Replacing sockets and switches

Sammz

I'm trying to replace a few sockets and switches. First query:

I've done one light switch easily enough but the second one is different.

There isn't a terminal for the earth cable to go in to. The instructions say it should be insulated by an appropriate means.

Is putting it in to the other end of this little plastic thing an appropriate means?

totalsolutions

No Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Sammz

Should I just give up now and get someone in to do it?! I asked a handyman and he said it was easy to do myself.

Incisor

Sammz wrote: »

Should I just give up now and get someone in to do it?! I asked a handyman and he said it was easy to do myself.

If you understand what you are doing it is dead easy. Either get to the point of understanding it yourself, or give the job to someone who does

marvin

That little plastic thing is known as choc bloc or (more correctly) terminal block.

And unless my eyes deceive me its not the earth that's going into it, it looks like the live wire.

Electrics is not something to play with and if you don't know what you are doing best to call in someone that does. Far better spending some money on electrics than you or your family spending some money on a funeral.

Sammz

I'm quite happy to learn. It would have to be online though. Any tips for websites?

Viper_7

Trouble with learning on-line is misinterpretation.

From the picture it's difficult to tell what's what. One could also make assumptions based on what we see as to what type of switch your doing - ie stand alone or in conjunction with another - eg landing or double switched living room lights.
But these are just assumptions and no-one is going to advise what they think you should do as far as the wiring is concerned.
Someone other previous DIY'er could have been in there and wired things up in an unorthodox way as well. for example someone else could have put that switch in and got the colour coding !!!! about face.

If I were you I'd speak to someone who does know - and get them to show you the basics.
Once your comfortable with the basics you'd be good for switches/sockets/plugs etc, if you question what your doing you don't understand you should let someone who does do it for you.

For example painting - it won't kill me (Electricity can), but I'm rubbish at it so always get someone in.

Sammz

marvin wrote: »

That little plastic thing is known as choc bloc or (more correctly) terminal block.

And unless my eyes deceive me its not the earth that's going into it, it looks like the live wire.

Electrics is not something to play with and if you don't know what you are doing best to call in someone that does. Far better spending some money on electrics than you or your family spending some money on a funeral.

It is the live wire that's going in to it. That's what it looks like before I've done anything. I did a switch in my bedroom but it looked the same inside so I just copied it. This one is different.

I think I'll stick to my first instinct and pay someone to do them all. Thanks to everyone for replies.

Will be back soon asking advice on whether I've bought the correct switches as they look different

Sammz

Ok, I've got a switch for my bathroom fan. It's just a switch with a red light above it.

I've also got a switch for my heater. It is a switch with a bit at the side for the fuse.

I've bought "Connection Unit 13 amp switched with neon and bottom cable entry" http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav/nav.jsp?action=detail&fh_secondid=9289780&fh_view_size=6&fh_eds=%3f&fh_location=%2f%2fcatal!!!1%2fen_GB%2f_common_price_range%3d0-10&fh_search=connection+unit&fh_refview=search&ts=1217009281467&isSearch=false&selected=products

Is this correct? If not, what should I be looking for?

Sammz

Jeez, I'm rubbish at this. I've just checked and it has a 3A fuse in it.

And the one I took off the bedroom is a 6A but I put on a 10A. Um, was this really stupid?

Is it ok to ask an electrician in and tell him to go get the things that I need?

mountainchrisriver

I'd just stop and get a qualified electrician in if I were you... :beer: