Replacing a Plug Socket

Never tackle an electrical job in your home unless you are absolutely certain you know what you are doing. If you are not sure about anything consult a qualified electrician. If you decide to replace a plug socket yourself you must buy a British Standard (BSI) product and follow the instructions which come with it to the letter. Advanced knowledge about the principles of household electricity is advisable for your own safety. Read below for some basic advice on fitting a socket.
Fitting a Socket
To fit a new socket you will need to break into the existing ring main or run a spur from an existing socket or from a junction box.Every socket on the power circuit has three connections with a circuit cable:
- The live core is linked to the socket’s live terminal - marked – Live – L.
- The Neutral core is linked to the neutral terminal - marked - Neutral – N.
- The bare earth is linked to the earth terminal - marked Earth – E - or the Earth Symbol ( ).
Safety
- Always turn off the mains switch before any electrical mains work.
- Double check the circuit is dead by plugging in an appliance or a mains tester.
- Use good quality materials which conform to British Standards.
- Use cables flexes, sockets and other equipment which conform to the correct rating of the circuits and appliances they serve.
- Follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer of the equipment you are using.
- If in doubt - contact a qualified electrician.


Step By Step
- Check core cables are the correct length and strip them with cable clippers.
- Ensure earth cable is insulated and marked.
- Connect the cables to the terminals on the back of the socket.
- Screw the socket to the mounting box.

Tools

- Insulated screwdriver
- Insulated wire strippers
- Insulated torch
- Insulated pliers

Key Terms
Earth - The pathway along which an electrical current can flow safely to the ground if a fault develops.Live - The core of the cable or flex carrying the current or any terminal to which the live core is connected.
Neutral - The core of a cable or flex carrying current back to its source or any terminal where the neutral core is connected.
BS1363Warning - In the UK Specified plugs, adaptors and fuse links or cartridgefuse links for specified plugs, sockets and adaptors must comply with the specifiedstandard - British Standard BS1363. Always buy electrical components from an approved stockist. Never buy electrical goods or components if you fear they may be counterfeit. If you require up-to-date information about relevant standards and their application to a particular product you should contact BSI (Standards) for further details or a suitably qualified person.
Re: Replacing a Plug Socket
cant understand why it costs almost a standard £45 just to connect a cooker
Re: How to Unblock a Blocked Toilet - Guaranteed!! Using Just a Mop and a Bag
So my toilet has been blocked since Christmas day night. Usually fixes…
Re: How to Unblock a Blocked Toilet - Guaranteed!! Using Just a Mop and a Bag
I live in Vietnam which might not seem relevent except it is well…
Re: How to Unblock a Blocked Toilet - Guaranteed!! Using Just a Mop and a Bag
No mop but a thick plastic bag containing wads of toilet paper and a…
Re: How to Unblock a Blocked Toilet - Guaranteed!! Using Just a Mop and a Bag
Oh wow! So glad I came across this site ?? THIS ACTUALLY WORKS..I…
Re: How to Unblock a Blocked Toilet - Guaranteed!! Using Just a Mop and a Bag
It didn’t work for me ?? Got stuck in the pan and by the time I…
Re: How to Unblock a Blocked Toilet - Guaranteed!! Using Just a Mop and a Bag
Can't believe it actually worked, toilets been blocked for 2 days and…
Re: How to Unblock a Blocked Toilet - Guaranteed!! Using Just a Mop and a Bag
I have an all singing, all dancing electric toilet that had become…
Re: How to Unblock a Blocked Toilet - Guaranteed!! Using Just a Mop and a Bag
I have a really sophisticated electric toilet. This technique was…
Re: Fitting Curtain Rails
Our wall is terrible it crumbles and won't hold a screw we've tried gortila flue nothing works . Any ideas most people have attached with…