New Round Pin Wall Sockets

[davidthegolfer]

I have just bought a newly converted Barn. Some walls have ROUND three pin plug sockets. We are told these are a lighting circuit.
Can anyone tell what these are really for and why round, why not usual square three pin. Thanks for any help.
David

 

[plugwash]

the sockets are most likely 5A BS546 ones though they could be the 2A size (thats rarely used now though because its hard to get shuttered sockets) any decent electrical wholesaler should be able to get the plugs.

its generally done when its desired to have lightswitches control free standing lamps. normal sockets are not used to stop people plugging large appliances into the lighting cuircuit and tripping it out.

 

[davidthegolfer]

Thank you Plugwash.
That makes a lot of sense to the uninitiated.
David