a unique bookbinding tape shade, the Carpyen Naomi Table Lamp keeps illumination warm yet intriguing. The lamp's design is an interesting play of shape and space, its base open and approachable. Designed by Porcuatro for the casual soft contemporary living space. Carpyen started in Spain in 1954 as a family enterprise and continues the intimate feel of their designs in their contemporary lighting pieces. Designers Antonio Carpintero, Encamacian and Roberto Capintero head the company as industrial talents and Pascual Salvador and Gabriel Teixido, among others, contribute to creating clean, modern lighting with a European edge. Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Tango is a U.S. distributor of contemporary European lighting founded in 1997. Tango Lighting specializes in bringing top quality contemporary lighting from creative Spanish designers into the United States. The Carpyen Naomi Table Lamp is available with the following: Details:Flared bookbinding tape shadeBlack finishDimmerUL ListedDesigned by PorcuatroMade in SpainOptions:Cable: Black Color, or Red Color.Shade: Beige, Black, or Red.Lighting: One 150 Watt 120 Volt Type E26 Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 1-2 days. Dimensions: Shade: Height 10.6 In., Lower Diameter 17.7 In., Upper Diameter 13.8 In. Fixture: Height 27 In.

Galilea Floor Lamp by Carpyen $698.88 The Carpyen Galilea Floor Lamp was originally created by Pascual Salvador for himself as a reading light to place between two chairs. The base and stem displays adjustable function and contemporary style uniquely offset by the more traditional flared lines of the cotton shade. Each of the combined elements makes for a functional reading lamp suitable in any setting. Carpyen started in Spain in 1954 as a family enterprise and continues the intimate feel of their designs in their contemporary lighting pieces. Designers Antonio Carpintero, Encamacian and Roberto Capintero head the company as industrial talents and Pascual Salvador and Gabriel Teixido, among others, contribute to creating clean, modern lighting with a European edge. Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Tango is a U.S. distributor of contemporary European lighting founded in 1997. Tango Lighting specializes in bringing top quality contemporary lighting from creative Spanish designers into the United States. The Carpyen Galilea Floor Lamp is available with the following: Details:Flared cotton shadeMetal baseAdjustable armUL ListedDesigned by Pascual SalvadorOptions:Finish and Shade: Metallic Gold with Off White, Metallic Grey with White, or Titanium with White.Lighting: One 100 Watt 120 Volt Type E26 Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 1-2 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Height Adjustable from 50 In. to 60.2 In., Width 25 In.

Aita Table Lamp by Carpyen $336 The Carpyen Aita Table Lamp offers a calm and collected look for the bedroom or living room. Its cotton shade is available in a classic White, a neutral Beige or a reserved Black. A shiny metal base grounds the lamp, finished in either Chrome or Metallic Lead. Designed by Gabriel Teixido. Carpyen started in Spain in 1954 as a family enterprise and continues the intimate feel of their designs in their contemporary lighting pieces. Designers Antonio Carpintero, Encamacian and Roberto Capintero head the company as industrial talents and Pascual Salvador and Gabriel Teixido, among others, contribute to creating clean, modern lighting with a European edge. Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Tango is a U.S. distributor of contemporary European lighting founded in 1997. Tango Lighting specializes in bringing top quality contemporary lighting from creative Spanish designers into the United States. The Carpyen Aita Table Lamp is available with the following: Details:Cylindrical cotton shadeMetal baseDesigned by Gabriel TeixidoMade in SpainOptions:Finish: Chrome, or Metallic Lead.Shade: Beige, Black, or White.Lighting: One 100 Watt 120 Volt Type E26 Medium Base Incandescent lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships in 1-2 days. Dimensions: Fixture: Width 8.6 In., Height 15.7 In.

Candel Oil Lamp by Carpyen $336 The iconic shape of a table lamp meets the romance of candlelight. The Carpyen Candel Oil Lamp was designed by Daifuku as a completely transparent, petite version of a traditional table lamp, constructed out of a single piece of hand-blown Pyrex glass. The inner well contains a waterproof refill of mineral oil that lasts 40 hours. Dishwasher safe. Carpyen started in Spain in 1954 as a family enterprise and continues the intimate feel of their designs in their contemporary lighting pieces. Designers Antonio Carpintero, Encamacian and Roberto Capintero head the company as industrial talents and Pascual Salvador and Gabriel Teixido, among others, contribute to creating clean, modern lighting with a European edge. Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Tango is a U.S. distributor of contemporary European lighting founded in 1997. Tango Lighting specializes in bringing top quality contemporary lighting from creative Spanish designers into the United States. The Carpyen Candel Oil Lamp is available with the following: Details:Handmade blown Pyrex glass baseChrome finishWaterproof odorless mineral oil refill (40 hour lifespan)Dishwasher safeDesigned by DaifukuShipping: This item usually ships in 1-2 days. Dimensions: Base: Diameter 4 In. Fixture: Height 9.4 In., Diameter 6.3 In.

Leo Floor Lamp $819.75 The Leo Floor Lamp, by Illuminating Experiences, designed by Jehs e Laub, introduces a new and fresh product design into contemporary table lighting. Task work becomes more efficient and less stressful as the Leo spills light where you need it. Illuminating Experiences, a Nemo Italianaluce company, offers a diverse product portfolio with design that ranges from European Contemporary to Italian-Tuscan Traditional. The Leo Floor Lamp belongs to Illuminating Experiences' Nemo Collection. The Leo Floor Lamp features a large, die-cast Aluminum base, arms in extruded aluminum, a silver grey diffuser, an adjustable arm with a cantilever support system, and an on/off switch on the arm. The Leo Floor Lamp by Illuminating Experiences is available with the following options: Arm Finish: Polished Aluminum or Silver Grey (shown). Sizes: Large, Small. Lighting: The Leo Floor Lamp casts a medium, broad-beam light that provides direct/adjustable task lighting. It utilizes one, 75 Watt, 120 Volt E26 A19 Incandescent lamp (not included). UL Listed. Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Base - Large: Diameter 11.75 in. Base - Small: Diameter 11.75 in. Fixture - Large: Reach 28.75 in., Height 80.75 in. Fixture - Small: Height 57 in., Reach 24.25 in.

Leo Halogen Floor Lamp $936.18 The Leo Halogen Floor Lamp, by Illuminating Experiences, a Jehs e Laub design, introduces a new and fresh product design into contemporary floor lighting. Task work becomes more efficient and less stressful as the Leo spills light where you need it. Illuminating Experiences, a Nemo Italianaluce company, offers a diverse product portfolio with design that ranges from European Contemporary to Italian-Tuscan Traditional. The Leo Halogen Floor Lamp belongs to Illuminating Experiences' Nemo Collection. The Leo Halogen Floor Lamp features a large, die-cast, Aluminum base, arms in extruded Aluminum, a Silver-grey diffuser, an adjustable arm with a cantilever support system, and an on/off switch on the arm. The Leo Halogen Floor Lamp, by Illuminating Experiences, is available with the following options: Arm Finish: Polished-aluminum or Silver-grey (shown). Size: Large, Small. Lighting: The Leo Halogen Floor Lamp casts a medium, broad-beam light that provides direct/adjustable task lighting. It utilizes one, 50 Watt, 120 Volt b15d Halogen lamp (not included). Shipping: This item usually ships within 3 to 5 business days. Dimensions: Base - Large: Diameter 11.75 in. Base - Small: Diameter 11.75 in. Fixture - Large: Reach 26 in., Height 78.75 in. Fixture - Small: Height 57 in., Reach 21.5 in.