What's this for?

[Notacluebutgivingitago]

There are 3 of these sockets in my lounge and I have no idea what they do. Can I just get rid of them? Anyone got any idea what they might be for?

They’re 5 amp sockets usually run from a lighting circuit for lamps.

5amp round pins, in our house they are used to turn all the table lamps on by the switch on the wall rather than individually turning each one on. I love them! You just need to get a new plug for the table lamp.

I have those. They are low-voltage plugs suitable for things like lamps only. You can use them if you have suitable lamps and plugs. Mine are in the bedroom and link up to a wall switch so you can switch bedside lamps on and off, but I don't use them as I rarely use a bedside lamp and it isn't worth buying new plugs.

If you also have a wall switch that appears to do nothing, you might well find it's linked to those sockets.

Ah! Thank you so much, that makes sense as there is no main ceiling light in the lounge area, just in the dining area. Bit weird. I take it I would need to get special plugs to be able to use them?

Yes, you'd need 5 amp plugs or adapters.

Oh! We have some of those plugs in the living room and a wall switch that does nothing!

It will be so handy to switch lamps on at the wall.

Off to buy a plug and try it out!

I love your username, MumThatsNotFair. Takes me back in time by 40 years!