How To Wire An Extra Socket – Every home has outlets, whether they’re used for kitchen appliances, gadgets, or even lighting. But what’s inside a sleeve? What makes them work?
In our latest guide, we look inside an outlet to find out how they work, available modern outlet designs, home hazards, and FAQs from homeowners and electricians.
How To Wire An Extra Socket
As the number of gadgets and technologies in our homes increase, so does the number of outlets, which means every home has an average of 4 outlets per room. It’s important to be aware of what’s actually inside your sockets and understand how they work and protect you.
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The wiring of the socket mainly depends on the type of circuit, and the most commonly used socket circuit is a ring terminal circuit. This circuit means that the cable starts at the consumer unit, before going around, in a circle, each socket, before returning to the consumer unit to form a cable loop.
When you insert a plug, the ground pin at the top is the longest, so it goes in first.
When the earth pin is pushed in, the two protective covers in front of the line and neutral pins open, allowing the plug to be pushed in all the way.
Once inside, the three pins connect to their connectors, which are attached to the wire terminals.
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New socket designs have included USB ports, due to the increasing number of portable devices. By installing these modern outlets, you can load more items through the outlet and also free up another outlet, reducing the need for extension cords.
When buying a modern socket, you only need to pay attention to a few things. First, look at how many amps each USB outlet is rated for. It is important that your outlet has enough amperage to charge your gadgets quickly and efficiently.
IPads and other tablets typically require a high amperage of around 2.1 amps. However, the phones will only need around 1.0 amps to charge efficiently. For this case, it’s best to look for outlets with a 2.0 amp USB rating.
Then buy only from a reputable retailer, such as B&Q, Wickes and Screwfix, to ensure they are tested and of high quality. Don’t be tempted by cheap off-brand options online, as they may not have been tested for safety and could pose a fire hazard in your home.
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By installing a protected outdoor outlet, you eliminate any tripping hazard and any risk associated with using an extension cord outdoors.
They don’t take long to install, but first you need to decide on a suitable location, so that the new external socket will back up to an existing internal socket to easily share power. Then drill through the wall to the outdoor location and connect the cable between the two sockets to extend the power supply.
Since this is an external socket, you must remember that the socket housing must have an appropriate IP rating, so that it is protected against various weather conditions. It is also important to ensure that the new external socket has sufficient RCD protection, which will be the case if the house is wired after 2008. However, if it is not wired, you will need to use an outlet external protected by RCD for maximum protection. .
Like all items in your home, outlets naturally go through some wear and tear. Here are 5 potential hazards with sockets, along with important safety points to remember.
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Look for cracks, smoke marks, and signs of arcing on your socket, as this could be a sign of something more sinister lurking in your sockets. Seek advice from a licensed electrician if you see signs of smoke or if the outlet becomes hot.
With advances in technology, this means our outlets are at risk of being overloaded with gadgets. Currently, 19% of UK homes are already showing signs of electrical overload in their sockets. Be sure not to attach too many items, especially those with higher current ratings, which can lead to overheating and become a fire hazard.
If you notice that the faceplate of your jack is loosening, there’s always a chance that something could be supporting it and interfering. Pulling hard on the plugs can damage the faceplate and loosen it. Over time, this means the screws loosen. Remember to tighten the screws over time and slowly remove the plugs.
Don’t forget to turn off your socket before unplugging a socket so that there is no load. Usually people don’t turn off the socket first and see a flash, but this can be avoided by turning off the switch first.
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Our modern UK 13A sockets are the safest without interference and are also safety regulated. Outlet covers are not regulated and are not required for protection.
The front of my socket is cracked and damaged. Can I replace the tip or do I have to call an electrician?
If your outlet cover is cracked or damaged, it will need to be replaced. Homeowners can change the front of an outlet without the need for an electrician. However, you’ll need to safely isolate the circuit first, so that none come on while you’re working on it.
Power outlets with USB ports allow you to use more items at the same time, without the need for an extension cord. For this reason, many believe they are better than normal sockets. Whether they’re better depends on a few factors, including the brand and how many amps the USB ports hold.
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The Residual Current Device (RCD) of your consumer unit trips to protect you from damage. If a particular circuit breaker keeps tripping, it’s best to call a licensed electrician to come and inspect the circuit for faults.
When testing for polarity, you should test from the front of the outlet with an adapter, not from the back of the outlet with probes.
Do a visual check with the power off, then you need to trace the conductors to nearby outlets and see if you need to run a new one.
I opened the socket and found 3 conductors on the back of the socket. But I can’t find any other socket that has single contacts.
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This is a trigger that is attached to the ring. You need to find another socket with 3 connections, and you can have a ring within a ring. It is a very dangerous situation. The best procedure is to disconnect it and create a trigger from the fused switch connection or properly integrate it into the circuit.Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement home, home renovation, home repair and DIY. Proven, Authentic, Trusted Home Tips
How to wire an outlet Although some electrical work should be left to the pros, it is possible to replace an electrical outlet on your own if you take the right precautions. Read on to learn how to do the job safely.
Electrical work is simply dangerous. If you are considering a project that requires some complexity or sophistication, we strongly recommend that you hire a licensed electrician. However, there are some simple electrical repairs and upgrades that are suitable for budget-conscious people to proceed with careful attention to detail. By following these tips, you can replace an old or damaged outlet, or even change one for a USB wall outlet. It’s a simple job, and as long as you take the right precautions and carefully read the steps on how to wire an outlet before you start, it’s safe.
One caveat, though: before doing any electrical work in your home, it’s a good idea to check local building codes to make sure your project falls within what a homeowner is. allowed to do at home. Need a hand ? can help. Get free, no-obligation project estimates from licensed electricians in your area. Find Pro+
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There are jobs that are in the wheelhouse of an experienced handyman, and then there are others that are best left to the professionals. How can you tell the difference? Some common scenarios are outlined below to give an idea of what a practical homeowner should be able to deal with (subject to local restrictions, of course) and what should be left to the electrician.
If you want to add an electrical outlet, but it requires running a new wire between the location of the new outlet and the house electrical panel, you need to call a professional. You’ll need a licensed master electrician, especially because building codes often require a permit for new electrical work, and in many parts of the country, only a professional can obtain the necessary permit. In other areas, a homeowner may withdraw their own permits and begin wiring multiple outlets after passing a government-administered test.
In many cases, it is possible to wire one outlet from another outlet. In fact, if there is an existing store across the wall from where you like
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