Does anyone know what this is

Clueless spark · Mar 9, 2024

Does anyone know what this is found when removing old mirrored wardbrobes

[ElectriciansForums.net] Does anyone know what this is

westward10 · Mar 9, 2024

It's an old 15A socket. The round pin sockets came in 2, 5 and 15A yours looks 15A. All still available I put 2A sockets in at home for lighting.

davesparks · Mar 9, 2024

BS546 socket, originally available in 2,5,15 and 30 Amp versions.

The 2A version is often used to connect table or standard lamps to lighting circuits.
5A is not used much but can be found on narrowboats where they are sometimes used for 12/24V DC outlets.
15A is used extensively in theatres and similar places for stage lighting dimmer circuits.Although the 16A socket is becoming more common for new installations.

LeeH · Mar 9, 2024

Not seen one of them since my Grandad passed early 90s. Those and those small round surface mounted light switches.

littlespark · Mar 9, 2024

I’m sure you can still buy them new.
I put new 5A ones in not long ago…. 15 will still be available.

Last time I saw one, it was for a workshop welder

Dan · Mar 9, 2024

15a for mirror lighting?!

nicebutdim · Mar 9, 2024

littlespark said:
I’m sure you can still buy them new.

Still see them used a lot on commercial lighting. Highbays and the likes.

davesparks · Mar 9, 2024

Dan said:
15a for mirror lighting?!

No, as I mentioned above 15A is commonly used for theatrical lighting.

pc1966 · Mar 10, 2024

You also see them in India where they kept the old UK standards and did not migrate to our 13A fused style.

littlespark · Mar 10, 2024

davesparks said:
No, as I mentioned above 15A is commonly used for theatrical lighting.

i think dan was referring to the OP where they mentioned it was found when removing mirrored wardrobes.... maybe nothing to do with the mirror itself, or a light in the wardrobe... maybe just an old socket missed out being changed to 13A after the wardrobes were originally fitted