Replacing a socket

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If you are in any doubt as to your ability to do this it is better to call an electrician to do this for you. Watch what he does and you may be able to do it yourself the next time round.

Switch off the power at the mains. Always make sure that other inhabitants of the house are aware of the fact that you are working on the electrical system and do not accidentally switch on the power while you are still busy.

Most new switched sockets are totally enclosed and are easy to fit. The red wire goes in the hole marked “L”, the black wire in “N” and the earth wire (normally a bare copper wire) goes in “E” or . In older sockets the red wire is the switched wire.

 Bare ends are never soldered in house wiring but the strands are twisted together with a pair of pliers to ensure that all strands go into the hole.

The socket may be wired in parallel with another socket so you will have two black and two red wires looking at you from the wall box.  Make sure each colour’s wires are well twisted together and that both make proper contact in the hole.

Common sockets

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4x4 Flush wall mounted 3 pin 16A. switched.

 

 

 

4x4 Flush wall mounted double 3 pin 16A. switched.

 

 

 

2x4 Industrial surface mounted 3 pin 16A switched

 

 

 

4x4 Industrial surface mounted double 3 pin 16A. switched

 

 

 

Surface mounted 3 pin 16A switched

 

 

 

Weather proof surface mounted 3 pin 16A switched.

 

 

 

Janus coupler.

 

 

 

Tips and tricks

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Always try to replace a single switched socket with a double switched socket.