I've just moved into a new flat and in the lounge, next to every standard plug socket, there are sockets with three round holes in a triangle (like a standard plug socket but with roung holes rather than rectangular). Can anyone tell me what they are? There is also a dimmer switch that is not connected to anything, so could they be for lighting? I have tried european plugs but they do not fit. Any ideas would be much appreciated...
It is normal to use BS576 round pin sockets for lighting, in order to prevent the sockets' accidental use for portable equipment. I would suspect that the dimmer switch does, indeed, control the socket in question. In my new loft room, I have installed 5 of these on 3 indepedent switches (not dimmers as I only use CFL bulbs). This is because ceiling lighting doesn't work well in a bedroom, as it is harsh and prevents comfortable reading. Having table and standard lamps dotted around is much more cosy.
Christian.
Plug a table lamp into them.
Normally a separate LIGHTING circuit, possibly dimmed, that takes UK style 5 Amp rated non fused plugs.
I have just such here in many rooms.
Its designed to be able to switch off ALL the standard/table/reading lamps from one place etc.
I cannot just test it because a standard plug does not fit into them. Will try the round pin plugs as suggested above! Thanks very much!
I meant BS546, not 576, in case you want to do some searching.
Christian.
I cannot just test it because a standard plug does not fit into them. Will try the round pin plugs as suggested above! Thanks very much!
Thanks very much Christian - will definately give it a go!
B&Q stock those plugs.
reading.
Oh dear you are making me feel OLD !!! Time was when we only had the round pin sockets in 2, 5, and 15 amp the later being wired radially in good old 7/029. Then they brought in these modern square ones !
AWEM
Almost certainly one of these - it gives the distance between pins so measure your sockets to match up.
Commonly used for lighting circuits at floor level - things like table lamps which you wish to switch or dim from a central point. Avoids plugging the Hoover in and blowing up the dimmer. ;-)
radially
What was scary were the adapter that could be used to allow a 2 or 5 amp plugs (and hence appliance) into a 15 amp socket, without any down rating of the protection device - there is still a lot to said for radial circuits (with the protection at the panel) but not when they can be so easily abused...
Although they are still safer than an abused BS1363 plug which is then being feed by a ring circuit rated at 30 amps...
On Thu, 24 Aug 2006 17:33:39 +0100 someone who may be "Jerry" wrote this:-
Is there, for providing general power around buildings?
On Thu, 24 Aug 2006 21:22:57 +0100 someone who may be "Jerry" wrote this:-
Only if the fuse has been replaced by something else.
Of course someone who does this may well also do the same sort of thing at the consumer unit.
Yes, other than cost.
But in most cases it's a tad more difficult than just inserting an old nail or bolt shank....
Many ignorant [1] people will attempt to 'mend' a BS1363 plug were they would not dare to tamper with a distribution panel.
[1] use in the true meaning of the word.On Sat, 26 Aug 2006 10:23:12 +0100 someone who may be "Jerry" wrote this:-
I note that you didn't specify any advantages.
There are 17 single sockets, 17 twin sockets and 3 connection units in my house, on two ring final circuits. Were they to be wired radially, in say up to six singles or three twins per circuit and two of the three connection units on separate radials that comes to
11 radial circuits. That wouldn't just be expensive, it would be difficult to find somewhere to put all the cables in places. The ring arrangement is also far more flexible, allowing changes to be made much more easily.Other than a few specific circumstances ISTM that radial wiring has no advantages for general circuits.
Fridges and Freezers, computers and telecom / data handling, any RCD protected circuit, to name a few applications that benefit from dedicated supplies. Then there is the abuse factor, that started this discussion, a distr' panel fitted with CB's protecting individual outlets is going to a dammed sight more difficult to abuse that bunging a nail or bolt shank (let alone just the wrong fuse) into a BS1363 plug.
Yes, and one fault can take out the whole bleeding lot, yes the panel would be bigger, but it's not bigger that what we have been used to - assuming that one large panel was used and not smaller panels (on different floors, for example) supplied via sub mains.
Only to a closed mind used to the cheapness and ease of ring circuit installation.
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