On Sat, 26 Jul 2014 14:52:06 -0700 (PDT), wrote:

The round sockets were installed maybe late 90s in an 80s house by
the
previous owners, I was advised by an electrician that this was an
old
format of being able to switch on table lamps from a light switch
rather than the wall socket.

modern, not old

Quite, had a couple fitted in the snug during the major refurb.

I have no idea which circuit they are on ie socket ring or
lighting
ring.

presumably lighting

I would assume so as well but one the OP has something powered from
them it's POP to find out.

Someone else can moan about RCDs, but it shuld be fine.

Only that if the lighting is RCD protected having something outside
runs the risk of when it goes leaky plunging the place into darkness.

--
Cheers
Dave.