UK to US Chandelier Electrification
Professional rewiring and conversion of antique chandeliers, lanterns, wall lights and period lighting for safe installation throughout the United States.
Antique European Lighting, Prepared for American Homes
We specialise in converting antique UK and European lighting for safe use in the United States. Every fitting is carefully assessed, dismantled where necessary and sympathetically rewired so that its original appearance is preserved and its electrical components are chosen specifically for the American supply.
Our workshop regularly converts chandeliers, lanterns, wall lights, candelabra, antique lamps and historic gasoliers for clients across the USA — from private residences and designers to hotels, restaurants and heritage properties.
Why Conversion is Necessary
UK and European lighting is built for a different electrical system. A few important adjustments ensure your antique fitting can be installed safely and elegantly in an American home.
Different Voltages
The UK has a nominal 230V, 50Hz electrical supply, while most US domestic lighting circuits operate at approximately 120V, 60Hz. Wiring, lamp holders and other components must therefore be selected for the intended American installation.
Suitable Lamp Holders
Where necessary, European lamp holders are replaced with suitable US-format holders, such as E12 candelabra or E26 medium-base fittings.
Wiring Requirements
Cabling is renewed with appropriately rated wiring and components selected for the intended US installation, with correct gauge, insulation and colour coding to suit American electricians.
Earthing & Grounding
Where the fitting permits, an earth is bonded to the metalwork in line with American grounding conventions for safe permanent installation.
Safety
Every fitting is fully tested before it leaves the workshop, giving your American electrician a clean, sound piece to install.
Professional Installation
We supply clear notes on the conversion so a licensed US electrician can connect the fitting into the domestic circuit with confidence.
Our Conversion Process
A careful, methodical sequence — refined over three generations of antique lighting work.
Inspection
Careful assessment of the fitting, its wiring and its overall condition.
Careful Dismantling
Elements are catalogued and separated where required for access.
Old Wiring Removed
Perished or unsafe cabling is stripped out with respect for the metalwork.
Internal Cleaning
Interiors of arms, columns and canopies are cleaned before rewiring.
New US Wiring
Appropriately rated cabling of the correct gauge is routed discreetly through the fitting for the intended US installation.
US Lamp Holders
Where necessary, European lamp holders are replaced with suitable US-format holders, such as E12 candelabra or E26 medium-base fittings.
Electrical Testing
Continuity, insulation and function are fully tested before sign-off.
Packing & Shipment
Purpose-built crating and worldwide shipping for safe arrival in the USA.
Lighting We Convert for the USA
From single wall lights to significant multi-tier chandeliers, we convert a wide variety of antique fittings for American installation.
Why Choose G&P Cohn
Seventy years of specialist antique lighting experience, quietly trusted by clients around the world.
The Electrification You Cannot See
Modern wiring is routed discreetly through arms, columns and canopies, and lamp holders are chosen to sit sympathetically within the period detailing. The result is a fitting that appears entirely original — the electrical work quietly concealed within.
For related work, see our chandelier rewiring, restoration and cleaning services, or browse antique chandeliers for sale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any chandelier be converted for use in the USA?
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In most cases, yes. The great majority of antique chandeliers, lanterns and wall lights can be sympathetically rewired for the 120V American supply. Where a fitting is unusually fragile or historically significant, we will discuss the most appropriate approach with you before starting work.
Can you convert antique gas chandeliers and gasoliers?
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Yes. Converting historic gas fittings to electricity is a specialism of ours. Gas pipework is carefully retained where possible and the fitting is quietly wired for use with modern US electrical bulbs.
Will the chandelier still look original after conversion?
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Preserving the original appearance is central to our work. Wiring is routed discreetly through arms and columns, lamp holders are chosen to match the period, and the character and patina of the piece are protected throughout.
Can you convert wall lights and sconces?
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Yes. Pairs and sets of antique wall lights are regularly converted for American clients, with matching lamp holders and consistent wiring across the group.
Can you convert lanterns and hall lights?
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Yes. Hall lanterns, ceiling lights and porch lanterns are all suitable for conversion, whether taking a single bulb or a cluster of candle lamps.
Can you ship internationally to the United States?
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Yes. We regularly ship converted antique lighting to clients across the United States. Every piece is purpose-crated and dispatched with a trusted specialist courier.
Can I supply my own chandelier for conversion?
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Absolutely. Many American clients send us fittings acquired in Europe or inherited from family, and we are pleased to convert them ready for installation in the US.
Do you test everything before shipping?
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Yes. Every fitting is fully assembled, wired, illuminated and tested in our workshop before it is carefully packed and dispatched.
Get in Touch
Send us photographs together with the fitting's dimensions and location, and we will advise on the safest and most sympathetic approach to preparing it for installation in the United States.