When you need to replace the front-plate on your double power socket, it needs to be done correctly and luckily you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide we talk you through the steps required to change the front face on your socket. Some people may find that the task of changing the plug socket front-plate is a difficult task...but it is not.
After following this guide you’ll be left happy knowing you can replace the fascia on your double plug socket.
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 Faceplate
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 screws holding the faceplate 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 - Disconnecting 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 Faceplate
You can now begin to fit the new socket faceplate. 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 slight 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 our advice centre.
Print this article