Trystan Casey
Fitting a double electric socket is a simple job that can be done by a competent DIYer. Before starting, ensure that your socket complies with local building regulations and IEE electrical regulations. It is also important to identify the type of circuit you are dealing with—a ring main circuit or a radial circuit—as this will impact the wiring layout. Once you have the correct type of socket for your wall (surface or flush-mounted), isolate the power at the main fuse box and confirm with a voltage tester. Unscrew the faceplate and gently pull it away from the wall to expose the wires. Identify the live, neutral, and earth wires and carefully loosen them, before removing the old back box and putting in a new one. Mark the fixing holes on the wall, drill and plug, then screw the new box in place. Connect the cables to the terminals and fit the new faceplate. Finally, test the socket with a socket tester to ensure correct wiring and operation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Clear the work area of any flammable materials. Ensure all tools are in good working condition and within easy reach. Wear safety goggles and gloves. |
| Circuit type | Identify the type of circuit: a ring main circuit has two cables at each socket, a radial circuit or spur off a ring main has one cable. |
| Socket type | Determine whether the socket is surface or flush-mounted. |
| Power | Isolate the power by switching off the main supply at the consumer unit/fuse box. Use a voltage tester to double-check that the circuit is dead. |
| Faceplate | Unscrew and remove the faceplate. Keep the screws in case they are needed later. |
| Wires | Identify the wires: brown/red (live), blue/black (neutral), and yellow/green (earth). Detach the wires by loosening the terminal screws. |
| Cables | Disconnect the cables from the terminals of the single socket mounting box. |
| Earth core | If the earth core is bare, run green/yellow sleeving over it. |
| Mounting box | Remove the knockout in the new surface mounting box and pass the cables through. Mark the fixing holes on the wall, then drill and plug the wall. |
| Pipes and cables | Check for hidden pipes or cables before drilling. |
| Box installation | Screw the new box in place. |
| Cables | Connect the cables to the terminals. |
| Faceplate | Fit the new faceplate. |
| Wiring | Use a socket tester to check the wiring is correct. |
| Cable length | If the cable is too short, use a crimp or terminal block to attach a new short length, but only if there is room inside the mounting box. |
| Testing | After installation, test the socket for functionality and safety. Ensure all screws are tightened. |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the circuit type
Before installing a double electric socket, it is important to identify the circuit type. This is crucial to ensure the correct and safe installation of the socket. Circuit breakers are standard safety devices that protect your electrical system from overloads and other hazards. They are also convenient shut-off points, allowing you to turn off the power when repairs or upgrades are needed.
To identify the circuit type, you can use a circuit breaker finder, a small, battery-operated tool with a transmitter and receiver. This device simplifies the task of matching circuit breakers with their wiring circuits. The transmitter plugs into a wall outlet, and a faint electronic signal is sent through the circuit wires. You can then use the receiver to locate the corresponding circuit breaker in the breaker box by slowly moving it over the rows of breakers. When the receiver passes over the right breaker, it will rapidly beep and flash.
Alternatively, you can create a floor plan of your home and mark the locations of all lights and electrical receptacles. With a helper, you can turn on the lights in each room and use a small appliance to test for power. By communicating with your helper, you can flip the breakers and identify which lights or appliances lose power, allowing you to map the circuits.
It is also essential to understand the different types of electrical sockets and plugs. The most common types are 15-amp and 20-amp circuits. 15-amp receptacles are standard in residential homes, with two slots and a U-shaped grounding hole. 20-amp receptacles, recommended for major appliances, have a horizontal slot branching off one of the vertical slots. Additionally, older homes may have 3-prong outlets, while newer homes typically have 4-prong outlets.
Finally, consider the purpose of the socket and any specific requirements. For example, if you need a socket in an area with moisture, choose a weather-resistant receptacle. For child safety, tamper-resistant receptacles are available with built-in blocks to prevent electrical injury. Understanding the circuit type, as well as the various socket and plug options, will help ensure a safe and proper installation.
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Prepare the work area
Preparing the work area is a crucial step in ensuring a safe and efficient installation process for your double electric socket. Here are the detailed steps to help you prepare the work area effectively:
Understand the Electrical System
Before beginning any installation work, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of your home's electrical system. Familiarize yourself with the wiring layout, including the distinction between a ring main circuit and a radial circuit or a spur off a ring main. This knowledge will guide your installation process and ensure safety.
Check for Hazards
Clear the work area of any flammable materials to minimize potential fire hazards. Also, ensure that the work area is well-lit, as adequate lighting will help you identify any hazards and carefully perform the installation.
Prepare the Necessary Tools and Materials
Gather all the required tools and materials and keep them within easy reach. Ensure that your tools are in good working condition and that you understand how to use them properly. This preparation will help you avoid interruptions during the installation process.
Wear Appropriate Safety Gear
Don appropriate safety gear, including insulated gloves and safety goggles, to protect yourself from electrical hazards and debris. This safety gear is essential for safeguarding against potential risks associated with electrical work.
Turn Off the Power Supply
As a critical safety measure, turn off the mains supply at the consumer unit or fuse box. This step ensures that the circuit you will be working on is isolated and poses no risk of electrical shocks.
Double-Check Circuit Status
Use a voltage tester to confirm that the circuit is indeed dead or inactive. This verification step is crucial for ensuring your safety before proceeding with any installation or modification work on the electrical socket.
By meticulously following these steps, you will effectively prepare the work area, creating a safe and organized environment for installing your double electric socket.
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Remove the faceplate
Removing the faceplate is a crucial step when fitting a double electric socket, and it requires careful attention to ensure safety and avoid damaging the wiring. Here is a detailed guide on how to remove the faceplate:
Before starting, ensure that you have turned off the mains supply at the consumer unit or fuse box to isolate the power. Verify that the circuit is inactive by using a voltage tester. This step is essential for your safety.
Once the power is off, locate the screws holding the faceplate in place. Use a screwdriver to carefully unscrew the faceplate. Be gentle to avoid damaging the screws or the surrounding area. If the screws are tight, use a suitable tool to gently loosen them without stripping the heads. Keep the screws in a safe place in case you need them later or if the new screws don't fit.
After unscrewing, gently pull the faceplate away from the wall. This action will expose the wires behind the socket. Be cautious not to touch or damage the wires during this process. If the faceplate is difficult to remove, check for any remaining screws or obstructions and ensure they are all released before gently pulling again.
If you are removing an old back box or expanding the hole, this step can be fiddly and messy. Be cautious to avoid damaging the cables during this process. It is important to note that you cannot extend from an existing socket without first establishing the type of circuit it is. Refer to the guidelines to identify the type of circuit you are dealing with, as this is crucial for safety and effective installation.
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Identify and detach wires
Before you begin to identify and detach wires, you must isolate the power supply to the area you are working on. Turn off the mains supply at the consumer unit and confirm that the circuit is dead using a voltage tester.
Once you have confirmed there is no voltage, you can begin to identify the wires. Typically, you will see brown (live), blue (neutral), and yellow/green (earth) wires. However, if the cabling is older, you may find red (live), black (neutral), and yellow/green (earth) wires.
After identifying the wires, you can proceed to detach them. Loosen the terminal screws and carefully remove the wires by undoing the screws holding them in place. Be cautious not to damage the wiring during this process.
If you encounter heat-damaged insulation, it is important to cut back the cores and strip the ends before detaching the wires. Additionally, if the earth core is bare, ensure to run green/yellow sleeving over it for protection.
Before proceeding with the installation of a new socket, it is crucial to address any issues, such as a snapped earth conductor. Ensure that all wires are securely reattached in their correct places.
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Test the new socket
Testing a new electrical socket is a potentially dangerous task that should be carried out with great care and preferably by a qualified electrician. Before testing a new double electrical socket, ensure that the socket circuit has been tested for breaks, high resistance, or poor insulation quality on the cabling. This will ensure that no damage has occurred during the installation and that the circuit is continuous.
To test a new double electrical socket, you will need a non-contact voltage tester or a multimeter to test if the socket has power. A non-contact voltage tester can test for voltage without touching the contacts, whereas a multimeter will require you to touch the probes or leads to the electrical contacts. A basic multimeter meant for non-professional, at-home use can be purchased for $15 to $50.
To test a double electrical socket with a multimeter, set the multimeter to measure voltage. Insert a probe into each slot and read the line voltage measurement. A properly working outlet should give a reading of 110 to 120 volts. If there is no reading, check the wiring and the outlet.
You can also conduct a polarity test to determine whether all the conductors in the electrical installation are properly connected and not mistakenly reversed, which can be dangerous. To do this, insert one probe of a voltage detector or a multimeter into the large slot and the other against the screw. Ensure that any paint is scraped off to ensure good contact. If the voltage detector lights up, this means that the hot and neutral wires are reversed, and the wiring should be further checked.
If you are using a non-contact voltage tester and it does not detect any voltage, there may be a fault in the socket or the wiring leading to it. In this case, it is recommended to turn off the power and check the wiring underneath the socket. Remove the mounting screws and lower the socket. Then, press the voltage tester to the hot screw, which is attached to the black wire. If the tester does not glow, there is no power coming to the box, and the wiring may be faulty.
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Frequently asked questions
First, isolate the power at the main fuse box and remove the faceplate of the old socket. Then, disconnect the cables from the terminals of the single socket mounting box. Next, remove the knockout in the new surface mounting box and pass the cables through. Screw the new box in place, connect the cables to the terminals, and fit the new faceplate. Finally, test the socket with a socket tester.
Before starting, ensure you have turned off the mains supply at the consumer unit and cleared the work area of any flammable materials. Wear safety goggles and gloves, and make sure your work area is well-lit and free from hazards. Only proceed if you have basic electrical knowledge and are confident in your ability to follow safety protocols.
You will need a voltage tester, a socket tester, a drill, a screwdriver, and a new double socket. You may also need a crimp or terminal block and wire strippers if the cable is not long enough to reach the terminals of the new socket.
Double electric sockets can be surface-mounted or flush-mounted. Surface-mounted sockets are easier to install, while flush-mounted sockets look better and are less prone to accidental damage.
