How do you fit a wall socket?
When you move into your own place, there are some things you just need to know how to do :). In this article we'll tell you how to fit a socket quickly and without risk. The satisfaction you feel every time you do something at home yourself, without help, is beyond measure.
As for the socket itself, we recommend going to the specialist shops in your town and asking for Promo Plus products. What will you find from us?
- cables and fuses;
- sockets and switches;
- plugs;
- lamp holders and connectors;
- extension leads;
- connectors, bulbs, PVC conduit and so on.
See all the products in the General Catalogue, the Electrical supplies page.
How do you fit a wall socket?
Tools needed: a new socket, a tester screwdriver, an ordinary screwdriver, a utility knife.
The steps to follow:
- The first step is to switch off the power. If you know how to cut the supply to the sockets only, switch off just that circuit. If you are not entirely sure, it is best to switch everything off. Use the tester screwdriver to make certain there is no power left at the socket.
- Once the supply is off, undo the old socket and take off its cover. Undo the screws holding the socket body in the wall too, then ease it out, holding it by the ceramic sides. Behind it you will see two metal wires (the live wires) clamped by small screws. Loosen them carefully and pull the wires out. Look at the insulation: if it has blackened, trim it back a little with the knife.
- Fitting the new socket: the wires are clamped by the small screws at the back of the new socket. Tighten them well. Push the socket with the wires attached into the wall, tighten the side screws firmly and put the cover on. That's it!
Ideally, anything to do with electrics should be handled by a qualified electrician. But we know that in practice a specialist isn't always to hand when all you have is a socket to change.
When it comes to a bigger job, though, you do need to talk to a specialist. Bad wiring can cause a great deal of damage, including fires that affect not only your home but the whole block or floor.
Wiring a property means planning it in stages, depending on the building. For a new house, the wiring has to be done so that it can be added to later, as needs come up. Then you plan the circuits that will carry the power you need straight away: how many sockets, light points and so on for each room, depending on what it is for (the kitchen, for example, will need sockets for appliances, the extractor hood, the boiler; in the bedroom you'll need a cable for the ceiling light, sockets for bedside lamps, the TV and so on).
Where can you find Promo Plus products?
Promo Plus distributes construction materials and covers 70% of the market in this field. Our products are stocked by the specialist shops in your town. You will find a wide range of interior decorating articles and decorations, plumbing and electrical supplies, protective equipment, gardening articles, tools, submersible pumps and much more. To get an idea of what we supply, take a look at the Promo Plus General Catalogue.
