lighting adapter to 3 pin plug

kevin_robson · 5 Nov 2009

We have lighting sockets in our house which are different from normal 3 pin mains sockets. I believe they are 5A sockets? Only installed 5 years ago so they aren't some kind of legacy sockets.

We have a few lights with these plugs on them, which I'd like to also be able to plug into a normal 3 pin socket on occasion. So I'm after an adapter but cannot seem to find anything, possibly because I'm searching using the wrong terminology. Can anyone point me at a link.

I understand I shouldn't be trying to run 13A stuff through these sockets, this is purely to go the other way and run a light through a 13A socket. Perhaps this is also dangerous and shouldn't be done, which is why I cant find anything?

Thanks

bernardgreen · 5 Nov 2009

http://www.stormlighting.co.uk/equipment_details.vc?equipment_id=180

and be sure to fit a 5 amp fuse in the ""13"" amp plug.

PrenticeBoyofDerry · 5 Nov 2009

Well if your intention was to use the sockets for the purposes of higher rated appliances, the cable and the breaker could well be in need of upgrading, so the current can be rated and carried safely.
Any use of higher rated appliances on this circuit would cause your fuse/protective device to blow/trip.
So it would be a case of an upgrade, as these socket outlets are designed to take these plug tops for that reason (they are supplied by a lower rated current). So using any form of adaptor makes a nonsense of it, so I would be surprised if they are available.

Aragorn84 · 5 Nov 2009

PBoD: hes wanting to go the other way, plugging his 5A plug equipped lamp into a normal socket, not plug his electric fire into the 5A

kevin_robson · 5 Nov 2009

Thanks All.
To confirm, yes I just want to plug the light into a normal socket (security light timer if interested)
Nothing else will be going into the 5A socket.

Thanks for the info. Sorry to be pedantic but I dont suppose anyone has a link to one without a cable between the two?

I'll have a search myself anyway now I know they are available and know the terminology I need.

Thanks

PrenticeBoyofDerry · 5 Nov 2009

PrenticeBoyofDerry said:
Aragorn84 said:

PBoD: hes wanting to go the other way, plugging his 5A plug equipped lamp into a normal socket, not plug his electric fire into the 5A

Click to expand...

I'll get my coat

kevin_robson · 5 Nov 2009

No worries PBoD, you were right to check I wasn't going to do it the wrong way. It was actually a very detailed reply!
So Thanks for taking the time anyway.

RF Lighting · 5 Nov 2009

Years ago they used to make stuff like this, but unfortunatly there is no call for them these days, so I think you would be very lucky to find one.

Oh and they don't comply with current regulations either, so that might be a problem too.

I'm afraid you'll probably have to have a short link of wire on your adaptors.

plugwash · 5 Nov 2009

I found one but it isn't fused and as such cannot safely be used with UK ring circuits.

333rocky333 · 5 Nov 2009

RF Lighting said:

RF you should know better.
Never ever leave a plug with the wire in it like that, and when cutting off moulded plugs, bend the pins or destroy them.

Next youl be showing your Generator lead

MisterG · 5 Nov 2009

RF Lighting said:
Oh and they don't comply with current regulations either, so that might be a problem too.
.

Out of curiousity, what make's it non-compliant?

Cheers

G

333rocky333 · 5 Nov 2009

It is predays of when sleeved L and N pins were added to the British Standard.
So fingers cannot touch the pins until plug withdrawn.

It is proberly not fused either.

EDIT, It has FUSED stamped on it.

MisterG · 5 Nov 2009

333rocky333 said:
It is predays of when sleeved L and N pins were added to the British Standard.
So fingers cannot touch the pins until plug withdrawn.

It is proberly not fused either.

Thanks, I saw it said fused so couldn't figure out why it wasn't compliant, so must be the sleeving issue.

Cheers

G

Spark123 · 5 Nov 2009

I don't believe the british standard for round pin plugs (BS546) calls for the live pins to be sleeved.
We use a lot of the 15A type in theatre, purely as they are not fused as replacing a fuse 20ft up in the air isn't as easy as replacing one in the dimmer pack.

Grizzly · 6 Nov 2009

Spark123 said:
I don't believe the british standard for round pin plugs (BS546) calls for the live pins to be sleeved.

No, but I think 333rocky333 is referring to the lack of sleeving on the square pins of the adaptor, that would plug into your BS1363 socket.

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lighting adapter to 3 pin plug

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