Hi, I have a free standing light I wish to plug in to a power source and it is some distance from the nearest mains socket. To run another socket in is a possibility but one requiring carpets and floors to be lifted. The next option is to tap into a passing lighting circuit.

I was wondering what the connection type would be to need to be to comply with current regs. The free standing light is on a table but I can get a cable into a and behind a stud wall to feed it but I am not certain of the socket type. Does that make sense?

Special sockets are made also there are 5A plugs and sockets. Even shaver socket and clock connectors all which will do the job. Click on pictures to find out more.

The main thing is it needs to be a type that can't be used for non lighting so overloading system and either fused or able to take full current the lighting circuit can supply. Some options can work out expensive so it will depend on what you can get local. Although the shaver socket seems ideal it costs more than one with transformer in (which is not suitable) so it's not a case of selecting best but also price.

PS be wary of using 2A sockets as they will likely also need a fuse to limit to 2A. I seem to remember there is a grid switch option with fuse and socket but again the price gets silly.

I had a look at those products and they mention being ceiling mounted. I assume it is acceptable to have them wall mounted?

I did have them in bedroom at one point but they need a round conduit box rather than square socket box. Now replaced with wall lights also needed round conduit box so direct replacement. I used so I could switch on lights at door or bed head with two way and intermediate switching.

Many use the 2A round pin which strictly speaking is wrong as the lighting supply is 6A not 2A. But unlikely to cause a problem.

The clock connector is fused so would be likely best method for a semi-permanent connection. But today not used much most clocks use batteries so the price is rather high.

But you need it to look right. And although the lighting sockets will do job likely will not look right.
There are specials like this or this they look like standard socket but will not take standard plug. But buying them is the problem. Likely would need to be mail order. London underground used them at one time.

Sorted it. thanks. Got the bits from a local company and funnily enough I found a 15amp supply and so tapped into that and put in a normal socket.

cheers