Advice Please, replacing a double wall socket, can I just switch off the mains power

Fifer

Given that removing the fuse merely disconnects the live connection and not the neutral, it's not an entirely safe method of working (especially bearing in mind that the installation could be wired incorrectly). Always switch off the mains supply to be safe.

JimmyTheWig

muirbabe wrote: »

Previous to having central heating installed last year, I would do very simple electrical jobs myself by switching off the electric completely at the main switch beforehand.

Can I still just do that in this case?

And forget all about the central heating boiler which is switched off for the summer?

Yes, there's no problem turning off the electrical power to the boiler.
As has been discussed, and you agree, turning the whole thing off is the best way to be sure it is off.

And, as mentioned, check the time on the timer once it's back on again.

BillTrac

bazster wrote: »

It was only when my screwdriver and I flew across the room that I knew this particular socket had been wired into the upstairs main (by a qualified electrician...)

I doubt very much you OR your screwdriver flew across the room! Maybe a bang, a spark and a flinch of your arm.:rotfl:

OP, just switch the mains off at the distribution board if you have any doubts. Job won't take you more than 10 minutes. And if the existing socket-outlet is unswitched now would be a good time to change it to a switched unit. Also, if you have a Screwfix near you go there for your new socket, not somewhere like B & Q or Homebase. This is a moneysavingexpert site, after all.

All you should need is a smallish screwdriver to unscrew the socket and to disconnect and re-connect the cables behind.

And it isn't anything to do with requiring Part P as it's a straightforward replacement, like for like. Different if you were adding another socket onto the circuit.

Figment

BillTrac wrote: »

I doubt very much you OR your screwdriver flew across the room! Maybe a bang, a spark and a flinch of your arm.:rotfl:

OP, just switch the mains off at the distribution board if you have any doubts. Job won't take you more than 10 minutes. And if the existing socket-outlet is unswitched now would be a good time to change it to a switched unit. Also, if you have a Screwfix near you go there for your new socket, not somewhere like B & Q or Homebase. This is a moneysavingexpert site, after all.

All you should need is a smallish screwdriver to unscrew the socket and to disconnect and re-connect the cables behind.

And it isn't anything to do with requiring Part P as it's a straightforward replacement, like for like. Different if you were adding another socket onto the circuit.

Do you know who owns Screwfix?

cossie23

Could always buy one off these first. May help with problem and would also show that you have switched off correct breaker.

http://cpc.farnell.com/jsp/displayProduct.jsp?sku=IN05836&CMP=e-2072-00001000

bazster

BillTrac wrote: »

I doubt very much you OR your screwdriver flew across the room! Maybe a bang, a spark and a flinch of your arm.:rotfl:

I promise you the screwdriver flew across the room! I am a bit large for aerobatics, but I certainly jumped back a bit smartly!

Ta for the heads up about the rules and regs. I recently had my new kitchen extension wired by an electrician when I would've happily done it myself but for the law, but at least now I know there is no problem with me DIY-replacing the boring white sockets etc. with the shiny designery ones I've just bought!

After I've turned it all off, of course!

bazster

Figment wrote: »

Do you know who owns Screwfix?

I do, but it doesn't alter the fact that Screwfix is vastly cheaper than B & Q.

Similarly Toolstation is much cheaper than Wickes, despite both being owned by Travis Perkins.

And, of course, Toolstation is generally significantly cheaper than Screwfix.

muirbabe

Hi,

Thanks for all the advice and replies.

I managed to change the socket without electrocuting myself:j and it seems to be working fine.

Thanks again for all the replies and advice.

regards,

muirbabe

JimmyTheWig

(And does the boiler still work? Is the time on the controls still right?)

Kernel_Sanders

Fifer wrote: »

Given that removing the fuse merely disconnects the live connection and not the neutral, it's not an entirely safe method of working (especially bearing in mind that the installation could be wired incorrectly). Always switch off the mains supply to be safe.

I never realized that. Is this also true for modern magnetic fuses?