Wiring a 13amp switched socket

wannabecraig · 14-01-2019 11:28pm #1

Got new sockets for the house and instead of the 2 earths going into the one hole, like the live and neutral, they go into two separate holes, it's dual earth apparently. It says that the earth needs to be sleeved back to the back box.

3nnb4L4

Is it ok to split the two live wireds that are sleeved together and wrap with electric tape and then screw them into the back of the socket?

wannabecraig · 14-01-2019 11:31pm

Pic isn't loading, not sure why.

Here is direct link
https://imgur.com/a/3nnb4L4

Steve · 14-01-2019 11:31pm

Can you take a pic and post it?

KERSPLAT! · 14-01-2019 11:35pm

The second terminal for the Earth is in case you have a cable coming from a metal back box and avoids forcing too many cables into a single terminal. Twist the Earth's together, sleeve them and connect to one Earth terminal. The second terminal will be connected to the first though it may not be visible, it'll depend on the socket, it's not needed in your case unless the back box is metal, which from your photo I can see it isn't, it's a plastic dryliner.

wannabecraig · 14-01-2019 11:40pm

ok, and if I've already wrapped them in tape and split them (only in one install) should I undo that?

Wiring guide.
https://imgur.com/a/3IIe6sI

KERSPLAT! · 14-01-2019 11:51pm

I don't believe them being separated is an issue, just ensure they are insulated sufficiently and the copper is doubled over in the terminal to ensure the screw has caught it.

I'm not up on the regs so someone more knowledgeable can confirm or deny.

Steve · 14-01-2019 11:51pm

2 browns go into 'L', 2 blues go into 'N'.

Pull the cover off the earth - GN/YE , twist the bare one with it and put the cover back on, then put both in the 'E' terminal. The back box is plastic so does not need to be bonded.

wannabecraig · 15-01-2019 11:53am

ok, great, thanks for all the help.

Effects · 15-01-2019 11:59am

If I understand correctly, then you have split both earth cables. If they aren't twisted, and one becomes disconnected from the socket, then you won't have earth continuity at the next socket down the line, and so on.

wannabecraig · 16-01-2019 3:25pm

Effects wrote: »

If I understand correctly, then you have split both earth cables. If they aren't twisted, and one becomes disconnected from the socket, then you won't have earth continuity at the next socket down the line, and so on.

ok, they're fairly hard wired in but I can undo and twist together.

Wiring a 13amp switched socket

Comments