If you have recently moved into a new home or perhaps want to add an extra power socket, then you’ve come to the right place. Some may think that installing a double plug socket in place of the original single socket may be a long and difficult task.
However you’d be wrong in this guide we will talk you through the process of removing a single plug socket and replacing it with a double. Once completed you’ll be wanting to replace every single socket through your home because...yes it really is that simple.
What You Will Need:
Step 1 - Safety Advice
Safety first: All electrical circuit work should be carried out by competent persons and in accordance with any regulations. If you are in any doubt do contact a qualified electrician before carrying out any work.
You Could Use:
If you have one - using a plug-in socket tester is perfect for identifying if electricity is flowing to the plug and the even confirm that the original socket is not faulty.
Plugging it in and turning the socket on, if there is electricity then the three lights will all light up, if not then the lights will not light up.
Step 2 - Removing the Old Socket
To begin, isolate the power at the main fuse box - with the electricity off at the fuse box then you can start to remove the the screws holding the socket in place. Once they have been removed you can pull the socket away from the wall and this will expose all the wires.
You’ll notice that you have a brown wire (Live), Blue wire (Neutral) and a yellow and green wire (Earth).
Step 3 - Using a Multimeter
Before you start removing the wires double check using a multimeter to test the terminals - if you turn your tester to its highest AC voltage level when you test the terminals with the probes the reading should not change.
Step 4 - Unwiring the Old Socket
Once you can confirm there is no voltage you can begin to remove the wires by undoing the screws holding them in place.
With the wires loosened you can now remove the old faceplate.
Step 5 - Fitting the New Socket
You can now begin to fit the double socket adapter box. You need to line up the screw holes with the existing socket holes. Next you can feed the wires through the back of the adapter. You can now take the faceplate and identifying the correct location for wires you can begin wiring it up.
With the wires in place give them a firm tug to confirm that they are tight and secured, once you’re happy you can now fix the faceplate to the adapter and once completed you can turn on the fuses again.
To test that the power is running correctly, again if you have one - using the plug-in socket tester will confirm that the job has been completed. For more handy DIY tips don’t forget to check out our other articles in out advice centre.
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