Electric sockets.

[NewMarskeMike]

I want to replace a double unswitched electric socket with a switched socket. I removed the old one and found the ring main to be extremely thick braided cable and the socket had 2 connections for live, neutral and earth which meant the cables had a snug fit. The new socket has only has single connections and I couldn't get the 2 wires in. Can anyone tell where I can buy a double switched socket with the double connections at the back please?

 

[aptsys]

Some pictures would be useful if possible. Braided cables are not traditionally indicative of a modern installation.

 

[omega015]

It's common for newer sockets to have only a single terminal for the Live and Neutral (one for each that is) and that often only the earth has 2 terminals so you might struggle to find one. Unless someone on here knows of a specific one. However you mention braided cable... some of your cables could very well be past their life expectancy and could potentially be in a poor / dangerous state. Could you perhaps upload/link some pictures? It might be worth also having an electrician giving the installation a once over to highlight any potentially dangerous areas.

 

[PrenticeBoyofDerry]

A further vote for pictures from me.

 

[sparkwright]

Braided cable suggests a re-wire may be needed.

Did you by any chance mean 'stranded', rather than 'braided'?

 

[securespark]

RPP have two terminals for each connection. Picture of the back of one here:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/RPP-M2213SS-13Amp-2-Gang-Switched-Socket-/181956732868

It's a few years since I have been in a branch of CEF, so they may not make these anymore.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Braided cable suggests a re-wire may be needed.

Did you by any chance mean 'stranded', rather than 'braided'?

Good question.

Mike - appreciate that you might not have meant it, but this is the type of cable you said you've got:

(Ignore the colours - that isn't a UK cable).

 

[securespark]

This is the modern equivalent:

http://www.m2electrical.co.uk/index...a-sp-2-gang-double-switched-socket-white.html

• Each terminal accepts 4 x 2.5mm2

Which is a bit ambiguous... each tunnel accepts 4 x 2.5, or each pair accepts 4 x 2.5, ie 2 x 2.5 per tunnel?

 

[NewMarskeMike]

I think you're right Sparkwright. Stranded. I was going by what someone told me. Cheers! The house was built in 1967 and this socket is in the extension built in the mid 80s.

 

[omega015]

Ok that cable isn't as bad as we feared and it looks pretty chunky to say the least. securespark has posted the equivalent that should be suitable for you, give them a call to see if they can sell you a few (get some spares or if you plan to replace any others) or ask where the nearest distributor is to you.

On a side note, while you are replacing this, add an earth cable (including sleeve) between that metal back box and the socket. Assuming the back box has a terminal for an earth.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Sheaths a bit long ???

Here's another from the collection:

 

[winston1]

On a side note, while you are replacing this, add an earth cable (including sleeve) between that metal back box and the socket. Assuming the back box has a terminal for an earth.

Not really necessary though as the back box has a fixed lug.

 

[securespark]

Yeah, that looks like 6 milli and older RPP sockets. The m2 ones should be fine and you can probably get a different finish if you prefer.

 

[Alec_t]

I'd bet the cable in the post #9 pic is the old 7/029 ring-main type.

 

[flameport]

Looks like an old cooker circuit repurposed for sockets.