Electric Socket Hel...
 

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[Closed] Electric Socket Help BS 546

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How easy is it for me to convert some old BS 546 sockets to BS 1363 standard? Or would it just be easier to swap the plug out on some lamps to the BS 546 plugs and plug them in???

Electrics is not my strong suit and I don't fancy setting fire to the house right now.


 
Posted : 28/01/2021 4:03 pm
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Swapping will be easy enough, but they may be wired on the lighting circuit and not the ring main - if so, you shouldn't be putting 13a sockets on them

*edit - do they switch via a light switch or permanently live?

**edit

Electrics is not my strong suit and I don’t fancy setting fire to the house right now.

Or killing yourself changing them. Get an electrician in


 
Posted : 28/01/2021 4:05 pm
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What he said.

I'd swap the lights it'll be easier and make it clear incase someone later goes and plugs in a hoover after all it's just a socket.

Unless you can confirm the whole circuits up to the task.


 
Posted : 28/01/2021 4:08 pm
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Definitely swap the plug on the lamp and not the socket.


 
Posted : 28/01/2021 4:09 pm
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Also try Liam at wiltech if you need a local spark who does what he says he will when he says he will


 
Posted : 28/01/2021 4:09 pm
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hmmm, sparky it is. Thanks!


 
Posted : 28/01/2021 4:19 pm
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To change a plug on a lamp?!


 
Posted : 28/01/2021 4:21 pm
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no, to change BS 546 to BS 1363 socket and make sure it won't blow if someone plugs a hairdryer in.


 
Posted : 28/01/2021 4:26 pm
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Use these to avoid the wrong plugs being used

https://www.flameport.com/electric_museum/plugs_13A_non_standard/mk_non_standard_t_earth_pin_plugs.cs4


 
Posted : 28/01/2021 9:03 pm
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no, to change BS 546 to BS 1363 socket and make sure it won’t blow if someone plugs a hairdryer in.

Simple. Just replace the socket, and all the wiring between the socket and the meter.

Round-pin sockets used a variety of current ratings but even if it's got 15A cabling rather than 2A and you're running a low-drain appliance from it, BS1363 was a consequence of WWII. Those cables are likely older than your mum.


 
Posted : 28/01/2021 10:17 pm
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Or they could be lighting sockets! such things do exist and still use the old 2 pin or 3 pin round pin plugs. You can still buy them

do not just change the fronts


 
Posted : 28/01/2021 10:21 pm
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Or they could be lighting sockets! such things do exist and still use the old 2 pin or 3 pin round pin plugs. You can still buy them

Yep, my parents have them all the lamps come on from the lights witch.

I don't think they are the same as the old roundpins though, narrower maybe. Either way over time they just sit there unused because they're stupid.


 
Posted : 28/01/2021 10:59 pm
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Either way over time they just sit there unused because they’re stupid.

Why are they stupid? Go to leave the room, turn off all the lights with the switch by the door. Or without them, go to leave the room, turn off the lights with the switch by the door, realise the lamp is still on, walk back, go hunting for the fiddly little switch on bulb holder, not there as its actually on the cable behind the sofa, then turn it off, walk back across the room in darkness. They are a great solution if you want plug in lamps.


 
Posted : 29/01/2021 7:04 am
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"Alexa, turn the lamps off."


 
Posted : 29/01/2021 7:35 am
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Because they're still lamps so people do what lamps are for turning on and off individually to use what the want. The the next day you turn all the lights on to find they're all off 🙂.

They're not stupid really but where is the fun in not getting a reaction?

Alexa's... They are stupid though. Not a chance one will ever enter my hoose.


 
Posted : 29/01/2021 7:44 am

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