Hello Everyone,
My first post and straight away - I have two questions. Looking for some professional advise as other forums have left me totally confused between opinion and best practice.
1) - 3 wires into a socket. Sounds simple, its a ring main with a spur. however the new facia (double socket with USB port -see
ScrewFix) has a square screw terminator connector. I have slotted the three wires in and out and never ever have I been convinced that all three are nipped. One always seems looser than the other two. The only way I found was to twist them together. I stripped them equally and used two pairs of pliers- one to hold the 3 cores still, the other to twist. It looks nice and the wires are really well together. Now I have read that twisting solid core wire is against regulations and must not be done as the wire may snap, which according to other forums means that the house will burn down. I do not want that. The question- In reality, do professional electricians do this occasionally, when there really is no other way and clearly the design of the connector is giving a unsafe connection?
2) Another socket - this time the 1970's electrician cut the leads short and they really barely reach to the terminals. I am quite sure that when I replace the socket there wires are like banjo strings. The socket works, and I have removed it to check the connections are strong. They are. But - tight wires seems like a no-no to me. So how the hell do I extend them? Again the internet says crimp+heat shrink, others say use Wago connectors etc. What is best practice? There are so many different opinions! What is the best and safest way to extend the wires inside a socket, when you can not run a new wire in?
Sorry for the long item....
Yes - I know I will be advised to call out a part P electrician, and that home electrics is unsafe. I believe you and know this- but I can not afford it so help me out!
Thank you everyone
poolz50