Combing two lamps using 1 Plug

amcgee86 · Aug 6, 2019

Hi all,

My wife has purchased two vanity mirror lights from Ikea (Musik) which are both fitted with a 3a plug.

Each of the lights has an on/off toggle switch like most lamps. Is it possible to have both light comes on using the one switch/plug?

I had thought it would be straight forward enough but would like to get a seconds opinion. I thought this could be a possible solution?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks again,
Aidan

Taylortwocities · Aug 6, 2019

Assuming the plug is just a plug and not some sort of transformer/driver/power supply then you should be ok to do that.

telectrix · Aug 6, 2019

ideal solution is to replace the single socket with a twin. then plug each light separately

Silly Sausage · Aug 6, 2019

telectrix said:
ideal solution is to replace the single socket with a twin. then plug each light separately

... with one these?

Socket Converter

BS1363. Increase the number of sockets without installing new boxes or patresses.The Axiom Standard White range of accessories includes a complete offering of 2A, 5A and 13A sockets, 10A switches up to 6 gang, 20A DP and 45A cooker switches plus connection units, dimmer switches, AV sockets, TV...

www.toolstation.com

James · Aug 6, 2019

telectrix said:
ideal solution is to replace the single socket with a twin. then plug each light separately

I think the issue was that the OP wanted both lights controlled by 1 switch only.
I cant see a problem if the joint is made correctly in an enclosure.

mjroe · Aug 6, 2019

A few thoughts:

Looking at your diagram am I right in assuming that you want each light to be either side of a mirror, with one switch two turn the lights on?

Is this mirror in a bathroom or above a sink, because by the way the lights are wired my guess is they are not designed for bathroom use.

To save modifying the lights to achieve what you want, it would be better to do as telextrix has suggested and use a double socket to power both lights. If you want to switch them both on at the same time then you can use a single switch to turn on the power to double socket which could be unswitched. However this probably need some modification to your house wiring.

If you want to avoid any professional involvement from an electrician the simplest solution would be to plug the lights into a short two gang extension lead. This way one plug socket would switch on both lights. Leave the inline switches permanently on and use the plug socket switch as the 'master'.

Anything neater would probably involve getting a more expensive fitting and permanently wiring it in.

amcgee86 · Aug 6, 2019

Thank you all for your contributions - very much appreciated.

The light is for a bedroom dressing room area. Sockets are not a constraint as we have ample sockets available, its more the convenience of being able to turn on both lights using the one toggle switch, instead of reaching over both sides of the dressing table to turn on individually. I was hoping to avoid using extension lead.

I guess i am seeking reassurance i am not doing anything that could jeopardise health and safety!

Again thank you for contributions!