Wiring double socket - complete novice

[mossy604]

Have a single socket that I want to replace with double socket. Is this possible with the existing wiring? The new socket has one each terminal for live and neutral and 2 for earth, but the existing wire to the single socket has one earth.

Can this be done safely. Sorry complete novice probably asking daft questions, but I am a girl so there you go!

 

[The Wholesaler]

single to double converta socket is what u need, B&Q or any wholesaler keep them, it is possible with existing wiring, but not the back box, hence the converta

 

[pk1was]

now you have totally lost her. converta, back box, existing wires

 

[plugwash]

its safe to use the existing wiring with your new socket just ignore one of the earth terminals.

you will have to change that backbox to use a normal double socket though hece the suggestion of one of the converter sockets

 

[The Wholesaler]

i tried to keep it simple! i can convert it into geordie twang if u like?

 

[mossy604]

now you have totally lost her. converta, back box, existing wires

Might be a gurl but I ain't blonde!!


Cheers for the help.

 

[mossy604]

its safe to use the existing wiring with your new socket just ignore one of the earth terminals.

Already got the new back box sorted, its wall mounted so easy enough. Wye aye man.

So its ok just to ignore one of the earth terminals then? No safety issues by doing that?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

the existing wire to the single socket has one earth.

It should be established that this socket is not already a spur from a spur before potentially making a bad situation worse by turning it into a double....

 

[2face]

b&q do a double box converter.
basically it is a single back that screws into the single back box but the front is a double socket..

 

[Taylortwocities]

Read the post mate! its a wall mounted surface socket. Converta socket doesnt work on that.

 

[plugwash]

Read the post mate! its a wall mounted surface socket. Converta socket doesnt work on that.

Can't see why it wouldn't work, it would look bloody ugly though.

 

[wiggles]

its safe to use the existing wiring with your new socket just ignore one of the earth terminals.

Already got the new back box sorted, its wall mounted so easy enough. Wye aye man.

So its ok just to ignore one of the earth terminals then? No safety issues by doing that?

To clarify - if both earth terminals are interconnected then you can ignore one of them, but you need to connect all the earth wires to the other earth terminal.

Whilst you are there, make sure the explosed copper earth wires are sleeved in green and yellow sheath.

If there are any exposed metal screws on the recplacment socket connected to a metal backplate, you also need to have a flyback (short earth wire) running between the earth terminal on the socket and the earth terminal in the metal backbox.

 

[Taylortwocities]

you also need to have a flyback (short earth wire) running between the earth terminal on the socket and the earth terminal in the metal backbox.

What for? AFAIK she has got a plastic wall mounted box.

 

[RF Lighting]

I'm going to guess that the OP has sorted her problem one way or the other, seeing as the post is well over a year old.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Bloody hell, didnt spot that. What was 2face doing going that far back?

What a way to waste a chaps time. He's on my hit list for some serious sarcasm now.......