What's dead simple is that you should NEVER used stuff rated for a max of 120v on higher than 120V...PERIOD. Emphasis on the DEAD. Whether it works is irrelevant. It's ill-advised, dangerous, prone to fire, illegal, probably voids your insurance...and then, there's that dead part.
It's not a self-regulated process that rids the world of idiots. When you burn the place down, your reckless incompetence seriously affects others. Get properly rated equipment...PERIOD!!
Take it from someone who was completely burned out by the idiot in the adjacent apartment.