Thanks for the input guys, interesting information

Rather like the output of step-down transformers used here in the UK on construction sites. These are 110V output, centre-tapped to earth, so you have a maximum of 55V to earth if you happen to touch anything.

You're referring to the fact that in the USA the split-phase 240 V mains doesn't have a neutral whose potential is close or equal to that of ground/earth. I don't think this is an issue with electronic ballasts as they are certainly designed to account for the possibility that users may (and will) swap phase and neutral when installing equipment.

Hmmm 

If it's quoted as being suitable for 50 or 60Hz then I wouldn't expect a problem as long as it gets 240V, but I'm not an expert on electronic ballasts 

I'm being curious here. If an electronic ballast made for the UK electrical system (Philips Dynavision / Primavision for eg) is rated for 220 / 240V, 50/60Hz; or 208 - 277V 50 / 60Hz; and works on the UK single Phase 240V system, would it stand the North American 240V 2-phase live (120v on both live and neutral) or would that kill it?

I have posted on there, but so far no reply. 

I think that's a standard out-of-the-box bug, it happens to us sometimes as well. I also get an error if I'm not logged in but have left the login screen open for any length of time, I have to refresh it before I can proceed.

It's all part of the fun, so they say (if I ever find out who "they" are, there'll be murder committed  )

I sometimes get this error message when posting a comment. Granted, I only get this if I've left the tab open for a LONG time (like several hours when I get sidetracked), and I think when another user has made a comment before I post mine, it will not let me post the comment; I have to copy it and paste it back in when I refresh the page. 

I've just commented on the gallery pic, but yeah absolutely no idea on what the heck that thing is. Ti's not a hurricane lantern, or a dead-flame lamp. It's its own special thing.

I wonder if anyone on CPL would have any idea

I bought this lantern on eBay as it's an interesting little thing of an unknown make and the seller sent me an offer, so the price including postage came to just under twenty quid.!