How to fix replace an electric socket

Tolls required :

Safety first

Before starting any work on any electrics we need to make sure the power is off. Locate the fuse box and turn the main fuse off

Disconnecting the power socket

Remove the 2 plate screws and slowly pull the socket plate out. Using a small flat screwdriver disconnect all the wires.

Wiring the new electric socket

Most of the electric sockets will come with the terminals already marked and you will see an L an N and 1 or 2 terminals for Earthing connection.

After 2006 the standard wiring colours in the UK are the same as elsewhere in Europe and follow international standard IEC 60446.

If you have old wiring your colours will be the old one and the Live/Hot cable is RED, the Neutral is going to be Black and the Earth cable is going to be Green.

If your house has been re-wired after 2006 you will have the new colours and the Live/Hot wire is Brown, the Neutral wire is Blue and the Earth is Yellow and Green

Connect the Red or Brown to the L terminal and screw it securely but dont overtight.

Connect the Black or Blue to the N terminal, screw it securely but don’t overtight it .

Insert the bare wire to the Earthing terminal, make sure the bare wire has got a sleeve over for safety reasons.

Now, slowly press the socket plate back and screw it .

Testing the electric socket

There are many ways to test an electric socket but safest is to use one of this tools.

Need help ? Contact us to book an electrician handyman

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