Replacing single socket with double - attaching box to wall.

[JohnW2]

Additional sockets......Type A rcd needed

Oh dear. I must buy some extra popcorn

Kind Regards, John

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

If you’re feeling particularly lazy, you could just buy one of these. That’s what I did in our bedroom to power the TV, Firestick and cordless phone. I’ll do it properly next time I decorate and fit a flush double socket.

Wilko Plug Adaptor 3 Gang | Wilko

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Best be quick, there is talk of them going bust..

 

[Nope]

A lot depends on any existing paperwork, some list circuits by numbers of sockets, some by locations, some by points (usually corresponds to number of potential 13A fuses) So for example a circuit containing 5 single and 5 double sockets could be 10 locations, 10 sockets or 15 sockets, 15 points. Converting 2 singles to 2 doubles could make that 10 locations, 10 sockets or 17 sockets, 17 points whereas using converters 10 locations, 10 sockets or 17 sockets(although one could argue this), 15 points.

My argument would be that not increasing the fuse count indicates no changes have been made.
Be aware I am not saying you must not fit double sockets but as has been said that can more easily be described as alteration/additional

So if it is alteration does it mean I need to get it certified or something like that? I’m now beginning to wonder if I’m better off just buying socket converters instead. Which is a shame as I’ve already purchased the sockets and pattresses that I need- and opened a packet.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Biggest risk to a DIYer doing this other than forgetting to isolate is not inserting and tightening down the retaining screws on the conductors correctly. For me anyway.

Tighten the terminal screws, then give each wire individually, a waggle and a tug, to ensure there is no movement at all, relative to the terminals, of any of the wires. Any movement, you start again.

 

[Nope]

Tighten the terminal screws, then give each wire individually, a waggle and a tug, to ensure there is no movement at all, relative to the terminals, of any of the wires. Any movement, you start again.

So basically the same procedure as when I wired up the IKEA light.

 

[markyd1]

You're off your head mate.

Can you point me to the regulation in BS 7671 or the NICEIC/Napit advice that says if you plug an 8 way extension cable to it and connect 8 high DC leakage devices to it you must change a breaker in your consumer unit...............

Why is this advice not given on all widely available regulated extension cables with more than one output!!! What have we done!!!! Think of the children!!!!

We are not talking about extension leads.......Your the one off your head

 

[markyd1]

I’m a NAPIT spark and they often get things wrong

There is no way a minor change to an accessory requires any change to the consumer unit

Minor change......still need to confirm continuity of cpc, polarity, and a Zs so will be testing to amendment 2......amendment 2 additional sockets Type A rcd......catch up with what's going on fella

 

[Nope]

Ok, so just an update for you all. I am going to leave this one to a professional. I had a look and I don’t feel confident doing it myself unfortunately.

 

[Murdochcat]

Minor change......still need to confirm continuity of cpc, polarity, and a Zs so will be testing to amendment 2......amendment 2 additional sockets Type A rcd......catch up with what's going on fella

Nonsense.

You are a spark that gives us a bad name

The OP can easily change these sockets using converters so let hum crack on

 

[Nope]

Nonsense.

You are a spark that gives us a bad name

The OP can easily change these sockets using converters so let hum crack on

Well doesn’t matter now anyway as I have decided to leave it to a professional.

 

[conny]

@SamH82 have confidence in yourself. You did the light, you can do the sockets.

Markyd1 is just playing semantics. Changing a single socket(s) is perfectly legal for the diy'er and does not need an alterations or reams of paperwork to a governing body.

 

[SUNRAY]

Minor change......still need to confirm continuity of cpc, polarity, and a Zs so will be testing to amendment 2......amendment 2 additional sockets Type A rcd......catch up with what's going on fella

So would OP need to go through all those procedures if he was simply changing a damaged single socket?

EDIT: crossed in the post with Conny

 

[EFLImpudence]

Well - it would be a good idea, wouldn't it?

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

Ok, so just an update for you all. I am going to leave this one to a professional. I had a look and I don’t feel confident doing it myself unfortunately.

It would be helpful if you could describe what was putting you off this job.

 

[Nope]

@SamH82 have confidence in yourself. You did the light, you can do the sockets.

Markyd1 is just playing semantics. Changing a single socket(s) is perfectly legal for the diy'er and does not need an alterations or reams of paperwork to a governing body.

Thanks but there’s a bit more to it than what Markyd1 said, although he has played a major part in my decision.

I opened the socket up today and discovered two sets of wires inside it and I read that you can’t change single sockets to double if they’re like this. I also noticed that the wires inside were too short to reach the whole way through the surface pattress and I don’t want to try to extend them.