Wall sockets supplier?

NastyMatt

The whole house needs new electrical sockets (light/plugs etc). They are 30 years old and look :eek:

I just wondered if anyone knew of any suppliers that have a decent selection?

jennifernil

Try Screwfix, they do several different brands.

Ystrad_Lad

If it's that old you will probably need to have the house fully re-wired. Don't put new sockets on old wiring it can be dangerous.

At the very least you should have a periodic inspection done to check it out.

This is a job that requires a professional electrician.

WestonDave

As above its very unlikely that anyone would rewire a house and put old fronts back on so if the fronts are :eek: the wiring underneath is probably :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Although 30 year old wiring isn't necessarily unsafe you may find there are plenty of things which either wouldn't be allowed now or are in fact less safe than could be including lighting circuits (or more likely just one for both floors) with no earth in it, old fuses rather than circuit breakers, no RCD protection and possibly cables with old rubber insulation which perishes over time.

Don't waste money changing the fronts if you are going to have the lot rewired as electricians can get the bits much cheaper trade. It is a big and messy job so its best to get it done first before you waste too much time decorating as the chances are some of it will get damaged in the process.

Phil_L_2

If the wiring is only 30 years old then it is very unlikely to be any rubber. It will all be pvc flat twin & earth. The lighting circuits will probably have earths as well. My normal advice is to have it tested, have any earth bonding ungraded if required, and leave alone unless there are issues which need to be addressed. Come back here if you need help with the results.

baldelectrician

Went to an old dears house today, the consumer unit had decided to go slightly on fire (just a little one)

Reason:
Ring circuit (over 30 years old) was incomplete, and had lost continuity on L-L and N-N legs.

Thus causing most of electicity to go down one leg.
The son said - oh no , we need a rewire.

The answer ?

No- the fault needed fixing and the sockets and switches needed repalced. The bonding was all OK, as the heating had been replaced a few years ago, and was upgraded then.

The fault was not fixed on this visit- customer said not just now, so the sockets were put on a 20A mcb, instead of a 32A mcb. The sockets were effectively not a ring circuit, so the MCB of 20A would be safer.

The certificate will be detailed accordingly, and the clients house insurence will not cover any electrical problems until the fault is rectified.

Mikeyorks

NastyMatt wrote:

I just wondered if anyone knew of any suppliers that have a decent selection?

Screwfix / Toolstation / TLC ...... the latter, in particular, have a good range. But watch the prices are ex-VAT.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/index.html

flang

MK branded sockets are the best however wilkinsons do some own brand sockets for around 99p!!

m4rky

I have seen the metal fronted sockets at the bigger Asda and Aldi stores.
They are often half the price of B&Q!!

Don't look cheap either.