CAN YOU STILL INSTALL 5 AMP ROUND PIN SOCKETS? BS 546 - Electricians' Q&A

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Round pin plugs and sockets are one of the original socket outlets used within UK electrical installations. Can you still use these BS 546 style plugs and sockets according to BS7671.
Joe Robinson explores BS7671 to find the answer.
Interesting to note that BS 546 socket outlets are still used extensively within new installations in India and South Africa.
This question was raised by an eFIXX viewer when we featured a 5A socket as part of our MK Base LED dimmer review - • SHOULD ALL LED DIMMER ...
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================================
🕐 TIME STAMPS 🕕
======================
00:00 Are 5 amp sockets allowed..?
00:16 Clever MK base dimmer
00:35 BS 546 from 1950
00:57 What does BS 7671 say..?
01:33 BS 7671 confirms BS 546 outlets
01:54 Must be shuttered in a domestic dwelling
02:50 Round pin plugs and sockets for lighting..?
03:00 Indent 5
03:41 MK round pin BS 546 socket outlet
================================
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6 июл 2024

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Комментарии : 309

@efixx 2 года назад

Question in response to use of a 5 Amp socket in this video - ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-L2nP442gwDk.html

@raychambers3646 2 года назад

Used 2 amp s/o wired to central point so that a remote control can be added without to much upheaval in future.

@robdavy4468 2 года назад

I think you just linked back to this video?

@BenCos2018 2 года назад

@@robdavy4468 yep they did

@mbak7801 2 года назад

These sockets are a good idea for table lamp use. Many hotels use them to discourage guests from plugging in hair driers or kettles.

@thorbjrnhellehaven5766 2 года назад

I remember the socket in the SAS-louch at Copenhagen Airport, in my ippinion failed on socket choise. They use normal danish houshold sockets (accepting most euorpean plugs) for the lamps The sockets intended for customers at danish EDB-sockets, incompatible with normal europen plugs. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AC_power_plugs_and_sockets#Danish_Section_107-2-D1_earthed_(Type_K) Where do you think people plug their laptop? They unplug the lamp, because that's where their plug will fit... The EDB-socket is mostly used for professional purpose. I was there so frequently, I decided to order a danish EDB plug to make an adapter to CEE 7/3 socked.

@majstealth 2 года назад

@@thorbjrnhellehaven5766 it seems socket designers liked to play with the geometrics of pins, just enough to make silly faces...

@Umski 2 года назад

Our house (built by previous owners in 2002) is riddled with round pin sockets for table lights in every room - somewhat useful as it gives options for where to put them and how they are switched from the numerous wall or pull switches - as mentioned they also prevent inadvertent use of a square pin plugs - they're all shuttered too 👍 and they left a box of spare plugs in the garage too so I can re-wire any existing lamps :)

@piccalillipit9211 2 года назад

My ex-father in law's house was a big barn conversion with no ceiling lighting - all lighting was from various lamps and up lighters - he was an architect, the house won a design award actually. They were all on small 5 amp round pin plugs and switched at the wall. I always wondered why??? Now I know.

@qedelec 2 года назад

I have used these for lighting and also to supply a DVD security recorder hidden in the loft and supplied from the lighting circuit.

@smorris12 2 года назад

BS546 never went away. Theatre lighting is predicated around the 15A version!

@MerlinIslandCrabCoveRailway 2 года назад

That's because a fused plug, up in the scaffolding above a stage is a bit of a pain. Most modern stuff now used the commando plug again unfused.

@rudolmeyer 2 года назад

@@MerlinIslandCrabCoveRailway "That's because a fused plug, up in the scaffolding above a stage is a bit of a pain." Up until a few years ago i used to be in charge of the lighting and audio of a small amateur dramatics society, the onstage lighting rig was only fitted with BS546 sockets (from a previous install, as the building is from the 60's, and that cupboard was never updated, the business ends from the sockets to the ringmain, i had nothing to do with..) and snaked through a tubing system of my own design, I terminated them in a locked cupboard with each plug clearly marked as to fitting type,(led, Minim, spot etc) and stage position for the light, if one failed, (they didn't, as it was all new tubing, wiring, (I replaced the wiring in each of the fittings too, to replace the older stuff) socket and plugs) the corresponding plug could easily be seen to. there was a similar setup in the back cupboard, well more like a recessed double wardrobe really, for the house lights, but those were wired into the ZERO 88 BETAPACK 6-way 15a Connector dimmer Racks and everything was sent to a control desk.. so, thanks for that comment, but if sorted correctly, it doesn't need to be a pain really. ;)

@kwinterburn 2 года назад

We used to use the Reyrolle plugs with fused pins ..... Yes children fused pins .... Shock horror

@tooleyheadbang4239 2 года назад

@@kwinterburn The Dorman Smith pattern 13A plug. Popular with the BBC for years.

@theturtlemoves3014 2 года назад

I was of the opinion that 15A sockets are used to prevent stupid cast (who have difficulty remembering lines) from plugging into dimmer circuits

@Electronics-Rocks 2 года назад

I good to see this pointed out, as onsite I suggested using a BS546 plug and socket for lighting and everyone was a bit shocked, then they pointed out that I was the oldest person OK granddad!

@acespark1 2 года назад

First time I saw a BS 546 Skt outlet used for lighting, I was at college training, and was asked to go to a lecturers house, to find out why the socket kept blowing the fuse (BS 3036). This whally had replaced the BS 546 outlet with a BS 1363 outlet and plugged in the Hoover, not thinking for one second why it was on the lighting circuit and switched from the light switch next to the door. The Lecturer was teaching me the regs and the time.🎈🐔

@efixx 2 года назад

That's not at all concerning! 😬🤦‍♂️

@jonathanbrown9245 2 года назад

I've used these when a customer wanted to add under cabinet and plinth lighting in a kitchen. Came off the kitchen lights into round socket outlet on either side of the kitchen, Labelled them lighting only. Then connected round plugs to the two drivers placed above the cabinets. No chance anything else could be accidentally plugged into them. Still see lots of these in hotels

@jondonnelly4831 2 года назад

That's a good application for this.

@thorbjrnhellehaven5766 2 года назад

What about international guests at the hotel? The spacing for BS 546 is pretty close to the differnt Europlugs. CEE 7/2, 7/4, 7/6, 7/7, 7/16, 7/17 Will it be good enough connection, or not? Some of them ar max 2.5A, but others are up to 16A

@dglcomputers1498 2 года назад

I used one when I fitted my Grans stairlift, run of a 5A switched fused spur, meant that it was unlikely that anyone would unplug the stairlift to use the socket and meant that if the PSU for the stairlift failed (which it did) replacement was easier.

@3ExtraLives 2 года назад

As someone training to be an electrician in the states, it's always interesting to see how other countries codes compare to our NEC, very interesting video

@kwinterburn 2 года назад

Well yes US codes still allow screwits you know those awful screw on things wirenuts they call them

@chrisardern4594 2 года назад

Absolutely yes it gives a very good effect when you enter a room and switch on 2 or3 table lights with the wall switch.

@efixx 2 года назад

Agreed!

@steverolfe70 2 года назад

I have installed 5amp and 2amp sockets since the 1980’s. It’s nice to be able to leave the room and switch all lights off from the door.

@fuzzylon 2 года назад

And compare this to my mother's living room where there are three table lamps and a floor lamp that all have to be turned on when you want to use the room and all separately turned off when you leave the room. These BS546 plugs and sockets and a switch by the door would be great for her.

@andysims4906 2 года назад

Lots of large houses round here use 2amp sockets for table lights etc. Only the other day I had to wire some 2A sockets in bedrooms as the client didn’t want centre lights. One other thing I use 2A sockets for is TV amplifies in lofts as normally there is only a lighting circuit handy. In this case I use a MK 2A fused plug for maximum safety . I also leave a spare fuse as it’s not a common size

@efixx 2 года назад

Great idea

@HughEdwards 2 года назад

Excellent tip

@TheEulerID 2 года назад

As far as I'm aware there is no regulation stopping a BS1363 socket being installed into a 6A circuit. Of course if somebody plugs a vacuum cleaner into the circuit, but that's not a safety issue, more a convenience one, and it unlikely to happen in a loft.

@davidfaraday7963 2 года назад

@@TheEulerID I had this argument with a spark who did a rewire of a commercial property of which I am a director. The requirement was for a socket above a doorway for an illuminated sign. The sign requires an external 12V PSU for which I use a plug-in type with pins to BS 1363. So I asked for a BS1363 socket to be installed but he refused on the grounds that it was fed from a 6A lighting circuit and he installed a 5A socket into which my PSU would not go! OK it was no big deal for me to change the socket after he left, but I shouldn't have needed to do it.

@r8118830 2 года назад

@@davidfaraday7963 He was being careful David. If he had done so and then there was some problem that he could not foresee then he would be responsible. If he did it according to his interpretation of the regs then anything you do after is your fault.

@wisteela 2 года назад

Great information. Subscribed. I've seen them used for lamps in pubs, and always thought it was to stop other things being plugged in.

@johnmccallum8512 2 года назад

I should think it also stops(sometimes) them sprouting legs and disapearing.

@GrahamDIY 2 года назад

Have recently rewired my large lounge and separately my kitchen/dining room. I installed 8 of these in each room, for lamps, controlled by a light switch 8??? Why 8 ? Try getting your Mrs to tell you exactly where she wants the lamps in advance..... 😬

@efixx 2 года назад

Future proofing ... people often change their mind ..😆

@goodplacereviewer2495 2 года назад

Why would you use one of these instead of a standard socket?

@alistair1978utube 2 года назад

@@goodplacereviewer2495 for the reason given in the video - to stop a hoover (or other inappropriate equipment) being plugged into a lighting circuit

@GrahamDIY 2 года назад

@@goodplacereviewer2495 because they are wired from a lighting circuit. And I want to be able to switch on several lamps (we have three in our lounge) from one switch. Actually we have two switches, via a two way arrangement - I know, posh, like we’re living in 3021!! Lol

@tonysheerness2427 2 года назад

Years ago when power sockets were not so prevalent they use to iron using a bayonet plug on the iron and plugging it into the ceiling light socket. I can see someone putting a round plug on the vacuum cleaner to utilise your lighting sockets. However how many amps is a vacuum cleaner if it is under 1500 watts it will not trip or blow the fuse.

@ian_b 2 года назад

I installed them once in the late 90s for outlets for table lamps, which the customer wanted on a single dimmer (incandescent lamps then of course). I supplied them with some spare 5A plugs for if they bought new table or standard lamps, and it meant normal appliances couldn't be plugged into the dimmer circuit.

@colingeer479 2 года назад

My home, which was built in 1979 has BS 546 sockets fitted for exactly the purpose stated in the video, namely, to attach a lamp that is switched via a domestic wall switch. Having done a bit of work in theater lighting, I realised what it was and still use it today. It's actually very useful and as stated, as the only devices I can plug in are the lights with round pin plugs, I can't plug anything else into it by accident.

@stevekirby5046 2 года назад

I moved into a newly built house last year and it has a circuit of round pin plug sockets. We never use them. There was also a light switch inside and outside of all the downstairs rooms. The Mrs likes the idea of being able to switch the light on before going into the room.

@efixx 2 года назад

Good to know, interesting solution to the lighting situation!

@robertburrows6612 2 года назад

I often install round pinned sockets in commercial premises, for lighting purely for ease of maintenance , changing faulty lights or to take down the light fitting for cleaning

@efixx 2 года назад

Good application! 😊

@goodplacereviewer2495 2 года назад

What's the benefit to using them instead of the standard lighting sockets like the clicks and flex Sevens ?

@robertburrows6612 2 года назад

@@goodplacereviewer2495 window displays for instance , were the lighting can vary from month to month, sockets are far neater , and are need with floor standing lights , and they are far safer for staff to use

@johnburns4017 2 года назад

I have a dimmer in the living room. It has off it three 5A round unfused pin sockets for table lamps. All dim up and down all at once. Simple cheap and easy.

@alancoales7057 2 года назад

My parents' house built in the mid '60s had one 15A round pin socket in the airing cupboard. The other sockets in the house were square pin. The round pin socket was, probably still is, used for the immersion heater without any problem. This seems to me safer than a wired connection through a fused switch. Safer for anyone who might want to replace the immersion heater. In my own home I made a mistake by replacing a fused switch with a square pin socket & plug. I wanted to put a plug in timer in that socket to reduce water heating costs. The cheap mechanical timer didn't last long although rated 13A - which should be OK for a 3kW heater. The plug & socket lasted for some years after the timer although the fused plug became noticeably warm to the touch (much warmer than the textiles in my airing cupboard). Finally a crack formed in the plastic face of the socket. I'd now advise against using BS1363 connectors for such loads.

@TheEulerID 2 года назад

BS546 is favoured in complicated theatre lighting set-ups as the lack of a fuse in the plug simplifies isolating the cause of a problem. It eliminates the possibility of the fuse being the problem.

@piccalillipit9211 2 года назад

@tinawilliams7563 7 месяцев назад

Thanks for this helpful explanation! Recently bought an apartment that was built in 2003 - no idea what these sockets were for....tried to plug tv aerial in one. Almost understand now, I think 🤗

@brianwood5220 2 года назад

Well explained Joe. I myself, have used them before; as you suggested for lamps.

@wayneh150 2 года назад

Really excellent video wow High quality information there. We stick them in for customers wanting side table lights switched from a wall switch.

@scottsparky1 2 года назад

I did this in my lounge for table lamps. As my partner would turn them on but never turn them off. So I wired them on a single socket back to the light switch.

@efixx 2 года назад

Great solution 👍

@leecartlidge4124 2 года назад

Only problem with a single socket is that someone could plug a hoover in or etc and trip the supply

@tuboid001 2 года назад

@@leecartlidge4124 Well I'm sure after they've done it once they will not do it again, so not a huge problem.

@scottsparky1 2 года назад

@@leecartlidge4124 lable lights only.

@r1273m 2 года назад

Very interesting indeed. I've got a box of these in the loft, I've been threatening to dump them for years thinking they would no longer be legal!

@nocode1603 2 года назад

Yeah we used these round pin sockets & plugs if I can remember it's was a 3amp purely for switched standard lamps in conservatory witch was fed of a 6amp lighting mcb it was mk gear very effective way of switching fancy lights 😃

@5park5 2 года назад

Used these many times over the years for switching table and standard lamps in country houses and cottages.

@adamburns1077 2 года назад

We don’t install them regularly, but we did recently install them in a large house for bedside lamps where the entirety of the house was smart controlled by multiple iPad like controllers throughout and on a smartphone.

@Aser6000 2 года назад

Our new house has a few of these in the living room. This video has made me think that the one light switch that doesn't seem to do anything is probably controlling these sockets. I'll have to get a BS546 plug and test it out.

@Geethreeohm 2 года назад

Sounds right 👍

@allennicholson4248 Год назад

We had BS546 in our house until this week when we finally replaced them all with the newer square pin type. They had been there since the 40s. Wiring is copper sleeved fireproof throughout so this did not need changing.

@thomfoun 2 года назад

Very informative as always

@efixx 2 года назад

Glad you think so!🖐

@thebiggerbyte5991 2 года назад

As a kid, I lived in a 'prefab' that had been built just after WWII ended. Originally planned to be up for only 5 years while 'proper' housing was built, they were still around well into the late 80s, and a few still are. All the sockets were of the BS546 5A variety as shown, and we had to have a BS1363 socket installed for our new washing machine in around 1980. In 1985, we moved to a house that had BS1363 sockets as standard, with just one BS546 15A outlet for, ironically, a washing machine.

@nintynathan 2 года назад

Interesting stuff. We had these installed in our kitchen/diner when we refurbished to run lamps from the lighting circuit on a switch. I wanted to use them for Christmas tree lights but our lights had a moulded plug. I found out that India uses roung plugs commonly around the country so a 'UK - India travel plug adapter' worked a treat as it converts flat pin plugs to round types.

@mbak7801 2 года назад

It would have been safer to cut off the moulded in plug and put a round pin one on than use travel adapters which can be as dodgy as hell.

@michaelhaddock8636 2 года назад

The halls of residence I lived in during the first year of my degree had sockets with round pins (admittedly back in the 1980s). They used it as a way of limiting the amount of electrical gear that students were able to use in their rooms by limiting the number of plugs that they gave out. Pre-internet none of the students knew where we could buy them for ourselves.

@jocramkrispy305 2 года назад

similarly, I used to see them a lot in hotel rooms.

@piccalillipit9211 2 года назад

HEHEHEHE

@peterw4338 2 года назад

It's cheaper not to use plugs and instead use matchsticks to wedge the wires in the sockets; job done!

@stevecraft00 2 года назад

We look after a lot of houses wired around 1990 which have round pin plugs feeding kitchen fans. Also we look after a lot of small community centres built in the 80s which all have clock connectors (but alas no clock any more). Maybe do a video on these!

@rayc1503 2 года назад

I do recall Gaz saying he'd installed a 3 pin round socket and plug from a lighting circuit in his home. I'm sure he said he used it specifically for a TV. I guess the power consumption would be fairly low. That said it would comply as stated within the regs. Keep up the fantastic work. I really enjoy these uploads and they're easily digested. 👍

@netking66 2 года назад

I lived in a house built before ring mains were common. Mostly 5 amp BS546 installed on lighting circuits. Essential to keep a torch and a good supply of 5 amp fuse wire on hand, since the fuses were inside the main switch cover and the cut-off, meter and main switch were under the stairs. There was further trouble when the Electricity Board quietly increased the voltage from 200 volts to 230 volts (it would have gone to 240 volts later still) and did not inform electrical retailers and servicepeople. There was a spate of radio and TV failures as they had been set for 200 volts. In those days a radio or TV had to be capable of operating from 110 volts to 250 volts AC or DC and if DC, either the positive or negative could be earthed (three wire system) so the appliance had to be double insulated with suitable voltage rated capacitors to isolate aerial, gram and other connections.

@ashbashbaby2 2 года назад

Yes very happy to use them for lighting

@amatchmadeindevon2005 2 года назад

Yes many times, conservatory’s with dwarf walls, dimmer switch at standard height for floor lamps or table lamps, works a treat, or lounges where the client prefers this setup rather than ceiling lights

@smorris12 2 года назад

Reinstated a whole load of 5A lighting sockets like this for a friend's lounge Disconnected and blanked when she bought the house but wired to BS1363 sockets(!) at some point in the long-past according to old photos. Along with some extra bits she's gone from a 3 gang grid switch to a 3x3 grid setup - I'm very jealous!!

@nigelcharteris 2 года назад

On the round pin sockets, there are both 5A and 2A. If I use round pin, I always try to use 5A as you are usually dealing with a 6Amp circuit (yes I know 5Amps is less than 6Amps, but when we upgrade a consumer unit, 5A fuses are replaced with 6A MCBs/RCBOs - MCBs are quicker acting etc etc and cables can generally take 6Amps). The difficulty of course is if the lamp has 0.5mm flex which these often do. This has me considering using 3Amp MCBs. Glad to hear you can get fused 5Amp plugs I will have to seek these out! Efixx videos are brilliant.

@donkmeister 2 года назад

I've used BS546 sockets on dimmer-controlled lighting circuits. Whenever I've used a BS1363 on a lighting circuit I've used unswitched single sockets and labelled it. Not foolproof as someone could ignore or remove the label. Another interesting socket design is the Hager Klick - it's designed to support light fittings, but is a perfect size to fit behind the chimney shroud of an extractor in an architrave box.

@howardsix9708 2 года назад

excellent.................learned alot, and you cut through most of the jargon.........h6.............midlands.

@steverpcb 2 года назад

The house that I lived in as a child had all round pin sockets, then we moved and the house had a few 5A sockets for lighting, typicaly positioned for use by the xmass tree or a floor standing "standard lamp". I have no problem installing low ampage round pin sockets that are correctly protected. Back in the old "round pin" days there were such things as Shaver adaptors with pull cord that you could plug in to any "typicaly", light fitting, with no protection ! At work I also have issues with Compressed Air and equaly have to stop folk taking something from one socket to another that it should not be used in.

@johnburns4017 2 года назад

It is clear that on a final ring circuit a square pin 13A socket and plug _must_ be used. *But!* Always a but. *A spur off a final ring circuit that has a fused DP 13A FCU:* The line after the FCU is now a _radial_ circuit. Sub to the final ring circuit, but clearly a radial. So a 15A shuttered socket and unfused 15A round pin plug can be used. Handy behind washing machines and tumble dryers: *a)* as there is no fuse in the plug; *b)* eliminates potential scorching on the plastic around fuses on plugs on high current drawing appliances running for long periods, like tumble dryers. So, a 15A unfused round pin plug can be used off a final ring circuit, if on a spur off the final ring with a fused FCU protecting the 15A round pin.

@TheBroz 2 года назад

Thanks for the info. I just moved into a house with a conservatory that has 3 of these sockets which I assume are controlled by a single dimmer switch.

@rimmersbryggeri 2 года назад

I think they look more streamlined fo lighting applications. And as you said cross contamination will be impossible. Here in sweden we have different plugs for lighting and general use.

@FSCforal 2 года назад

you can use the small 2amp one for a doorbell or electric clock on its own dedicated supply in the consumer unit :)

@anthonywilliams379 2 года назад

I've removed old ones that had been in use since 1936, a larger size one was even powering a tv and dvd player when I disconnected it, round pins generally are inferior to square or flat pins for good contact but as you said the ability to have your non-affixed lighting run from the lighting circuit or better yet even be switched on the lighting circuit is a massive advantage that a standard socket arrangement just isn't suitable for. definitely something to suggest to customers if they rely heavily on lamps rather than their main fitted lighting for lighting to have them on a 5A socket arrangement to a second switch.

@piccalillipit9211 2 года назад

@Graham_Langley 2 года назад

I've used 5A shuttered sockets and sleeved plugs for airing cupboard and the like lights here, run from a lighting circuit with a standard light switch outside. Also on the flush mounted light in the porch soffit as the hole is more than big enough to get a hand through.

@johnburns4017 2 года назад

What are the regs on inaccessible fuses like in 13A plugs behind washing machines?

@effervescence5664 2 года назад

I recently had to change all the BS 546 sockets to BS 1363 in a new build as most standing lamps now come with BS 1363 plugs and smart ones if they fail and you've chopped the 1363 off to replace it with a 546 are no longer covered under the manufacturers warranty. Which often is hilarious when someone isn't paying attention and plugs a hair dryer into the lighting sockets even when they're labelled - solution: also mount them upside down people do a double take before plugging in.

@johnburns4017 2 года назад

I would have fitted round pins with fuses. If they kick up, they would not stand a chance in hell legally as it has been fitted to regs and electrically sound & safe. What if the appliance's sealed plug fails? Then you replace it with a normal plug with the correct fuse? They think you have to go to them then order a new lead and sealed plug, taking the appliance to pieces to fit the new lead?

@calmeilles 2 года назад

Manufacturers claiming changing the plug invalidates their warranty are taking the p*ss. Even if they were willing to throw lawyers at a dispute doing so _certainly_ does not in any way invalidate the basic "of merchantable quality" consumer protection.

@johnburns4017 2 года назад

@@calmeilles They try it on, to get out of responsibilities at all times. Legally they do not have leg to stand on. I would like to see a test case.

@frimleyfrodo 2 года назад

I bought a cheap Tesco Technika TV for use in the spare room. I chopped off the moulded plug top to fit the flex through a hole and fitted a standard 3 amp fused plug. At 16 months old the internal PSU failed and Tesco agreed to a FOC warranty repair by their contracted repair agent. No comment was made regarding the plug top and some 10 years later the TV continues to give good service.

@johnburns4017 2 года назад

@@frimleyfrodo Not all are so responsible.

@BastiElektronik 2 года назад

What is the pin spacing? Could you stick a Euro Plug up there? When my (german) class went to London, we just stuck the euro plug in the normal british socket using a headphone cable to defeat the shutters.

@davidpar2 Год назад

In Britain, they’re usually used on remote switched circuits these days, such as for turning on a floor (standard) lamp that is somewhere in the room from a switch by the door. A woman on youtube made a video review of her Grosvenor House room, and you can see that the floor lamp in it is using one of these plugs

@jondonnelly4831 2 года назад

I love these! So tidy but i've not seen double, triple or quad socket versions. Maybe you want more than one light. Maybe run wireless speakers as part of a surround system or home automation or replace the 10+ wall warts and stuff behind a living room. Thing is wall warts don't come in this. So as much as i'd love these they are obsolete.

@GeoffRiley 2 года назад

I feel ancient: my childhood home only had 5A and 15A round pin sockets… I've a feeling there was a huge 30A one for the cooker. None of them were shuttered, and we kids were always 'experimenting' by pushing things into the holes: net curtain springs fit very neatly over the live and neutral prongs and would warm up when you plugged them in. That's when mum found out what we were doing and … voiced her displeasure. :)

@srfurley 2 года назад

15 A, and to a lesser extent 5 A, BS 546 sockets are still widely used in stage lighting installations. The 2 A ones seem to be little used now, but they are still available. I only ever saw one of the 30 A version, it was on a column of the new Euston station when it opened in the ‘60s, but was later removed.

@kanga22883 2 года назад

In something that came up on a video about 13a sockets on trains, can 13a sockets be mounted upside down (or other angles). It feels wrong but I'm not sure I can find anything to back that up. Also wondering about BS546 sockets, as they're often mounted in theatre lighting applications at an angle (probably so cables drop clear of a socket below)

@simonblackham4987 2 года назад

I have a 'double' wall socket with a single 13amp and two fused 2 amp receptacles (spare, not in use). Does a 2 amp socket need shuttering as the supply pins are so small? I have a 2 amp wall mounted socket (hidden under the porch roof) that I use to switch the front door lamp to Christmas lights every year. (PS it is shuttered!)

@tomcardale5596 2 года назад

Related question, my parents' house has a bunch of 2A round pin sockets on lighting circuits, and I've made up adapters for them so they can run lamps with standard BS1363 plugs from them without having to rewire the plug (some have plugtop power supplies so that's not even possible). If they're used as intended, happy days. However the lighting circuits all have 6A MCBs (formerly 5A rewirable fuses) so in theory you could end up pulling 6A through a socket and plug which is three times its current rating. You've always been able to do that as there's no fuse in the plugtop, however the adapters make it much easier. It does seem a bit weird to have 2A outlets on a 6A circuit. It has been like that for decades but that doesn't mean it's right! I can remember visiting my granny years ago when there were a handful of lightswitches with yogurt pots taped over them. One powered the fax machine, another powered a freezer, both from lighting circuits.

@johnburns4017 2 года назад

The 2A round pin socket can be replaced by a 5A, which is better in my view. OK a 5A plug is still below the 6A MCB protection at the Consumer Unit. But! 2A plugs were for filament lamps, which say a 100w lamp draws about 0.43 amps. It will _never_ draw more than 0.43 amps. The only time it will is maybe in a fault condition, which will be quick, with the MCB protection tripping out. So, being like that for decades does make it right.

@caterthun4853 2 года назад

Use for kitchen hob extraction fan where the nearest supply is the lighting circuit in the ceiling. Location in above the wall kitchen cabinets.

@efixx 2 года назад

Good idea

@efixx 2 года назад

Interesting solution!

@misstakenot9582 2 года назад

Some cooker hood manufacturers specify a hard-wired connection, in which case a plug & socket wouldn't comply. An FCU on the lighting circuit with a 3A fuse would presumably be ok...

@Psychotol 2 года назад

This feels like the Red October question "Can you launch a SLBM horizontally?" I can see a demand for these in museums and period specific sets for live action series and movies, I just don't see them being useful for basically anything else.

@tooleyheadbang4239 2 года назад

They are ideal for table lamps and other portable light fittings, where they can be controlled by wall switches. There small size renders them neater than the bulky 13A socket, and prevents folk accidentally plugging 3kw heaters into them. Modern ones have no place in period film sets.

@steveb1739 2 года назад

Round pins still used in South Africa. Moves afoot tho' to replace with the rectangular pin. I stand corrected, but I think new builds on SA are required to be fitted with the rectangular pin sockets.

@efixx 2 года назад

Great info thanks 🙏

@achmadosman9807 2 года назад

Actually not correct. The new South African standard is the J type socket which is similar to what is standard in Brazil. It has two pins which is similar to the European connectors with an additional offset central earth pin. This sets it apart from the euro plug as those have perimeter earthing lugs. A double insulated euro plug (2 pins) will fit the South African socket.

@travoltasbiplane1551 2 года назад

Use them all the time. Also stick a 3A 1362 fuse module in at the lights witch... Covers all bases for lights plugged in originally with a 3A fuse in the plugtop. Realistically though the 6A MCB at origin should provide fault protection to the flex and overload isn't going to be an issue with your average table top lamp. But you know... Belt and braces and all that...

@efixx 2 года назад

Top tip 👍

@travoltasbiplane1551 2 года назад

@@efixx ha... Or trying too hard. 🤣

@user-njyzcip Год назад

15A BS546 is widely used in Malaysia and Singapore for air conditioners and instant water heaters too!

@efixx Год назад

Good to know thanks! 😃

@johnlloyd3377 2 года назад

Round pin sockets are essential if you are installing a home lighting control system such as Vantage Control (Legrand) where the sockets are wired back to a low current output from the system.

@RWL2012 2 года назад

My grandparents' house had these for dining room lamps from 1993 to 2000!

@FSCforal 2 года назад

I can't see why they should ever be stopped they have shutters and sleeved pins ( they have to these days) and if their on a fused supply appropriate to the socket used i can't see any danger you can only draw a set amount ie from the fuse for the socket (5amp/2amp 15amp ect) end of the day they have lasted the test of time I actually installed some vintage Mk old stock sockets from the 50s and they still comply :) to the British standard they do look the part in a period property such as mine they was handed down in the family so have a special place in my heart they won't re-make some of the more delightful sockets and switches ,I have a lot of rare ones yes they look ancient but still conform and they always look so nice especially some old brass MK sockets -the only modern thing is the wiring in my house

@JJ-zg1hh 2 года назад

I saw just one of these in a hotel somewhere in the UK. I discovered it in the morning and thought I'd woken up in a foreign country! Presumably for housekeeping reasons but I never got to the bottom of it.

@Geethreeohm 2 года назад

I've worked in a few big old houses in Scotland and they have these instead of centre lights and switch normally via a switch upon entry to the room .

@bimble7240 2 года назад

Had a customer with a fridge freezer in their office. Cleaners kept unplugging it over the weekend to use the vacuum and forgetting to plug it back in. Replaced the socket with a fused spur with 5 amp fuse and one of these plugs. No more spoiled food.

@phil955i 2 года назад

I came across one of these when I bought my present house 6 years ago. The house was built in 1969 & it was in the main bedroom, not being an electrician I assumed it was an old obsolete type of socket as I hadn't seen one before.

@jdseymour1978 2 года назад

I've seen round pin sockets on various trains, presumably so they can be used only by the cleaners for their vacuum cleaners and not used for a phone charger

@Sejen77 2 года назад

Hmmm, I think I saw a RU-vid video on "staff only" UK wall sockets. In that video the sockets were the same output wise but the lower pins were rotated 90 degrees to cause obvious incompatibility.

@raychambers3646 2 года назад

Always used 2 amp switched from door fused at 3 amp from spur outlet ,never had a problem .

@Sparks0001 2 года назад

You mention that sockets for household use must be shuttered, does this mean that commando sockets cant be installed, as these don't come in a shuttered type? I recall seeing that they can if they are switched with an interlock to prevent the switch being turned on when a plug is not inserted, and that locks the plug in when it is on, but I can't seem to find verification for this, do you know? Also, would household use include in a shed/garage in a residential setting, if not, could un-switched commando sockets be used here? Thanks!

@gregoryabraham627 Год назад

Does anyone know if there are height restrictions on these so sockets? I want to use them quite high up on a shelving unit so i can change the type of lighting on the shelves with ease.

@greenaum 2 года назад

I saw a single BS546 in an old house, presumably still working, the rest were all normal 13-amp though. Since then there's been a slight fascination at the back of my head. I wonder if you can get 4-way adaptor strips with those on them? Or else put a socket in a box on the end of a wire on a 13A plug. Then I can plug something or other into it, and it's not permanent. I just want to own something with round pins! edit: They apparently use BS546 in India and Afghanistan! Excellent, I'm off to the New Delhi B&Q!

@pauls9830 2 года назад

What about installing 16a commando type sockets for a caravan on the driveway? Unshuttered pins and a domestic situation.

@lawrencebrown3582 2 года назад

Perfectly reasonable to use round-pin plugs for lighting circuits, and sensible that they should be shuttered, but I'm surprised the plugs don't have to be sleeved - very surprised!

@edwardhoy4191 Год назад

is it possible to rewire a 546 into a standard plug so it will fit in any plug in the house? Thanks

@jakobrebeki 2 года назад

we use the smallest of the 3 pin plugs and sockets range on our narrow boat. lots of people do and it is to be found on lots of other boats as well. the rating we set at is 12VDC and a max of 12AMPS. Good for TV`s and other stuff. the biggest load i think is an 12VDC electric kettle. some people use a 12VDC hot water tank rather then burn propane. hope this helps....

@paultipton743 2 года назад

I saw some round pin sockets in a property for a Housing association not so long ago in a property ( lounge) quite a new build under 5 years old which I assume Is unusual as I don't do new build installations. They were switched via a switched fused connection unit above. We had a call to say the tenant couldn't use the socket as they were trying a 13 amp plug. Its only the 2nd property I have seen with round pin sockets,the last time was probably about 15- 20 years ago.

@petermichaelgreen 2 года назад

That does strike me as a strange thing to see. Normally I would think of switched sockets for lamps as a characteristic of a posh development, not something I'd expect to see in a budget property.

@efixx 2 года назад

Interesting comment Paul, thanks mate!

@millomweb 2 года назад

Round pin connectors still used in S Africa and I think India. Still also used in non-domestic applications, e.g. theatre lighting.

@Inkling777 2 года назад

Listening to this video and reading the comments made me grateful I live in the U.S. where the electrical code is simpler and less obsessed with dictating what people can and cannot do. The UK's electrical code is not only terribly dated, it is paternalism gone mad.

@efixx 2 года назад

It’s a harmonised standard which covers a huge chunk of the world 🌎

@narabdela 2 года назад

...and also far more safe than the dodgy USA code. Get real please Michael

@Geethreeohm 2 года назад

For good reason otherwise the poles and Romanians would doing wiring jobs they know nothing about .

@anthonywilliams379 2 года назад

seem like a great option for cafes and such where they don't want lights unplugged to charge a customer phone.

@mlindholm 2 года назад

Although given that a phone charger, or even a laptop charger, will absolutely pull less than 5A, a smart regular customer to that cafe could toss an adapter plug/lead in their bag, and still make use of the circuit ;)

@anthonywilliams379 2 года назад

@@mlindholm but overall less likley that they'll constantly have their lights unplugged or their power bill skyrocket from misuse of sockets by customers

@mlindholm 2 года назад

@@anthonywilliams379 for sure, most customers would just not try to use them upon seeing those sockets.

@jameskane9763 2 года назад

Still use 15a round pin in theatres and most generic lighting rigs where a 13a may not supply enough power for the use of certain fixtures it also allows for them not to be messed up with any other items if being dimmed which could lead to faults with the item plugged in

@cumberland1234 2 года назад

We do also, it also means we only have the one fuse, it is accessible and not in a plug somewhere up above the stage etc.

@pauljohnson4590 2 года назад

@@cumberland1234 and of course we also use grelcos dangling on the end to feed two fixtures from a single 15A pairing left and right.

@kierantvyoutube3591 2 года назад

One thing I would love to ask efixx could you do a video moulded plugs vs rewireable plug tops I am a budding electrician young and passionate and I have noticed this a lot recently moulded plugs on a lot more items which we buy However these moulded plugs are made terribly there skinny and sometimes going against minimum ratings between pins my grandfather is the same he hates moulded plugs as a result we cut them off what is going on with these terrible things I have seen issues of moulded plugs mrl thing how are the regs allowing them stupid things on appliances Brought a extension lead the other day and it had a moulded plug expecting to carry 3000w at 13 amps when some melt under 2000w that moulded plug has gone where it should of gone from the start of production in the min

@montystelevision3238 2 года назад

I have come across this before in a loft where the pump to a central heating system was plugged into a round pin socket installed in the loft to power it.

@mbak7801 2 года назад

The round pin sockets are rated for higher current. 15A instead of 13A.

@roberthuntley1090 2 года назад

My university hall of residence used this sort of socket in each room, presume with intention of rationing how many power hungry appliances you could add. As I recall, these were protected by 5 Amp breakers outside of the room. Of course, we all connected these to 4 x 13A socket bars to avoid changing all of the plugs on our music systems etc. at the start and end of each term.

@stephenc6648 2 года назад

I was going to say exactly the same thing. This would have been the mid to late 80s. Most people would have had kettles, toasters and hairdryers so we must have seriously overloaded them.

@grotekleum 2 года назад

Round pin sockets remind me of my first electrical experiment as lad of 7. I sat in front of a brown switched round socket and stuck a wire in each small hole and twisted the ends together. Then switched it on. I remember wondering what the hell just happened as a brilliant blueish flash blinded me, a loud bang set my ears ringing and a funny smell made me cough. I never did that experiement again - others like it, but not that one. Happy days.

@alancoote6457 Год назад

In certain situations I would, for instance if you had a 2 kw chip pan on an above the work surface fused spur with a switch on it I would put it inside the cupboard. So the client can lift it up in order to clean around it

@thattoolguy9432 2 года назад

usually install a standard 13a sockets, almost every appliance comes fitted with a 13a plug these days, so it saves the client bother should they wish to change lamps in the future

@leecartlidge4124 2 года назад

You wouldn't be able to switch them from the light switch though

@ARElectrics 2 года назад

The idea of 5amp sockets are to have them switched on the lighting circuit from a light switch. I wouldn't expect lamps to come with 5 amp plug tops. You would need to change them for that use. Pretty much every install we do want 5A sockets for mood lighting the people we deal with seem to always love lots of lamps dotted around the property as apposed to ceiling lights. There are other ways with the smart tech today but then that has to suit the Client.

@tomporter114 2 года назад

Use these all the time in the high end residential sector to control table and floor lamps from lutron homeworks. Don't think it complies with Lutron's warranty however...

@JH-lm2hx 2 года назад

I used 5 and 15 amp round pin plugs in the 60s and 70s, and at the time it was possible to buy rubberised "unbreakable" versions, at a time that the majority of 13 amp square pin plugs were made of a white plastic which could be shattered by a hard impact. Are these still available?

@SamButlerUK 2 года назад

15A rubber plugs definitely, used in theatre/stage lighting primarily on dimmed circuits. I’ve only seen plastic 5A though.

@johnstonewall917 2 года назад

The French style plugs and sockets are greatly superior.

@kwinterburn 2 года назад

Remember there are also use specific connectors like for table lamps and the wonderful clock connector,

@sstorholm 2 года назад

Now I really wonder what that 30 A BS546 plug that was listed in that table looks like.

@18in80 2 года назад

They were the same round pin format as the 2, 5 and 15A types but just bigger. When I used to carry out Periodic Inspection Reports I saw them in older hospitals built in '50s and '60s where they had originally been installed for portable X Ray machines to be used on the wards.

@Umski 2 года назад

A big old boy I imagine :D

@burgersnchips 2 года назад

There's a hotel I visit roughly once a year and the bedside lamp is plugged into a 2A version of this socket. Now I know what it's called I'm gonna knock up an adapter so I can also plug in my phone. Naughty, yes. Handy, absolutely.

@_tmmy_ 2 года назад

The only time I have ever seen these types of sockets being used was for stage lighting in commercials like theatres and schools.

@efixx 2 года назад

Used to be the standard - now it’s more 16A commandos and Neutrink connectors

@joshbobby 2 года назад

'Dimmer' lighting (so what's called a generic light fixture) still uses a similar plug and socket to this but it's actually a 15A socket, a very similar physical size to standard 13A plugs/sockets. The dimming for these fixtures takes place in 'dimming packs' or 'dimming racks', which are then controlled from a lighting desk. This is still used a lot nowadays but getting less common - newer LED lighting fixtures use either standard 13A supplies or 16A ceeform, and they are dimmed internally (data is run as well as power to these 'intelligent' fixtures for the control, whereas only the 15A round pin connector is ran to 'generic' fixtures)

@misstakenot9582 2 года назад

Indeed so - part of the reason being the historical extensive use of extension cables in the entertainment industry. When a theatre-type tungsten lamp blows, it more often than not takes the fuse out with it. With a fuse in the luminaire's plug, one in the extension cable (sometimes more than one cable) and a fuse or mcb at the source this is a logistical nightmare, so every circuit is fused only at the source. The source usually being a dimmer.

@hawk_ness 2 года назад

@@efixx Most hard power is on 16A and devices have PowerCon as their input. Dimmed power is still mostly on 15A to avoid blowing your £5k LED mover when some brain dead local crew plugs it into a dimmed circuit! 🙄 Although are moving all our hard power onto the True1 connectors far nicer manage!