Converting a light fitting to take a plug

[Oldtimer]

Dear Forum Users

I have just had an amplifier box installed to boost my cable TV signal but it has to go where the splitter is in a cupboard. The cupboard does not have an electrical socket but it does have a basic light socket and bare bulb. Currently the three pin plug is plugged into an extension cable to a wall socket two metres away and is constantly being tripped over.

I am renting and the landlord will not permit any changes to the fixed wiring. I know in the USA you can buy screw in adaptors to allow appliances to be plugged into the bulb socket. I have been told that these have been outlawed in the UK.

Is it possible to safely convert the light fitting to connect a standard 3 pin plug myself or is this one only for the expert? If only for an expert how much should I expect to pay in central London for the job?

Any help and advice would be much appreciated.

PS - The booster is a Tratec FDU-51 with a Tratec 1503 Power Supply adapter that states PRI 230v 50Hz 35mA and SEC 15v - 380mA if this helps.

[ckolin]

Firstly, I am not an electrician or even a great DIYer but here's what I think. Since lighting wire and socket wire are of different thickness, I.e. wire for sockets are thicker to take the extra current needed over just lighting, You are proposing that you connect a socket in to your lighting cicuit which is not of the required rating(wire thickness). While the appliance you indend to connect may not draw much power, who's to say the next tennant wont plug in his kettle? This is likely very dangerous and could cause fire's.
I would suggest that your landlord is correct to insist that you do not 'fool around' with the wiring. I would be interested to know why this would be ok in America?

However, thats just my initial negative thoughts. I fully expect one of the tradesman to explain this fully and suggest a solution. Or maybe the device you speak of gets around the wire rating problem???