How to change a socket
Step 1
Locate your consumer unit (fuse box) and identify the circuit you’ll be working on. Isolate the circuit by flicking the micro-circuit breakers (MCB) to the OFF position or by removing the fuse, keeping it safely in your pocket until the job is completed.
Step2
Use a voltage or socket tester to check that the socket is no longer live. You could also double-check by plugging in a lamp before isolating the circuit, then checking the light has gone off.
Step3
Use a screwdriver to remove the retaining screws and gently manoeuvre the front of the socket to reveal the wiring. There should be enough slack in the wire that you can easily access the back section.
Step4
You may have single, double or triple wiring, and it’s vital that you replace the wires like-for-like.
Step5
Loosen the terminal screws, gently free the wires and put the old socket to one side.
Step6
If any of the wires are frayed, use side cutters and electrical wire strippers to leave 5mm of wire clear.
Step7
Cover any bare earth wires with appropriate green or yellow sleeving.
Step8
Note that the order and positioning of the Live (L), Neutral (N) and Earth (E) terminals on the new socket may be different from the old socket. Be sure to check the terminal labels on the new socket carefully.
Step9
Ensure that the terminal screws on the new socket are open. Then, depending on the age of your wiring, connect the brown (or red) wiring to the Live (L) terminal, making sure no bare wire is visible, and that the connection is secure.
Step10
Repeat this process connecting the blue (or black) wiring to the Neutral (N) terminal and the green & yellow wiring to the Earth (E) terminal.
Step11
Re-tighten the terminal screws so that they are firmly fixed but not over-tightened.
Step12
Carefully manoeuvre the faceplate back into position, making the sure that wiring is not caught or trapped.
Step13
Reattach the faceplate with the retaining screws, checking it is level with a spirit level and being sure not to over-tighten.
Step14
Replace the fuse and restore the power at the consumer unit.
Step15
Use the socket tester to make sure the unit is correctly wired and functioning.