User: Joethemechanic, Location: Hazleton Pa
Asked on: Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 8:46 pm EDT
Answered on: Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 8:46 pm EDT
Question: So I'm remodeling one of the upstairs offices in my building (Highfalutin office with carpet and wooden desks). My secretary talks me into these light fixtures she saw on Amazon or somewhere and I'm like "yeah just order them"So I get them today and the first clue was the brown and blue wire cord. I examine them and find nothing but a counterfeit CE logo on the lamp holder. Well they are really nice lights and I figure I can just change out to a listed lamp holder. Yeah well good luck finding one that is listed. What is in there looks like this.Am I making mountains out of molehills? Do any of you guys know of a UL or NTL listed E26 lamp holder like that?
Okay, let's break down the situation and figure out the best course of action. You're right to be concerned about unlisted electrical components, especially in a commercial building. Here's a structured approach
Understanding the Risk
Unlisted Components
A "listed" lamp holder (meaning it has been tested and certified by a recognized testing lab like UL, ETL, CSA, etc.) ensures it meets specific safety standards for things like heat resistance, insulation, and grounding. An unlisted holder could be a fire hazard, an electrocution risk, and potentially a liability nightmare for you.
Commercial vs. Residential
The stakes are higher in a commercial building. Insurance companies, building codes, and potential liability lawsuits will all be much more stringent.
The Brown and Blue Wire
In electrical wiring, brown and blue wires are commonly used as line (hot) and neutral, respectively, in European systems (IEC standards). North America (NEC standards) uses black and white (or gray) for 120V circuits. This immediately raises red flags, suggesting these lights were not intended for US/Canadian electrical systems.
Assessing the Situation1. Photograph Everything
Document everything about the lights, including close-up photos of the lamp holders, wiring, the "counterfeit" CE mark, the packaging, and any markings on the fixture itself. This is important for potential returns and documentation.2.
Don't Install Them Yet
Definitely do NOT install these lights in your office. Turn them off immediately if they are already installed.3.
Examine the Fixture More Closely
Voltage and Wattage
Check for any markings on the fixture itself about voltage (e.g., 120V, 240V) and maximum wattage of the bulb it can handle.
Materials
What material is the lamp holder made of? Is it plastic or ceramic?
Wiring
How is the wiring connected to the lamp holder? Are the connections secure and properly insulated?
Grounding
Is there a proper ground connection within the fixture? This is crucial.
Whole Assembly
Consider that even if you replaced the lamp holder, the entire fixture might not be designed for the electrical standards and safety requirements in your area.
Possible Courses of Action1. Return Them Immediately
This is the best option. Contact Amazon (or wherever they were purchased) and explain that the lights are unlisted, potentially unsafe, and use wiring that is not in accordance with North American electrical standards. Demand a full refund. Provide them with the photographs you took.2.
Find a Suitable Replacement Lamp Holder (If Return is Impossible, and You're Really Determined)
Difficulty
Finding a direct replacement that is listed and physically fits perfectly is going to be very difficult.
Key Search Terms
Look for "E26 lamp holder," "E26 socket," "E26 lampholder UL listed," "E26 socket CSA certified," "E26 light socket ETL listed".
Check Dimensions
Measure the exact dimensions of the existing lamp holder (diameter, height, mounting hole spacing, etc.).
Reputable Suppliers
Buy ONLY from reputable electrical supply houses (online or brick-and-mortar). Examples include Grainger, Platt Electric Supply, CED (Consolidated Electrical Distributors), Graybar, Home Depot or Lowes (Check the product's specs), or similar stores.
Verify Listing
Before you buy, confirm that the lamp holder has a UL, ETL, CSA, or other recognized testing lab listing mark on the product itself and in the product description.
Material
Look for ceramic lamp holders, as they're more heat resistant.3.
Consider Replacing the Entire Fixture
This might be the safest and easiest option in the long run. If you like the style of the lights, try to find similar fixtures from reputable brands that are certified for use in North America.4.
Consult a Qualified Electrician
Before doing anything electrical, it is strongly advised that you consult a qualified and licensed electrician. They can properly assess the safety of the fixtures, determine if replacing the lamp holder is a viable option, and ensure that any electrical work is done safely and up to code. You should also ensure that this electrician takes out any required permits for the work.
Why You Shouldn't Skimp on Electrical Safety Fire Hazard
Faulty wiring, overheating, and poor insulation can lead to fires.
Electrocution Risk
Unlisted components may not provide adequate protection against electric shock.
Liability
As the building owner, you are responsible for the safety of your tenants and employees. If someone is injured or property is damaged due to faulty electrical work, you could be held liable.
Insurance Issues
Your insurance company may deny coverage if they find that non-compliant or unlisted electrical components were the cause of a fire or other incident.*
Building Codes
Local building codes require that all electrical components be listed and installed by qualified personnel.
Bottom Line:
You're right to be concerned. These lights appear to be potentially unsafe and non-compliant. Return them if possible. If not, proceed with extreme caution and consult a qualified electrician. Don't compromise on electrical safety. The cost of fixing a problem later will far outweigh the cost of buying safe, certified fixtures now. Flag for review