Practically Classics Forum

OK in our lounge we have four round pin sockets that are powered by a light switch on the wall. The lounge is part of a two story extension we had built a few years ago and the circuit was included so as to use lamps as 'ambient' type lighting. My question is could I plug my Xmas tree lights into this circuit? The lights are a string of 60 conventional bulbs (I.e not LED)

There's one way of finding out......

Seriously, I should think so yes, but you really need to know what the current draw of the Xmas lights is - anything up to 5A would be fine (that's equivalent to about 1.2Kw) which is almost certainly going to be well inside the draw of any normal Xmas lights set-up.

5 amp three pin sockets are often included as a way of controlling several table lamps by a single switch. They often incorporate a dimmer. Your lights are only a fraction of a watt each and should be perfectly safe.

Am I right in thinking those round plugs won't have a fuse?
So the only protection will be at the main fuse-box. If it is a modern consumer unit with an RCD and miniature circuit breakers then you should be alright. If it's an old fashioned one, then I wouldn't risk it.

Thanks chaps I'll give it a go - if the village 'goes out' when I switch on then I'll know why

.....and yes it's a modern consumer unit with mini breakers.

Minxy wrote:Thanks chaps I'll give it a go - if the village 'goes out' when I switch on then I'll know why

.....and yes it's a modern consumer unit with mini breakers.

.. we would all forgive you

alfaSleep