Trying to change a single socket to a double...
- Thread starter juliej
- Start date
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Is the existing single socket flush or surface mounted on the wall?
If surface then it's a simple matter of buying a double surface back box, a double socket and swapping out the old fittings for new.
If the existing socket is flush then it becomes more of a job. The single back box needs to be removed, the wall hole enlarged to accept a new double back box then set in the plaster and damaged plaster repaired with bonding. Once that's all done it's then a straight forward re-termination of the existing L, N and E cores of both the ring cables.
Do remember to isolate the power on to the circuit via removal / switching off at the fuse board.
Some use these sockets, which converts a single to a double and require less work due to not having to change the existing back box.
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=A331914&ts=20873&id=12849
If surface then it's a simple matter of buying a double surface back box, a double socket and swapping out the old fittings for new.
If the existing socket is flush then it becomes more of a job. The single back box needs to be removed, the wall hole enlarged to accept a new double back box then set in the plaster and damaged plaster repaired with bonding. Once that's all done it's then a straight forward re-termination of the existing L, N and E cores of both the ring cables.
Do remember to isolate the power on to the circuit via removal / switching off at the fuse board.
Some use these sockets, which converts a single to a double and require less work due to not having to change the existing back box.
http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?cId=A331914&ts=20873&id=12849
B
breezer
If as you say your existing socket is surface it will only have a single size patress, the screwfix adaptor twin sockets are designed for a single size back box (it relies on the wall from stopping you putting anything behind it.
yes the wiring does not need changing, but just check the terminals are the same way round
you could also consider a 4 way block, which only needs to pe plugged in
one of these
yes the wiring does not need changing, but just check the terminals are the same way round
you could also consider a 4 way block, which only needs to pe plugged in
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to clarify what breezer just said ( confused me a little and I know what you were getting at.. )..
those screwfix converters ( available from other retailers and DIY stores also.. ) are for turning a flush single socket into a double socket..
they do not work on surface single boxes..
you just need to change the single back box for a double back box.. and front.
those screwfix converters ( available from other retailers and DIY stores also.. ) are for turning a flush single socket into a double socket..
they do not work on surface single boxes..
you just need to change the single back box for a double back box.. and front.
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