3 amp sockets for lamps ... Can I fit wall lights?

Hoploz

The house I've moved to has some funny socket which I've discovered are 3 amp sockets for plugging in lamps which are then switchable by the main light switch.

I can put the matching plugs on my existing table lamps, but could I attach a standard wall light to it? I can't see online any figures on the amps normal wall lights are ... Presumably I woud have to wire the little plugs on rather than wire in directly as there wouldn't be a fuse

... Can anyone help please?

Jonesya

Are they round pin sockets? I don't think you get 3A round pin sockets - normally they are 5A or 2A so you might want to check - google BS546 5A or 2A

To calculate the current - take the wattage and divide by 230V so for example:
100W bulb draws 100/230 = 0.43A
11W low energy bulb draws 11/230 = 0.047A

So check the wattage of your plug-in wall light and calculate the current but it's very unlikely to be a problem.

Also - just to check, but these round pin sockets - how old is the wiring? Are these sockets in a modern or recently rewired property, I ask because you do get some old houses with old electrical installations that still have the original 1940s/50s round pin sockets, which you probably wouldn't want to use.

Owain_Moneysaver

They'll be either 2 amp or 5 amp sockets. For domestic use they must be shuttered and the pins of the plugs must be sleeved.

Round pin plugs aren't fused. They should be on a 5A or 6A circuit and so wall lights can usually be connected directly without further fusing.

sew_what

Most wall lights are designed to be attached to the wall with the wires buried in the wall, if you want to plug them in then you'd need to have them rewired with flex and this might involve drilling extra holes in the back plate, providing strain relief etc
Ikea do some wall lights with attached flex http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/categories/departments/living_room/20504/

Hoploz

Thanks everyone, so it might be ok to do then - I will look into it