UK USB charging from UK 5A lamp socket

[tk1023]

We have table lamps connected to UK 5A wall sockets (with round pins).
Looking for a solution to also charge phone/tablet from this socket (2A charging).
I have seen adapter which is inserted to the lamp bulb socket which has USB charging and a socket for the bulb but do not know where to find these.
How about an adapter to the wall socket which has USB charging and the socket for the lamp?
Would an electrician be able to make this kind of adapter?

Tapio K

 

[Mikegh]

First question that springs to mind is why ?

Table lamp sockets have a specific use, 13amp sockets are for general use such as phone charging

 

[tk1023]

First question that springs to mind is why ?

Because 13A sockets unfortunately are too far away. Especially would be needed to charge tablets while sitting where we only have those 5A sockets.

 

[Zerax]

Lamp sockets are usually switched from a wall switch.... so charging would only occur when lamp circuit was on.

 

[westward10]

Replace it with a 13A socket which has usb charging then fit a 13A plug to the lamp.

 

[Mikegh]

Replace it with a 13A socket which has usb charging then fit a 13A plug to the lamp.

Is that advisable though

It pretty much becomes a socket for "general use" then connected to a lighting circuit which may not have rcd protection either.

 

[westward10]

Agreed in will require additional rcd protection so that needs verifying but is the most obvious solution. There is nothing to say a 13A socket cannot be fitted to a lighting circuit although if wired with 1.0 cable you could argue against it.

 

[tk1023]

Lamp sockets are usually switched from a wall switch.... so charging would only occur when lamp circuit was on.

Yes, but this is acceptable.

 

[Mikegh]

Agreed in will require additional rcd protection so that needs verifying but is the most obvious solution. There is nothing to say a 13A socket cannot be fitted to a lighting circuit although if wired with 1.0 cable you could argue against it.

Ya I wasn't sure about the rcd requirements,.not familiar enough with UK rules

I think I'd be against the switch from dedicated 5amp to 13amp which can end up with appliances being plugged in

Last point I suppose can be argued either way. May be ok if only used for lamp and charger

 

[westward10]

Yes, but this is acceptable.

Nothing to say it isn't.

 

[littlespark]

Just don’t plug in the hoover.

You can get single usb charger faceplates without a socket… fit one beside the 5A socket, spurred off the back of the 5A socket.
Would need tested, etc as being part of the fixed wiring.

 

[DPG]

Just don’t plug in the hoover.

You can get single usb charger faceplates without a socket… fit one beside the 5A socket, spurred off the back of the 5A socket.
Would need tested, etc as being part of the fixed wiring.

That's a good use for those USB-only plates.

 

[Avo Mk8]

Or if you don't want to fiddle with the fixed socket, you could plug one of these ugly things in, change the plug on the lamp back to 13A, and use you usual charger ?

5amp Round Pin Plug (small) to 2x Gang 13amp Trailing Socket (unfused) | eBay

This item is unfused. the cable is 85cm long approx. Always read all tex and see all photos before the buy it now button. or have a safe box or place for them to leave it for you. or consider argos as an alternative.

www.ebay.co.uk

5A ROUND PIN PLUG FITTED TO TWIN 13A TRAILING SOCKET WHITE 230V 240V 5A MAX! | eBay

The 15a is larger than a square pin 13a and the 5a round is a bit smaller, the 2a round is very small ! These plugs are often found in Pubs etc. Twin gang 13A MAX. 5 Amp plug to 230V TWIN Mains trailing socket (white).

www.ebay.co.uk

Might be worth looking for adaptors made for India type D sockets, which I believe are the same as UK 5A.
Here's a USB charger that I think will fit your socket !!!

Mx Usb Power Adaptor Charger 3 Pin Indian Standard, Mx 3370(pack Of 1)

IT Global - Offering MX USB Power Adaptor Charger 3 Pin Indian Standard, MX-3370(Pack of 1), AC Adapters, AC Power Adapter, पावर एडाप्टर in Mumbai, Maharashtra. Get best price and read about company. Get contact details and address| ID: 14074862097

www.indiamart.com

Or change the plug on your lamp, and one of these ?

Ceptics USA to India, Nepal, Travel Adapter Plug - Type D - Dual USB (CTU-10) | eBay

The CTU-10 is designed in the US and it’s our top choice for travel adapter to use in Type D outlets. It features one socket to connect a N. American 2-prong or a 3-prong power cord and two USB ports to charge your USB devices such as cell phones, tablets and power bank. Key Features...

www.ebay.co.uk