electrical help please?

Question

Can i change a single switched socket for double sockets with the existing wiring ?

If so how.........thanks

Answer 1

The easiest way is with one of these, which converts your existing single socket into a twin socket:

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=12849&ts=16559

First swich off power at the consumer unit.

Remove the single socket and replace with the Converta Socket. The wiring remains the same.

10 minutes later you have a double socket.

Job done.

Answer 2

Yes you can. Switch off the power to that circuit and either remove the fuse or tape the circuit breaker in the open position (so no-one turns the power back on by mistake.

Double check that the socket is dead. Remove the socket and see if the wires have enough slack to accommodate a double socket.If the old single was surface-mounted (on a pattress), replace with a double pattress.

If the socket was flush mounted, in a solid wall, you will need to remove the metal box, drill out the brickwork and use a cold chisel to extend the hole for a double metal box.

If in a plasterboard wall you will need to remove the plastic box, cut a larger hole for a double box and fit it

Then connect up the socket, fit it in place taking care not to let the wires get trapped. Replace the fuse or flick the circuit breaker and Robert's your mother's brother!

Answer 3

Yes you can easily. Either remove the single one and replace with a double. If it is a flush socket it would mean channelling the wall to accept a new twin metal box and then connecting the existing wiring,, A much simpler way is a form of adaptor. a double socket plugs into the existing single and has two 13amp outlets.Or you have the old fashioned simple 2 or 3 way adaptor. Adaptors are OK as long as you remember the total current on the single socket must not exceed the 13 amps rating of the fuse.

Answer 4

yes if its a surface mounted socket its easy , turn off the power supply at the mains (very important that one ) remove the face plate and disconnect the wires , then unscrew the box from the wall , fitting the double socket is the reverse procedure , if its recessed into the wall as many are its gets a bit messy once disconnected you have to enlarge the whole in the wall to fit the back box though get an electrician to double check all work done for a safety certificate

Answer 5

If you want to do it without all the hassle of enlarging the hole for the back box try www.screwfix.co.uk and enter quote no 72700-87, this will show you a socket converter, you can purchase single to double and single to triple. Cost for the single to double is £7-49 and for the single to triple is £14-50.
Order before 1800hrs and you get next day delivery.
They are also available at most DIY stores i.e B and Q

Answer 6

YES. It's marked on the back of a double switch.( L)ive (N)eutral (E)arth just put the wires in (if they're long enough) fixing it back to the wall is the worst bit. You have to use a double back box, or cut chunks out of the wall.

It's always more advisable to get in a qualified electrician.

Answer 7

Yes. But you'll need a bigger back box. Or you can get a surface PVC box and fit this over. Is the original flush or surface fixing? If the wires are long enough you can fix surface box directly on to old flush box, using socket screws to fix to old flush fixing box.

Answer 8

yes ... power off first .... remove existing single and replace with the double ...the wiring will go back the same ....=3 connection points

Answer 9

Yes you can.Make the hole wider to fit the double back box stick the wires in and connect .

Answer 10

Yes! in uk I think you need a competent electrician, I don't think you are as you wouldn't need to ask, It should take a spark about 30 mins to swap it over!