double wall socket replacement - novice lost

[tinstar]

The old socket cover has 1 earth, 1 neutral & 1 live. Into which three cables feed - each consisting of 1 earth, 1 neutral and 1 live - a total of 3 x 3 wires (9) in all.

The new double socket fascia has an additional Earth "hole" - as well as the "N" & "L" inputs.

I just inserted the 3 neutral wires from each of the three cables into the "N" input, same with the 3 red live wires into the "L" hole, and the 3 green earth wires into the leftmost Earth hole.

The result: A loud bang! Oops.

Which of the Earth holes must I use? Left? Rightmost? Both?

Thanks for any help.

P.S. One of the Earth wires is unsheathed - just the bare copper wire, if that matters/helps.

 

[Taylortwocities]

You can use either or both earth terminals. The earth conductors must be properly sleeved.
Your problem may be because of a shorted conductor (perhaps the unprotected earth)

 

[sparkticus]

The old socket cover has 1 earth, 1 neutral & 1 live. Into which three cables feed - each consisting of 1 earth, 1 neutral and 1 live - a total of 3 x 3 wires (9) in all.

The new double socket fascia has an additional Earth "hole" - as well as the "N" & "L" inputs.

I just inserted the 3 neutral wires from each of the three cables into the "N" input, same with the 3 red live wires into the "L" hole, and the 3 green earth wires into the leftmost Earth hole.

The result: A loud bang! Oops.

Which of the Earth holes must I use? Left? Rightmost? Both?

Thanks for any help.

P.S. One of the Earth wires is unsheathed - just the bare copper wire, if that matters/helps.

Times are tough, budgets are tight but should you be doing this yourself without the right level of experience and knowledge? It could cost you more in the long run??

 

[Taylortwocities]

C'mon. Swapping a socket should within the scope of all but the most incompetent DIYer.

 

[Alarm]

Above proves the point

 

[sparkwright]

You have probably pinched a wire with one of the faceplate screws, or pinched a wire against the earth terminal on the box (if there is one).

Check all wires for damage and repair as necessary.

All bare earth wires must be sleeved with green/yellow sleeving.

Check all connections are tight before you fit the socket back to the wall.