INTRODUCTION
You will agree with me that changing a socket are things to be considered basic but are not.
I might have everything thing needed to change my socket but not know how to go about it.
After reading this you would see how easy it can be.
AIM OF LESSON
By the end of this, we should have learnt the following things and more:
How to isolate our socket from the main power
How to safely remove our old socket
How to correctly wire our new socket
How to properly install our new socket
Note,
It is advised that when dealing with electricity or electric appliances of any kind, it is safest to contact an expert or professional.
It is their speciality to prevent incidents of accidents.
TOOLS REQUIRED
- A new socket
- Socket tester
- Screwdriver
WIRING CONNECTIONS TO KNOW
Before we proceed there are things you should know about wires.
These are things you would see when you open the socket and depending on, whether it is old wirings or new wirings.
The connections are the same in all socket. They are;
Brown (or red in old wiring) indicated by L in your socket (live).
Blue(or black in old wiring) Indicated by N on your socket(Neutral)
Yellow and Green striped indicated by Aeon your socket (earth)
STEPS INVOLVED
Step 1
Insert the socket tester into the socket and ensure it is on.
This is to ensure that the tester is working as well as the socket.
Step 2
Locate the main power at the fuse box and isolate the socket you want to work on by switching it off.
To take more precaution you should remove the fuse and keep it in your pocket.
If you have located and switched off the socket the tester switches off.
Step 3
Now with the screwdriver loosen the retaining screws and manoeuvre the socket to reveal the wiring
Step 4
Loosen the terminal screws gently to free the wires from the socket.
Step 5
Where the wires for being put on the new socket are indicated, the red or brown goes into the L.
You then tighten the terminal screws.
Same goes for the black or blue which goes into the E and yellow and green goes into the N.
The connection may not be the same with the old one but the place to put each is indicated on the new socket.
Note; it is advisable to keep the terminal screw of the old socket.
This is because the wires may be short and the screw of the new one may not be better suited for it.
Step 6
Carefully manoeuvre the socket back in position making sure the wiring is not trapped.
Step 7
Secure the new socket with the retaining screw and make sure the screw is not too tight.
Step 8
Go back to the fuse box and Insert the fuse for the socket back and then restore power
Step 9
In case your new socket doesn’t have a light indicator you can use the tester to make sure it is functioning.
CONCLUSION
If these steps are followed, you should be able to safely and properly install a new socket.
