Replacing old plug socket- help needed!

Vindiesel

Hi all
I need to replace a single and a double plug socket as i have old ones that doe not have on/off switches on them.
Can anyone please advise a)whether it is safe for a novice to do this, and b)how i do it?

I have performed a search on this forum, and read thios post: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=304112&highlight=sockets


so is this safe and easy?

thanks

V

Mikeyorks

Vindiesel wrote:

so is this safe and easy?

It's easy if you have a basic idea of what you're doing. With respect - you don't appear to fall into that category ..... so it's certainly not 'safe'!

The thread you're pointing at is inappropriate as that relates to a simplistic method of converting a single socket to double. What you're looking for is more along these lines :-

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/replacing_a_damaged_socket.htm

.... but I'd seriously suggest you get an expert or a friend who's an experienced and competent DIYer to help you??

roger56

I too would agree, electrics are only "safe" if you have some idea of what you are doing and even then checks and precautions must be taken.

You say you are a novice, and since you seem to only want to replace unswitched sockets (which I assume are in good order) with switched sockets, I'd leave it alone.

You may find this interesting reading, do respect the cautions!!
http://www.diynot.com/pages/el/el018.php

Vindiesel

ok thanks guys. it cetrainly does look a little more complicated than 'easy' (i would have hoped. i will leave alone..will get the experts to do it.

thanks again

V

HugoSP

Just out of interest, why do you want to change them to switched sockets?

Unless you have a good reason to want to do this, I would leave them alone.

Alan50

You can find one in your area through the https://www.niceic.com web site. I cover the north side of manchester.

Alan

HugoSP

Alan50 wrote:

You can find one in your area through the https://www.niceic.com web site. I cover the north side of manchester.

Alan

Not neccesary - despite what the NICEIC may like to tell you.

Part P legislation and regs are fine. You will NOT need a Part P registered person to do this - a competent DIY or electrician is good enought for this job - we are not talking a major rewire here.

Ask friends and neighbours for recommendations for competent well priced electricians - also talk to any builders you may know - they will subcontract to electricians. Even a copmetent handyman would be able to do this. The only problem that the OP has is finding someone he knows will do this job safely. Being a member of NICEIC does not necessarily mean that the contractor will do the job safely - granted it makes is less likely that the job will be done badly.

To be a member of the NICEIC Part P scheme costs £400+ per year. Unless a sole trader is heavily or soley involved in electrics he cannot justify the membership. Hence there are stacks of sole traders, many who are suitably qualified in electrical installations but who are not members of any scheme. I am one myself. I get around the Part P work by notifying the local BCO - This typically costs the householder £50 plus vat, or it gets included in another BCO notification at no extra charge.

Sorry to be so down on the NICEIC but IMO they are abusing their position by leading both contractors and the public to believe misinformation about Part P and how it applies. I had an interesting telephone conversation with one of their call handlers who had obviously been trained not to tell the whole truth, leading me to conclude that I could do very little without being signed up th their scheme. I have to say I really did resent their attitude when I actually read the new regs in detail. It turns out that most minor jobs can be done by anyone.

When Part P first came in there were magazine articals informing householders that they could do no work whatsoever on electrical installations themselves after 2004. This is clearly untrue. Replacements of sockets etc do not fall within the scope of Part P. There is no law stopping the OP from doing the work himself.

My advice to the OP is to get yourself down to WH Smiths and pick up a Collins DY manual for £5. This has detail of the ring main circuits that he will encounter. When he's read up on it he can then decide what to do

roger56

Hugh

I'm Part P qualified but did the course for interest. I cannot justify the costs to join a "competant person" scheme as I only do electrical work for "interest":j , particularly helping individuals doing self build.
I use the building control notification route as well, generally find the BC officers helpful and understanding to the situation. Always check if I'm unsure of something...a good way of learning too.

HugoSP

Hi Roger.

I did the courses (C and G 2381 and 2391) partly for interest and partly because I could see the industry tightening up in this area a lot.

I felt I needed to know what I was doing when I come accross electrics as part of other small jobs and have done a few £300 or so electrical jobs.

The council that covers me for most of my jobs have an informal arrangement with people like me. They dont have the resources to send out sparkies to check everyones work so I still have to pay my fee but I just send them a copy of the 7671 cert, and they send out the Building Cert by return.

Alan50

Sure, simple enough job. Please ask the guy to carry out a "earth fault loop impedance test" at the new socket and to explain that the disconnection time is acceptable for this type of socket outlet.

Clipsal, make a conveter (single socket to twin) 2 screw job, LN&E connection
But please test thereafter.

Best advice: obtain a NICEIC minor works certificate

Alan

roger56

I'm with Alan50 - it may only seem a simple task, but the earth loop impedance test is a second and vital safety check. It will prove that the
socket change has been done safely AND that the existing circuit is still working safely. Test takes less that a minute.

fyi minor works certificate:
http://www.niceic.org.uk/nonapproved/minorwks.html