Replacing old socket with round pins

[Roger465]

Someone I know has just fallen on hard times, and moved into a small property with very few sockets. The one in her bedroom is the old 3-pin type with round pins, but oddly, seems to be on the end of a piece of fairly modern cable running down the wall.

Would I be risking safety by replacing it with a modern socket? She only wants to plug a bedside light into it, not an electric fire or anything...

Thanks

 

[Steve]

What colour is the socket?

Is there a switch in the same room that appears to do nothing?

 

[ericmark]

Could be designed for bedside lamp it is common to use the old 5A three pin sockets to connect lamps. Changing it to 13A could mean overload is possible and using a vacuum cleaner could blow the lamps.

Easy way is to fit 3 pin 5A or 2A plug on her lamp.

 

[Steve]

Of course, we shouldnt discount the possibility that its actually a very old socket and needs replacing . . .

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Measure the spacing of the holes - 3/5/15A sockets are all different.

 

[Roger465]

Thanks guys – a while since I was round there, so can't remember the details. I'll check and report back!

Ummm... ericmark, are you saying it's still possible to get round-pin plugs?

 

[333rocky333]

yes you can

 

[ban-all-sheds]

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/Plug_Tops_2/index.html


http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_In...Accessories/Sockets_2_-_5_-_15_Amp/index.html