Question about electrics

[SW1A1AA]

Firstly, I nothing about electrics so sorry if this is a thick question.

Moved into a new house which has loads of 5amp round pin plug sockets for operating lamps from the main light switch. The lights are all on a Lutron system.

If I want to plug two lights into a 5amp socket (for two bedside lamps) can I just swap the plug on a normal two-plug extension cable for a 5amp plug and use it in the 5amp socket?
Reply

[PigletJohn]

if it is just a normal low-wattage lamp, yes.

The dimming system might not work, if it is designed for filament (incandescent) lamps and you use a low-energy lamp. You will need to consult the manufacturer's instructions for dimming.

[PigletJohn]

p.s.

If you are using a 13-amp size extension, and you plug, say, a heater or a vac into the extension, you will blow the circuit fuse. There is no fuse in a round-pin plug.

5A adaptors used to be available, I don't know if they still are.

Theatres use round-pin plugs, sockets and extensions, but they almost always 15A, which are bigger.

[PigletJohn]

ask Lutron if they do an adaptor.

[Testificateman]

They don't make 5amp double extension leads for a reason.
If you start modifying extension leads, you will run the risk of tripping the circuit, or worse.
Running 2 x 5amps through a 1 x 5amp has the same dangers as running 2 x 13amps through a 1 x 13amp extension.
If you have a normal 13amp socket in your room, you can change the round plugs for normal plugs and plug into a normal 13amp double extension.

[SW1A1AA]

It would only be two normal lamps like this being plugged into the extension: [[http://kingfisher.scene7.com/is/image/Kingfisher/05225859_09i Clip on light]

[SW1A1AA]

*Testificateman - trouble is that they then won't work with the Lutron system.

[SW1A1AA]

Link fail: kingfisher.scene7.com/is/image/Kingfisher/05225859_09i

[PigletJohn]

Lighting circuits in houses are almost always fused at 5A or 6A, and can easily support a dozen or more lamps. Far more with modern low energy lamps. It does not matter if they hang from the ceiling or stand on the floor.