Query about 5amp round pin plugs

[ToughMudder]

Firstly, I nothing about electrics so sorry if this is a thick question.

Moved into a new house which has loads of 5amp round pin plug sockets for operating lamps from the main light switch. The lights are all on a Lutron system.

If I want to plug two lights into a 5amp socket (for two bedside lamps) can I just swap the plug on a normal two-plug extension cable for a 5amp plug and use it in the 5amp socket?

[Simpo Two]

ToughMudder said:

If I want to plug two lights into a 5amp socket (for two bedside lamps) can I just swap the plug on a normal two-plug extension cable for a 5amp plug and use it in the 5amp socket?

A cable that can carry 13A can also carry 5A.

Wonder if 5A round pin adaptors are still available?

[ToughMudder]

Simpo Two said:

A cable that can carry 13A can also carry 5A.

Wonder if 5A round pin adaptors are still available?

So does that mean my idea would work?

Can't find 5A adapters anywhere. I can find 13A to 5A but I'm looking for 5A to 13A (for two plugs).

[Simpo Two]

I meant an adapter that is purely 5A, so you can plug two lamps into one socket.

http://www.flameport.com/electric_museum/plugs_con...

[ToughMudder]

That would be ideal but I don't think they make them any more. Not sure I want to buy one off ebay that is 40 yrs old.

Would it be possible to use an Indian adapter (I think they use same size as BS546, Type D) like this : https://www.amazon.co.uk/AMOS-Universal-Universell...

If so could I then add a two way normal plug extension to that?

[SS2.]

Stick one of the round pin plugs onto a normal extension lead.

A couple of bedside lamps at 60W each will draw about 0.5A in total, so you'll have plenty of headroom.

[Squishey]

ToughMudder said:

...can I just swap the plug on a normal two-plug extension cable for a 5amp plug and use it in the 5amp socket?

Yes! Just make sure that you only use that extension lead for the lamps.

Even if your lamps had 100W bulbs in them you'll have plenty of headroom. I = P/V = 100/230 = 0.43A x 2 = 0.86A

[gazzarose]

Just sticking a 5amp plug on a little extension lead will be fine. Just avoid plugging a heater or an arc welder into it. I've got a couple of 5amp sockets in my living room for a couple of lamps so just change the plug on them. At Xmas I replace one of the lamps with the Xmas tree but the LED tree lights use a plug in transformer so I just made up a little extension lead like you've suggested.

[JM]

To (help) avoid any future issue make sure it's a 5amp fuse, or even just a 3amp fuse that you put in the '13'amp plug.

[jimbouk]

Genius!

Now can anyone point me to a one or two gang extension lead that has the fuse in the socket end ( they all seem to rely on the fuse on the (now non existent) plug)?

[megaphone]

Most important thing to check is the breaker on the circuit is correct, should be a 6A.

[jimbouk]

This has got me thinking....

If I was to get the adaptor below, would that enable U.K. Lights with a round 5amp plug work in a normal 13 amp U.K. Socket

https://www.amazon.co.uk/India-Travel-Tourist-Adap...

Currently regularly rewiring plugs as lamps move around the house.....

[Mr Pointy]

jimbouk said:

Genius!
Now can anyone point me to a one or two gang extension lead that has the fuse in the socket end ( they all seem to rely on the fuse on the (now non existent) plug)?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Extension-Single-Switched-Protected-Trailing/dp/B01MRQUX08
http://www.screwfix.com/p/masterplug-heavy-duty-13...

[Mr Pointy]

jimbouk said:

This has got me thinking....

If I was to get the adaptor below, would that enable U.K. Lights with a round 5amp plug work in a normal 13 amp U.K. Socket

https://www.amazon.co.uk/India-Travel-Tourist-Adap...

Currently regularly rewiring plugs as lamps move around the house.....

Yes, but this is a better option as it has a 5A fuse inside which protects the lamp cabling:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Electronics-Photo/Sch&#...

[jimbouk]

Thanks Mr Pointy, just ordered your last suggestion.

[MattS5]

ToughMudder said:

If I want to plug two lights into a 5amp socket (for two bedside lamps) can I just swap the plug on a normal two-plug extension cable for a 5amp plug and use it in the 5amp socket?

Yes, I do this with my Christmas tree lights.Makes for far less hassle than having to crawl under a tree to switch them off at the wall behind.

[jimbouk]

Ok school boy error.

My lighting sockets and plugs are 2amp ones not 5amp.

Any suggestions for an adaptor for the smaller size plugs?

[Mr Pointy]

jimbouk said:

Ok school boy error.

My lighting sockets and plugs are 2amp ones not 5amp.

Any suggestions for an adaptor for the smaller size plugs?

I think that's a step too far: I can't find anything. B&Q sell rewireable 2a plugs so I suggest you put one on the end of a 13A extension strip like the Screwfix one linked to above.

[silentbrown]

Think you want one of these?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4-Vintage-Items-of-Bakel...

Not sure that vintage plug adapters are a great idea, and a multi-way 13 amp socket connected to a 2 amp plug would worry me. Fitting 13-amp flex into the plug could be a challenge.

MK still make good 2A rewireable plugs. Your best bet might be to just wire both lamps directly into a single 2A plug?

[MattS5]

Mine are 2 amp and I managed to get cable into it plus a double socket on the end of the cable.
Fiddly but not difficult.