SWITCH OFF ELECTRICITY AT THE MAINS BEFORE WORKING ON EXISTING CIRCUITS

To install a new socket, you will need to break into the existing ring main or more likely run a spur from an existing socket (see Adding a spur to a ring circuit from a socket) or from a junction box (see Adding a spur to a ring circuit from a junction box). Once this has been achieved and the cable is running to the position where the new socket is required a mounting box has to be fitted to hold the socket securely in position see Installing a electrical mounting box for full details of how to complete this.

When the cable is in position and the mounting box is fitted you are ready to fit the socket in place.

Usually one of two circumstances exist when installing a power socket either one cable is coming from the mounting box to supply the socket or there are two cables or a loop of cable.
 

 
The one cable situation occurs when the socket is from a spur (see Types of electrical circuits). In this case strip and prepare the ends of the cable (see Preparing the cable for connection). Once the end of the cable is prepared place some green/yellow sleeving over the earth wire (the bare wire).

The socket should have three screw terminals marked L (Live), N (Neutral) and E or (Earth). The red conductor should be fixed in the Live terminal (L), the black should be fixed in the Neutral (N) terminal and the bare wire covered with the green/yellow sleeving should be fitted into the Earth terminal (E or ) and all tightened securely.

The socket is now ready to be screwed into position.
 

 
The two wires must be prepared before connection see Preparing the cable for connection. Once prepared the conductors must be joined together - Red to Red, Black to Black and the bare wire to the bare wire. If a loop of cable is at the socket then it can be cut in half to make two cables which must then be prepared and joined as stated above. Alternatively it would be preferable to cut into the insulation without actually breaking the loop and expose the conductors which can then be folded over and twisted together see diagram (*).

The socket should have three screw terminals marked L (Live), N (Neutral) and E or (Earth). The red conductor/s should be fixed in the Live terminal (L), the black should be fixed in the Neutral (N) terminal and the bare wire/s covered with the green/yellow sleeving should be fitted into the Earth terminal (E or ) and all tightened securely.

The socket is now ready to be screwed into position.
 

 
Electrics > Adding a spur to a ring circuit from a socket
Electrics > Adding a spur to a ring circuit from a junction box
Electrics > Installing a electrical mounting
Electrics > Types of electrical circuits
Electrics > Preparing the cable for connection

 

 
Electricians