Bayonet lightbulb socket 'locked' by internal switch...how do I unlock?

Hello

I am a non-specialist and have just encountered a problem with the lightbulb socket for my hallway pendant light. It's a standard bayonet light fitting hanging from the ceiling in the landing, but when trying to replace a light bulb I seem to have accidentally 'switched' an internal lock, and now I can push my bulb in, but it can't twist...the side slots are blocked off by the lock. There are two switches and both are in the locked position.

I have tried sliding the switches open but there is a little catch that makes it difficult and I don't know what implement to use. I attach a photo...any advice would be much appreciated about what method to use and how to do it safely (e.g. should I turn off power at the junction box while doing this?). It looks like something I should be able to do myself if I know the technique, but I don't want to mess around with it too much.

I tried googling it but I don't know what the lock is called and I couldn't find any references to it online.

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Oisin

That looks like the whole plastic insert has twisted round a few degrees inside the metal fitting which isn't supposed to happen.

Please don't go poking around in there unless you have fully isolated the lighting circuit and checked there is no voltage present.

Strima said:

That looks like the whole plastic insert has twisted round a few degrees inside the metal fitting which isn't supposed to happen.

Please don't go poking around in there unless you have fully isolated the lighting circuit and checked there is no voltage present.

Click to expand...

Reckon you're spot on Strima OP needs a Spark to sort that out, lampholder probably got very hot and has become unusable.

Thanks for the quick replies...I thought it was a safety feature of an old fashioned socket, so good to know it's just broken and I need an electrician. I will stay well away. Thanks.

Strima said:

That looks like the whole plastic insert has twisted round a few degrees inside the metal fitting which isn't supposed to happen.

Please don't go poking around in there unless you have fully isolated the lighting circuit and checked there is no voltage present.

Click to expand...

Got to disagree there, S.
That section @ 6 o'clock, looks like it's deliberately meant to move in some way.
One for our Lucien

It is possibly a safety lamp holder which kills power to the pins when the lamp is turned and removed.

It's an MK safety bayonet cap. Push and twist.

Well you learn something every day.

a squirt of WD40 might solve it.

What Vorti said.