Connect to 5 amp round pin lighting circuit

[Robin0577]

There's nothing wrong with using 5 amp BS546 extension leads, Permaplug still make the trailing sockets. Several manufacturers still make the plugs.

We stock them at my workplace, as well as making up cables to order, as will any decent theatrical lighting supplier.

They are somewhat expensive by comparison with standard 13A fittings though due to lower production volumes

 

[plugwash]

I've got one 5amp socket, which is controlled by a switch on the wall, I have two lamps that I want to be controlled by this switch. Is this possible/legal/safe with the extension cable posted earlier....

The extension cable shown on ebay with a 5A plug and a four way block of 13A sockets will work but if someone plugs a larger load into one of the spare sockets on it you risk overloading your lighting circuit. The breaker on the lighting circuit should trip before anything too bad happens but it's still a less than ideal situation.

Unfortunately i'm not aware of anyone selling multi-way 5A trailling sockets.

One possibility I would consider is to get an IEC splitter cable and change the plug for a 5A one, then fit IEC connectors on the lamps to plug into the splitter cable.

http://cpc.farnell.com/_/ml-6002-2i/iec-plug-2-x-iec-skt-3-x-1-00vde/dp/PL09132
http://cpc.farnell.com/pro-elec/5a-plug/plug-5a/dp/PL12990?Ntt=5a+plug
2x http://cpc.farnell.com/pro-elec/pe00070/rewireable-iec-plug/dp/PL09635?in_merch=Featured Products

 

[Robin0577]

Unfortunately i'm not aware of anyone selling multi-way 5A trailling sockets.

True, neither have I. The IEC blocks are certainly a workable solution, or if you prefer to stick with the 5A sockets, I've seen it done using 2 or 3 single 5A trailing sockets joined with inline T-connectors similar to these...
http://www.screwfix.com/p/teebox-ip68-3-pole-power-connector-kit/67074