Is it safe to change a single socket to a double?

You can double your socket power in a weekend just by swapping your single outlets for doubles. If you are wondering whether you can swap any single socket for a double, then the answer is yes, providing the existing socket is the only one on that spur (wire feed) from the ring main.

Then, how many Spurs can you take off one socket?

A spur can be connected to an existing socket, on either a ring main or a radial circuit, providing that socket does not already have a spur. That is only one spur per socket is allowed and the number of spurs must not exceed the number of sockets.

Subsequently, question is, can I change a spur to a socket? There is no problem removing 13amp fused spurs and replacing with socket outlets. You just need to ensure that those circuits (fuses/mcb's) are backed up by a 30ma RCD as they will now be used to supply mobile equipment rather than fixed.

Consequently, who is allowed to replace a plug or socket?

Plugs and extension cord sockets may be replaced by a non-electrically trained person, provided the person has been trained and found competent to fit plugs and sockets according to the manufacturer's instructions.

How much does it cost to replace a plug socket?

Sockets & switches prices

Electrical Job	Price Range
Sockets supply and fit	£50 – £70
Sockets replace	£30 – £50
Downlighters supply and fit	£40 – £60
Relocate switches	£50 – £80

39 Related Question Answers Found

Is it easy to replace a plug socket?

If your socket is flush-mounted, it's very easy to replace it with a surface-mounted double socket. You can either get a special socket conversion box to help you do this, or use a standard double socket and drill and plug the wall (as shown here).

How do you test an electrical socket?

Set a multimeter to measure voltage. Insert a probe into each slot to measure the line voltage. A properly working outlet gives a reading of 110 to 120 volts. If there is no reading, check the wiring and the outlet.

How do you make a new plug socket?

Isolate the circuit and use a voltage tester to double check that the existing socket is dead.
Unscrew the faceplate of the new socket, feed the cable into the mounting box through a rubber grommet and connect its cores to the faceplate terminals.
Cut the cable and do the same at the existing socket.

Should you use plug socket covers?

The use of covers negates existing safety measures in the form of protective shutters, exposing the live electrical contacts. Covers can come loose or be easily removed by children, resulting in risk of electrocution. Covers can also damage the socket, which may lead to overheating and risk of fire.

How do you remove an electrical socket?

Removal. Once the socket is no longer live, remove the socket cover plate (usually held in place with a flat-head, counter-sunk screw). This exposes the socket and electrical box. Just to be extra safe, touch the tester one more time to the connections at the side of the socket where the wires plug in.

Can I use 1.5 mm cable for sockets?

The cross sectional area of the earth wire in a 1.5mm cable is 1mm and in a 2.5mm cable it is 1.5mm. This should be sufficient for most domestic socket and lighting circuits.

Can I have two double sockets on a spur?

As said above the installation of two unfused spurs (to a maximum of one double socket or fused spur each) from one socket on a ring is allowable and so is taking three branches off a radial circuit from one socket, so the arrangement could be OK but only identifying what is connected to these cable could ensure that.

Can I use 2.5 mm cable for lighting?

You can use 2.5 mm² cable of course. In large buildings sometimes 4 or 6 mm² cable is used on the feeder runs, and near the light fittings the cables are branched off in J-boxes to 1.5 mm² to go to the light fittings, to compensate for voltage drop. These light circuits are often controlled through contactors.

Can you run a spur off a spur?

And you need to be certain that any point that you intend to take a spur from is actually part of a ring and not a spur already. Spurring off spurs is a no - particularly in a kitchen where the loading on sockets will be higher than anywhere else in a house.

How many sockets can be on a 32a Ring Main?

Osg says that a socket circuit's diversity is calculated as 100% of maximum point of utilization,then 40% of remaining points. To me that means the max sockets you can have for a 32a ring would be only be 4 sockets!!!!!

Can you put a socket on a lighting circuit?

Putting a 13A socket on a lighting circuit is not expicilty prohibited. However there are a couple of things to bear in mind. Lighting circuits are normally on a 6A breaker, plugging in a large appliance my trip the breaker. Sockets intended for general use with a current rating must be RCD protected.

How many sockets can be on a ring main?

The cable itself can be up to 60 meters long if it is protected by a cartridge fuse and 50 meters long if protected by an MCB. There is no limit to the number of sockets you can have on a ring main but there is a limit to the number of spurs you can have from those sockets or from the wiring between them.

How many Spurs do you get from a double socket?

If it is a final ring circuit with a 32A mcb or 30A fuse you can take 1 spur from each socket. If it is a 20A radial cct you can do what you like.

How many 13a sockets can be on a ring circuit?

The IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) permit an unlimited number of 13A socket outlets (at any point unfused single or double, or any number fused) to be installed on a ring circuit, provided that the floor area served does not exceed 100 m².

Do you need an electrician to replace outlets?

Yes, it would allow you to plug in those three-pronged plugs, but it won't magically turn it into a grounded outlet. For that, you need an electrician. When it comes to replacing the outlet, the procedure is pretty simple. Pull the outlet and wires out from the wall enough that you have space to work.

Do you need an electrician to replace a light switch?

If you have a light switch that no longer works, it needs to be replaced. Unless you are unfamiliar with electrical work, it's wise to bring in a professional. An electrician can help make wiring a light switch hassle-free. He'll also be able to install an upgraded light switch that can make your life a little easier.

What happens if I do electrical work without a permit?

It depends on what kind of electrical work was carried out, but 90% of the time a permit is required. If he has charged you for it, the electrical company will be held liable and will certainly get fined for doing so without a permit if it is required.