Hi,

I've read here about people using round pin sockets on a 6A radial for
table lamps, rather like hotels do (why do hotels never have lights on
the ceiling BTW?)

I thought I would try this myself. I have noticed that whilst 2A plugs
and sockets would be sufficient, they seem harder to find than the 5A
equivalents. The 2A versions also look quite tiny, so the 5A looks
"prettier" IMHO.

So far so good but I have run into a problem that I wanted to
temporarily move some furniture whilst I redecorate and all the lamps
have round pin plugs in a room with standard mains sockets. Is there
such a thing as a plug in adaptor? I have not found one but I suppose
there is little demand for such a thing or possibly they are illegal
to prevent people using old round pin plugs in modern sockets?

I wondered about making an adaptor from a trailing socket but I can
only find trailing 15A sockets (what are 15a round pin sockets used
for?). Does a 5A round pin trailing socket exist?

Google shows lots of false positives: adaptors to convert foreign
round pin plugs to UK ones and there are some round 3 pin sockets for
garden use (for Black and Decker mowers/strimmers/etc?)

Can anyone help or will I just have to replace the plugs?

TIA

In article , Fred
writes

Does a 5A round pin trailing socket exist?

Can anyone help or will I just have to replace the plugs?

I don't know if this is what you want (no pic) but the description is
right:
http://www.thesitebox.com/Store/Prod...oductId=172572

On the other hand, changing the plugs is a 2min job.
--
fred
BBC3, ITV2/3/4, channels going to the DOGs

Fred
wibbled on Saturday 16 January 2010 22:17

Hi,

I've read here about people using round pin sockets on a 6A radial for
table lamps, rather like hotels do (why do hotels never have lights on
the ceiling BTW?)

I thought I would try this myself. I have noticed that whilst 2A plugs
and sockets would be sufficient, they seem harder to find than the 5A
equivalents. The 2A versions also look quite tiny, so the 5A looks
"prettier" IMHO.

So far so good but I have run into a problem that I wanted to
temporarily move some furniture whilst I redecorate and all the lamps
have round pin plugs in a room with standard mains sockets. Is there
such a thing as a plug in adaptor? I have not found one but I suppose
there is little demand for such a thing or possibly they are illegal
to prevent people using old round pin plugs in modern sockets?

I used to have one. It was triangular, two 13A sockets on the bottom side
and one 3 ping 5A roundpin pin up top. It was fused (as most adapters are),
only IIRC I *think* the fuse applied to the 5A bit alone and was thusly 5A -
but I can't be absolutely sure.

I wonder if this will take a 3 ping 5A plug?

http://www.sourcingmap.com/travel-ad...cket-standard-
p-7351.html

It looks like it might, but it may be designed for 15A round pin, I can't
tell (the latter is used in South Africa and other places - not sure if
anyone uses the 5A).

The other alternative is to make some using 5A flex socket, 13A plug (fused
at 5A obviously) and a bit of 6A flex.

Here you go:

http://www.stageservicesshop.com/sho...p?cat=363&js=n

There's not danger of them going out of fashion as they are rather popular
with the stage lighting community.

I wondered about making an adaptor from a trailing socket but I can
only find trailing 15A sockets (what are 15a round pin sockets used
for?). Does a 5A round pin trailing socket exist?

Google shows lots of false positives: adaptors to convert foreign
round pin plugs to UK ones and there are some round 3 pin sockets for
garden use (for Black and Decker mowers/strimmers/etc?)

Can anyone help or will I just have to replace the plugs?

TIA

--
Tim Watts

Managers, politicians and environmentalists: Nature's carbon buffer.

On Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:17:20 +0000, Fred
wrote:

Hi,

I've read here about people using round pin sockets on a 6A radial for
table lamps, rather like hotels do (why do hotels never have lights on
the ceiling BTW?)

So that the handyman doesn't have to carry a stepladder about to
change bulbs.

I thought I would try this myself. I have noticed that whilst 2A plugs
and sockets would be sufficient, they seem harder to find than the 5A
equivalents. The 2A versions also look quite tiny, so the 5A looks
"prettier" IMHO.

Don't forget that sockets for domestic use must be shuttered, so older
type ones probably wouldn't suffice.

2A sockets are fine. I used some for table lamps in the bar of a
theatre - mainly to stop people casually 'borrowing' the lamps to use
as stage props!

--
Frank Erskine

We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the
drugs began to take hold. I remember Fred
saying something like:

So far so good but I have run into a problem that I wanted to
temporarily move some furniture whilst I redecorate and all the lamps
have round pin plugs in a room with standard mains sockets. Is there
such a thing as a plug in adaptor? I have not found one but I suppose
there is little demand for such a thing or possibly they are illegal
to prevent people using old round pin plugs in modern sockets?

They used to be plentiful. Have a look on ebay under collectible old
**** or something. I got some of those light-bayonet to two-pin adapters
that way.

On 16 Jan, 22:17, Fred wrote:

Does a 5A round pin trailing socket exist?

Probably not - and deliberately so, for good reason.

AIUI, Round pin plugs (of modern vintage) don't have fuses. I have
just looked in Tricker's Wiring Regs in Brief, but as usual I can't
find it. However AFAIR, there's a requirement that they're only used
on circuits that are suitably fused radials. A ring main wouldn't be
acceptable (as that relies on a plug top fuse, which in this case
might not be there) and even for a cabled adapter there's no guarantee
that it won't be fuse at 13A.

[[citation needed]], but caveat sparkie

"Tim W" wrote in message
...

It looks like it might, but it may be designed for 15A round pin, I can't
tell (the latter is used in South Africa and other places - not sure if
anyone uses the 5A).

Looks like the 5A socket is in use in India.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BS_546

Fred wrote:
Hi,

I've read here about people using round pin sockets on a 6A radial for
table lamps, rather like hotels do (why do hotels never have lights on
the ceiling BTW?)

I thought I would try this myself. I have noticed that whilst 2A plugs
and sockets would be sufficient, they seem harder to find than the 5A
equivalents. The 2A versions also look quite tiny, so the 5A looks
"prettier" IMHO.

So far so good but I have run into a problem that I wanted to
temporarily move some furniture whilst I redecorate and all the lamps
have round pin plugs in a room with standard mains sockets. Is there
such a thing as a plug in adaptor? I have not found one but I suppose
there is little demand for such a thing or possibly they are illegal
to prevent people using old round pin plugs in modern sockets?

I wondered about making an adaptor from a trailing socket but I can
only find trailing 15A sockets (what are 15a round pin sockets used
for?). Does a 5A round pin trailing socket exist?

Google shows lots of false positives: adaptors to convert foreign
round pin plugs to UK ones and there are some round 3 pin sockets for
garden use (for Black and Decker mowers/strimmers/etc?)

Can anyone help or will I just have to replace the plugs?

TIA
15A round and previously 5A round are used in stage lighting
installations. Gogle for Stage Lighting - my local supplier AJS in
Ringwood may be able to help. The sockets will be singles but adaptors
are available (like the 13A adaptors) If you can't find anything I may
be able to help - to e-mail me substitute ntlworld for spam and insert _
between m and race

Malcolm

Malcolm

In article ,
Andy Dingley writes:
On 16 Jan, 22:17, Fred wrote:

Does a 5A round pin trailing socket exist?

Probably not - and deliberately so, for good reason.

AIUI, Round pin plugs (of modern vintage) don't have fuses. I have
just looked in Tricker's Wiring Regs in Brief, but as usual I can't
find it. However AFAIR, there's a requirement that they're only used
on circuits that are suitably fused radials. A ring main wouldn't be

The 2A sockets can be used on circuits fused at up to 10A.
(Can't remember the value for 5A sockets.)

acceptable (as that relies on a plug top fuse, which in this case
might not be there) and even for a cabled adapter there's no guarantee
that it won't be fuse at 13A.

Since most extension leads must be fused at less than 13A to meet
regs due to CSA and length and earth fault impedance, (and this is
almost always ignored) that's really no different. Extension leads
are a nightmere if you start worrying about regs - they're one of
a class of things that no one would be allowed to invent today had
they not already existed and their use was so widespread.

--
Andrew Gabriel
[email address is not usable -- followup in the newsgroup]

"Fred" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I've read here about people using round pin sockets on a 6A radial for
table lamps, rather like hotels do (why do hotels never have lights on
the ceiling BTW?)

Because there's a style guru in the hotel ratings industry who thinks that
having 6 poxy silly little lights in strategic positions around the room is
the best. (and no, I'm not joking)

tim

On Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:34:18 +0000, fred wrote:

I don't know if this is what you want (no pic) but the description is
right:
http://www.thesitebox.com/Store/Prod...oductId=172572

Thanks, I had found that via google but it is in the garden category,
which concerned me. There's no photo on that page which doesn't help.
IIRC I looked at the manufacturer's web site and it is the kind of
socket that used to be (still is?) used by Black and Decker garden
accessories: three pins but in a straight line rather than the
triangular arrangement I need.

On Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:39:18 +0000, Tim W wrote:

The other alternative is to make some using 5A flex socket, 13A plug (fused
at 5A obviously) and a bit of 6A flex.

Here you go:

http://www.stageservicesshop.com/sho...p?cat=363&js=n

Thanks. That was just what I was looking for. I had only been able to
find 15A versions on my own. White would be better for domestic use
though.

On Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:39:26 +0000, Frank Erskine
wrote:

why do hotels never have lights on
the ceiling BTW?

So that the handyman doesn't have to carry a stepladder about to
change bulbs.

Why would that be a problem? Health & safety? Banging the wallpaper
with the ladder?

On Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:09:02 +0000, Grimly Curmudgeon
wrote:

They used to be plentiful. Have a look on ebay under collectible old
**** or something. I got some of those light-bayonet to two-pin adapters
that way.

I looked on ebay but "round pin adaptors" brings up a lot of listings
for travel adaptors rather than what I needed. Also, as someone else
said, I was hoping for a new, safe, version, rather than a dangerous
old one.

I remember those bayonet plugs though never actually used any. What
are they used for?

On Jan 16, 10:17*pm, Fred wrote:
Hi,

I've read here about people using round pin sockets on a 6A radial for
table lamps, rather like hotels do (why do hotels never have lights on
the ceiling BTW?)

I thought I would try this myself. I have noticed that whilst 2A plugs
and sockets would be sufficient, they seem harder to find than the 5A
equivalents. The 2A versions also look quite tiny, so the 5A looks
"prettier" IMHO.

So far so good but I have run into a problem that I wanted to
temporarily move some furniture whilst I redecorate and all the lamps
have round pin plugs in a room with standard mains sockets. Is there
such a thing as a plug in adaptor? I have not found one but I suppose
there is little demand for such a thing or possibly they are illegal
to prevent people using old round pin plugs in modern sockets?

I wondered about making an adaptor from a trailing socket but I can
only find trailing 15A sockets (what are 15a round pin sockets used
for?). Does a 5A round pin trailing socket exist?

Google shows lots of false positives: adaptors to convert foreign
round pin plugs to UK ones and there are some round 3 pin sockets for
garden use (for Black and Decker mowers/strimmers/etc?)

Can anyone help or will I just have to replace the plugs?

TIA

Just get some 5A sockets from the likes of screwfix, tcl, your local
elec wholesaler etc, fit them in pattress boxes, attach a lead and
bob's your mother's uncle.

Round pin adaptors were once widepsread, but its been many years since
I've seen one for sale.

If you do decide to get some old ones, check for basic safety, I've
seen the occasional one thats quite suicidal.
http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php?..._Old_Electrics
That adaptor has live tubes so close to the outer edge (about 3mm
iirc) that if you unplug the adaptor without switching the socket off
first you'll likely fry.


NT

On Sat, 16 Jan 2010 23:51:50 -0000, "John Whitworth"
wrote:


Looks like the 5A socket is in use in India.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BS_546

Thanks. An interesting page; perhaps an IndiaUK adaptor would work?

On Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:13:07 +0000, Malcolm wrote:

15A round and previously 5A round are used in stage lighting
installations. Gogle for Stage Lighting

Thanks very much.

On Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:32:53 -0800 (PST), Andy Dingley
wrote:

AIUI, Round pin plugs (of modern vintage) don't have fuses. I have
just looked in Tricker's Wiring Regs in Brief, but as usual I can't
find it. However AFAIR, there's a requirement that they're only used
on circuits that are suitably fused radials. A ring main wouldn't be
acceptable (as that relies on a plug top fuse, which in this case
might not be there) and even for a cabled adapter there's no guarantee
that it won't be fuse at 13A.

Thanks. That makes sense but OTOH an extension socket would be
connected to a plug; if there is a 5A (or less) fuse in the plug it is
connected to, then everything would be ok.

Of course, if the other end of the lead was another round pin plug
that would not be fused and your point would remain valid. I wonder
why they don't make the round pin plugs fused? Perhaps it is because
they are used in theatres and they don't want to have to get ladders
out in the middle of the performance to replace blown fuses?

On 16/01/2010 22:17, Fred wrote:
Hi,

I've read here about people using round pin sockets on a 6A radial for
table lamps, rather like hotels do (why do hotels never have lights on
the ceiling BTW?)



For what seems similar functionality, we simply set up some remote
control sockets. If we wanted, we could have a wall switch that operates
as a remote.

They are not 100% pretty - but we do not see 3 out of the four of them
anyway. And we don't have a problem moving them to another location
should we wish.

Am I missing some advantage you gain from 2A or 5A sockets?

--
Rod

On Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:17:20 +0000, Fred wrote:
I've read here about people using round pin sockets on a 6A radial for
table lamps, rather like hotels do (why do hotels never have lights on
the ceiling BTW?)

Hmm, not sure - I imagine there are some pretty substantial girders in the
ceiling space (although ditto vertically in the corners). Maybe it's just
easier to run power around in the wall space than it is to the ceilings?

cheers

Jules

On Sun, 17 Jan 2010 13:57:55 +0000, Fred
wrote:

On Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:39:26 +0000, Frank Erskine
wrote:

why do hotels never have lights on
the ceiling BTW?

So that the handyman doesn't have to carry a stepladder about to
change bulbs.

Why would that be a problem? Health & safety? Banging the wallpaper
with the ladder?

It wouldn't be a problem - just a bit of an inconvenience.

--
Frank Erskine

On 16 Jan, 22:17, Fred wrote:
Hi,

I've read here about people using round pin sockets on a 6A radial for
table lamps, rather like hotels do (why do hotels never have lights on
the ceiling BTW?)

Seen the cost of cleaning and re-lamping a chandelier...?

Subjectively light from a lower angle is more relaxing.

Strange plugs stop the cleaners and laptop users plugging in.

I thought I would try this myself. I have noticed that whilst 2A plugs
and sockets would be sufficient, they seem harder to find than the 5A
equivalents. The 2A versions also look quite tiny, so the 5A looks
"prettier" IMHO.

So far so good but I have run into a problem that I wanted to
temporarily move some furniture whilst I redecorate and all the lamps
have round pin plugs in a room with standard mains sockets. Is there
such a thing as a plug in adaptor? I have not found one but I suppose
there is little demand for such a thing or possibly they are illegal
to prevent people using old round pin plugs in modern sockets?

I wondered about making an adaptor from a trailing socket but I can
only find trailing 15A sockets (what are 15a round pin sockets used
for?). Does a 5A round pin trailing socket exist?

As mentioned 15A is British Standard virtually theatre lighting
connector, exactly beacuse such things are fused back at the dimmer
fuses in line would be a pest.16A Ceeform is taking over to an extent
and are available in theatre black with voltage colour in a stripe
round them.
5A was popular for school installations, small fingers fit in 15A
sockets well. Most theater place should stock 5A or be able to get
them in short order usually black rubber.

TLC do white plastic:

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Ind...s_2/index.html

Cheers
Adam



Google shows lots of false positives: adaptors to convert foreign
round pin plugs to UK ones and there are some round 3 pin sockets for
garden use (for Black and Decker mowers/strimmers/etc?)

Can anyone help or will I just have to replace the plugs?

TIA

On 17 Jan, 15:34, Rod wrote:
On 16/01/2010 22:17, Fred wrote: Hi,

I've read here about people using round pin sockets on a 6A radial for
table lamps, rather like hotels do (why do hotels never have lights on
the ceiling BTW?)



For what seems similar functionality, we simply set up some remote
control sockets. If we wanted, we could have a wall switch that operates
as a remote.

They are not 100% pretty - but we do not see 3 out of the four of them
anyway. And we don't have a problem moving them to another location
should we wish.

Am I missing some advantage you gain from 2A or 5A sockets?

--
Rod

Usually dimmable circuits, problem with most remote sockets is they
will only dim from full not start at a preset level looks messy
changing states.
Even modest hotel lobby might have 20 or more channels of dimming to
create right atmosphere dependent on time of day.

Cheers
Adam

On Sun, 17 Jan 2010 13:44:37 -0000, tim.... wrote:

"Fred" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I've read here about people using round pin sockets on a 6A radial for
table lamps, rather like hotels do (why do hotels never have lights on
the ceiling BTW?)

Because there's a style guru in the hotel ratings industry who thinks that
having 6 poxy silly little lights in strategic positions around the room is
the best. (and no, I'm not joking)

tim

And whoever it is should be shot - many hotel rooms are occupied by
business people, who want to be able to see their paperwork, so as to make
use of the time they're stuck away from home!

SteveW

We were somewhere around Barstow, on the edge of the desert, when the
drugs began to take hold. I remember Fred
saying something like:

I remember those bayonet plugs though never actually used any. What
are they used for?

Historically, when the only power outlet in a room was the light socket,
they were commonly used for powering an electric iron or similar.
I came across an old cottage a few years ago which had only a small
meter, no sockets and one light fitting in the living room only. I bet
the occupiers used one of these things.

In article ,
Steve Walker writes:
On Sun, 17 Jan 2010 13:44:37 -0000, tim.... wrote:

"Fred" wrote in message
...
Hi,

I've read here about people using round pin sockets on a 6A radial for
table lamps, rather like hotels do (why do hotels never have lights on
the ceiling BTW?)

Because there's a style guru in the hotel ratings industry who thinks that
having 6 poxy silly little lights in strategic positions around the room is
the best. (and no, I'm not joking)

tim

And whoever it is should be shot - many hotel rooms are occupied by
business people, who want to be able to see their paperwork, so as to make
use of the time they're stuck away from home!

In the past, I often found myself in a hotel, trying to work,
if only I could read the paperwork. In a Holiday Inn in Rome,
I recall adding up nearly a kW of lighting in the room,
generating in total about 1 candle power of light. I would
sometimes take the lampshades off (much to the annoyance of
the hotel staff), and on some occasions, go out and buy some
brighter light bulbs, which for amusement value, I would
expense.

Nowadays, I'm more likely to be reading anything on a laptop,
rather than reading through a fanfold listing of a system
crashdump, printed on a lineprinter which hadn't had a new
character band or ribbon fitted in the last 5 years.

--
Andrew Gabriel
[email address is not usable -- followup in the newsgroup]

On Jan 16, 11:51*pm, "John Whitworth"
wrote:
"Tim W" wrote in message

...



It looks like it might, but it may be designed for 15A round pin, I can't
tell (the latter is used in South Africa and other places - not sure if
anyone uses the 5A).

Looks like the 5A socket is in use in India.


It is common to use old style round pin sockes for the DC (12 or 24
Volt) main in houseboats, with 13A modern sockets used for 240V AC.
Boat chandlers sometimes sell them.

Robert

On 17 Jan, 21:13, Grimly Curmudgeon
wrote:

Historically, when the only power outlet in a room was the light socket,
they were commonly used for powering an electric iron or similar.

When our house had its first electricity supply installed, there was a
cheaper rate for "lighting" as compared to "heating" supply. I imagine
this would have encouraged ironing from the light sockets.

On Jan 18, 9:38*am, (Andrew Gabriel)
wrote:
Nowadays, I'm more likely to be reading anything on a laptop,
rather than reading through a fanfold listing of a system
crashdump, printed on a lineprinter which hadn't had a new
character band or ribbon fitted in the last 5 years.

The lineprinters are still used by government expense departments...
in hotels which are likewise expensed... with CFL bulbs in use...

In article ,
"js.b1" writes:
On Jan 18, 9:38*am, (Andrew Gabriel)
wrote:
Nowadays, I'm more likely to be reading anything on a laptop,
rather than reading through a fanfold listing of a system
crashdump, printed on a lineprinter which hadn't had a new
character band or ribbon fitted in the last 5 years.
The lineprinters are still used by government expense departments...
in hotels which are likewise expensed... with CFL bulbs in use...

Much as I hate to say it, I've still got a DataProducts lineprinter.
It's about 25 years old, cost nearly as much as my house did at the
time, and it's hardly been used at all. Just haven't yet managed to
chuck it out, although I no longer use it.

--
Andrew Gabriel
[email address is not usable -- followup in the newsgroup]

On Sun, 17 Jan 2010 15:34:28 +0000, Rod
wrote:

Am I missing some advantage you gain from 2A or 5A sockets?

Yes and no.

The round pin sockets are connected to the 6A light radial rather than
the 32A ring main. By using round pin sockets it prevents someone from
plugging a kettle or fan heater into the socket and blowing the
fuse/MCB.

On the other hand, since your lights are plugged into the ring main
you can use regular plugs and your remote controls do the same job, so
in that way, no, you are not missing out on anything.

On Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:32:53 -0800 (PST), Andy Dingley
wrote:

AIUI, Round pin plugs (of modern vintage) don't have fuses.

I've just found that CPC sell a fused variety; the description isn't
clear whether it is only the 15a plug that is fused though. It implies
the 15a plug is fused for 5a, I wonder why? However they are about £8,
so much, much more that the un-fused variety.

On 27/01/2010 11:37, Fred wrote:
On Sat, 16 Jan 2010 15:32:53 -0800 (PST), Andy Dingley
wrote:

AIUI, Round pin plugs (of modern vintage) don't have fuses.

I've just found that CPC sell a fused variety; the description isn't
clear whether it is only the 15a plug that is fused though. It implies
the 15a plug is fused for 5a, I wonder why? However they are about £8,
so much, much more that the un-fused variety.

Well, these products come from MK

639WHI is 2A fused (presumably @ 2A)
641WHI is 5A fused (presumably @ 5A)
643WHI is 15A fused @ 5A

These products have BS 646 fuses which are smaller than standard BS 1362
plugtop fuses and are only available in 1A, 2A, 3A and 5A varieties.

You can get them from any wholesaler e.g. Neweys, CEF, Edmundsons, etc.
Judging by Google results, CPC are cheap for this product.

The message
from Rod contains these words:


Am I missing some advantage you gain from 2A or 5A sockets?

In the real world, yes.

If you have your main room lighting provided by table and standard lamps
-- which creates a totally-different ambiance -- then you really don't
want people unplugging lamps in order to plug in something else.
Therefore having unswitched 2A sockets controlled from the lighting
switch is a sensible and trouble-free way of going about things. Nor
are people so likely to "borrow" for use elsewhere a lamp with a 2A
plug on it.

On Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:18:03 +0000, Dave Osborne
wrote:

These products have BS 646 fuses which are smaller than standard BS 1362
plugtop fuses and are only available in 1A, 2A, 3A and 5A varieties.

That would explain why the 15a plug is fused at 5A: you can't get a
bigger fuse.

I have one of those plug in shaver adaptors that is fitted with a 1A
fuse. Are these the BS646 size?

TIA

In article ,
Fred wrote:
The round pin sockets are connected to the 6A light radial rather than
the 32A ring main. By using round pin sockets it prevents someone from
plugging a kettle or fan heater into the socket and blowing the
fuse/MCB.

Or even worse, dimmer.

--
*Drugs may lead to nowhere, but at least it's the scenic route *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.