can I use an extension lead in this type of socket?

[DanUK]

Hello! I hope you can help please.

I have moved into a conversion flat and it has sockets throughout the flat that are linked up to light switches (so using a light switch can turn on multiple lamps at a time). Pretty nifty and I like it.

The plugs they take are: https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/31txLjeJkCL._AC_UL320_SR286,320_.jpg

I've changed the plugs on my lamps to these and it works perfectly. The one thing I'm unsure about is whether I could use an extension lead instead so I can connect more to it? There's one place in the flat where I'd love two lamps to be controlled by the switch, but there's only one of these plug sockets.

Thoughts?

 

[telectrix]

add another 5A socket next to the existing. or an easy but a naughty way would be to wire both lamps into 1 plug

 

[LankyWill]

Put a 5a plug on a conventional extension lead, and make sure your friends don't plug their 13a accessories into it. How retro

 

[PEG]

You could fit another 5A outlet...but isn't there a coal-hole grate,to black,and a step,to oxblood?

 

[Marvo]

MK used to sell a 5Amp 2-way adapter, not sure if you still get them..I'm going back to the days of bakelite.

 

[rsgaz]

MK used to sell a 5Amp 2-way adapter, not sure if you still get them..I'm going back to the days of bakelite.

Grelco brand 5A BS546 double adaptor - https://www.flameport.com/electric_museum/plugs_converters_adaptors/grelco_5a_double_adaptor.cs4

 

[dmxtothemax]

Buy a four way power board,
chop the plug off
put on the required plug

 

[Worcester]

Buy a four way power board,
chop the plug off
put on the required plug

Get an extension board with a fuse unit in it, and put a 3A or 5A fuse in there, that way a numpty can't over power it.
We come across 5A sockets and plugs for this purpose quote frequently - our local wholesaler sells the plugs and sockets - they're not bakelite though as that contains asbestos!

 

[Marvo]

.....they're not bakelite though as that contains asbestos!

Is Bakelite under the HSE asbestos regs nowadays?

 

[westward10]

Is Bakelite under the HSE asbestos regs nowadays?

Indeed it does and CAR (Control of Asbestos Regulations) 2012 should be consulted. Many plastics can contain asbestos as it was cheap and made an excellent binding agent.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Not all Bakelite contains asbestos - wood flour was probably the most common filler used in it. In any case, Bakelite does not shed dust unless and it breaks cleanly, so it's almost impossible for it to release any fibres. If you are going to have asbestos anywhere, bonded tightly into Bakelite is the safest place for it.

Making a 5A-13A adaptor lead defeats the purpose of the 5A sockets being reserved for lighting. You can buy old 5A 2-way adaptors on eBay regularly amongst lots of assorted old plugs and accessories. These may not be guarded to the same standard as the socket, in particular the older types will not be shuttered, but the later ones from reputable brands such as MK will be, and are generally pretty sound. Or yes, add another socket.