On 15 Mar 2007 05:32:34 -0700, "Expat" wrote:

I've read conflicting messages on the internet.Some sources say that
USA lamps can handle the increased voltage just fine w/o a step down
transformer,others say I need to change the ballast or use step-down
transformers.Thanks for any clarity on this!

There is no ballast in an incandescent lamp.

What Gfretwell said but remember that 220 can kill you a heck of a lot
faster than 110. Not just twice as fast but I'm guessing maybe 10 or
20 times as likely. So don't stick your finger in the socket, etc.
etc.

There are or used to be electricians, or amateurs, I'm told, who would
check for power in a 110 volt circuit by sticking their finger in the
socket, but no one would ever try this with 220. Don't touch
something by accident.