There are three ways to convert a single socket into a double (or triple) socket:
- Convert a single flush-mounted (recessed) socket to a double surface-mounted socket with a pattress, which acts as an adaptor and fits over the existing mounting box.
- Convert a single surface-mounted socket to a double surface-mounted socket.
- Convert a single flush-mounted socket to a double flush-mounted socket. ...
How do I convert a single socket to a double socket?
There are three ways to convert a single socket into a double (or triple) socket: Convert a single flush-mounted (recessed) socket to a double surface-mounted socket with a pattress, which acts as an adaptor and fits over the existing mounting box.
How can I double my socket power in a weekend?
You can double your socket power in a weekend just by swapping your single outlets for doubles. An electrician will charge £30 to do the same job for you. Multiply that by the number of single sockets in your house and you’ll see how much you can save by doing it yourself.
How do I convert a single cable to double?
Should be straightforward enough, no technical issues involved if just single to double. If the cables are long enough and you do not mind a surface box, you could fit a conversion pattress. This just screws over the flush box. Don't forget rubber grommets in the metal back box to protect the cables on entry (from the sharp edges).
How do you convert a single flush mounted socket?
Converting a single flush-mounted socket. This involves making the recess in the wall larger to accommodate the bigger mounting box. Switch off the power at the consumer unit and turn off the MCB or remove the fuse that protects the circuit that supplies the socket you will be working on.
How do I change a single socket to a double UK?
0:5812:33How to replace a single socket with a double socket - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the first thing we need to do is plug something like adding switch on the socket to and sure thatMoreSo the first thing we need to do is plug something like adding switch on the socket to and sure that it is nej we're now going to go to the consume unit and we're going to isolate.
Can you spur a double socket off a single socket?
If the socket is part of the ring, then he cannot spur another socket off it. Only one unfused spur of a single or double socket can be spurred from each socket outlet on the ring or stationery equipment on the ring.
Can I add another socket to an existing socket?
Although you can increase the number of sockets in a room by converting single sockets to doubles, there may be times where you need an extra socket where none exist already. In this case, you'll need to add a spur from a ring circuit.
How do I add a socket to another socket?
8:1516:51How to Add a Socket to Ring or Radial Circuits | Spur Off Wiring ExplainedYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd put your back box in wherever your socket wants to be and then we can run the wiring into thatMoreAnd put your back box in wherever your socket wants to be and then we can run the wiring into that back box before we put the fascia on the box.
Is it OK to spur off a socket?
A general rule for a ring main is that if you only have two cables in the back of an existing socket then it is ok to spur. However, if you have a radial circuit with two cables coming in and out, this may be the last socket on that circuit and already has a spur.
Is it legal to change a plug socket UK?
As long as the job isn't within a 'special location' such as a bathroom or outdoors, you're also allowed to install additional new light fittings, switches, sockets and even add a single fused spur to an existing circuit (a 'spur' is a new cable and socket run as a branch from an existing socket on the ring main).
Do I need an electrician to add a socket?
Whilst you don't need to be certified in order to change the accessories or fittings, you will need to call a qualified electrician if you want to install or replace sockets and lighting.
How do I know if my socket is spur or ring?
0:556:23How to Identify a Spur from a Ring Final Socket Circuit | Electrical TestingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith a smaller loop than was previously. Thought and a long leg going off with spurs off spurs.MoreWith a smaller loop than was previously. Thought and a long leg going off with spurs off spurs.
How many sockets can you have on a ring main?
There is no limit to the number of sockets you can have on a ring main but there is a limit to the number of spurs you can have from those sockets or from the wiring between them. If you would like to know how to add a spur to an existing ring main, see our project on adding an extra socket.
How much does it cost to fit an extra socket UK?
Average Cost of Installing a New Socket Prices exclude VAT. Generally, each socket charged after the initial one will be less. Expect to pay £65 extra for every additional socket installed.
How many sockets can you run off a spur?
one spurHow Many Sockets Can Be on a Spur? Only one spur can be connected to a single socket.
How many sockets can you have on a ring main UK?
The IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671) permit an unlimited number of 13A socket outlets (at any point unfused single or double, or any number fused) to be installed on a ring circuit, provided that the floor area served does not exceed 100 m2.
seneca Screwfix Select
Should be straightforward enough, no technical issues involved if just single to double.
Deleted member 11267 Guest
If the cables are long enough and you do not mind a surface box, you could fit a conversion pattress.
Dudders79 New Member
Don't forget rubber grommets in the metal back box to protect the cables on entry (from the sharp edges). Double check you're terminating Live conductors into Live port and Neutral into Neutral (and Earth of course) as different sockets have ports in different places.
Dudders79 New Member
You would be wise to check you have cut the power to the socket before touching live, sockets can be added and fed from other rings other than what appears to be labelled at the fuse board.
Dudders79 New Member
Ha ha. Sorry for all my stupid questions. You're all very kind with your advice on here.
Deleted member 33931 Guest
And, as Dudds says, if you don't turn off the main RCD switch, then you'll jump out of your skin when you touch pretty much any combination of wires - your CU will go ' CLUNK '!
longboat Screwfix Select
And, as Dudds says, if you don't turn off the main RCD switch, then you'll jump out of your skin when you touch pretty much any combination of wires - your CU will go ' CLUNK '!
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What does it mean when there are two wires going into each connector?
Two wires going into each connector indicates that the socket is either part of the ring main or that it is one of two sockets fed by the same spur. If you plan to swap a single socket for a double or add a new spur, you must make sure that the outlet is part of the ring main. To check, you need to run the continuity test in the next step.
What does it mean when a tester buzzes?
Touch one probe on each of the red or brown wires. If the tester buzzes or lights up this means that the socket is part of the ring main. If you are swapping a single socket for a double, remove all the wiring from the old socket.
What to do if sockets are burnt?
If any of your sockets are burnt, then they need to be replaced. Steps 3, 4, 11 and 12 will show you how. RECOMMENDED VIDEOS FOR YOU... 2. Placing too much demand on a single outlet often causes burnt sockets. If this is all too familiar, read on and learn how to swap your singles for doubles. 3.
What does it mean to isolate a ring main?
Just isolating the ring main means there’s still power to the lights – handy if you’re working in a dark corner of the house. 4. Many older houses feature more than one fuse board or consumer unit so you can’t always be sure that you’ve isolated the correct part of the circuit.
Can you use two wires together?
Its perfectly acceptable to use the two types together as long as all the wire is in good condition. If you are fitting an extra socket you’ll only have one set of wires to fit in the back of the unit. 12. Press the socket back into place taking care not to trap any of the wires in the process.
Can you swap a single socket for a double?
If you are wondering whether you can swap any single socket for a double, then the answer is yes, providing the existing socket is the only one on that spur (wire feed) from the ring main. To check this out, do the test in Step 6.
Fitting a pattress to a single flush-mounted socket
Switch off the power at the consumer unit and turn off the MCB or remove the fuse that protects the circuit that supplies the socket you will be working on. Plug in and turn on a lamp to make sure that the circuit is dead.
Converting a single flush-mounted socket
This involves making the recess in the wall larger to accommodate the bigger mounting box.
