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fuse confusion - is it safe to replace the face on a plug socket yourself?
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If possible I would try to buy a replacement socket that is exactly the same as the old one, so that existing wires don't need any modification to fit.
As a DIYer, I'd also not start the job less than several hours before sunset (or when there's something I want to watch on TV), just in case the job turns out to be complicated and I have to keep the power turned off for longer than expected.
All this talk of screw torque makes me wonder when we'll start seeing sockets with Wago-style lever connectors on the back rather than screw connectors. That would make the connections more reproduceable and less subject to human error.0 -
Torque wrench for a plug socket = baloney!
Torque SCREWDRIVER, not wrench - tightens screws to prescribed tightness to avoid under/over tightening and over-stretching/stripping of threads - especially in softer brass screws like those in electrical fittings. I use one - but them I am an electrician. Tighten, fit, remove, check & re-tighten.
Would never use choc block to extend cable behind a socket. Any screwed connection now needs to accessible without a tool for inspection and testing for tightness. Prescribed method is to replace cable or to use a proper crimped connection which can't loosen with time. Myself I would use Wagos (push-fit, not lever) where space in the back-box permits.
Discussion about torque screwdrivers here;
http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/electrical-tools-products/56142-adjustable-torque-screwdriver-set-recommendations.html0 -
I use one - but them I am an electrician. Tighten, fit, remove, check & re-tighten.
Us DIY'ers using it a couple of times a year OTT
Use standard screwdriver and take your time.
Its worked for me for past 40 years.0 -
Torque SCREWDRIVER, not wrench - tightens screws to prescribed tightness to avoid under/over tightening and over-stretching/stripping of threads - especially in softer brass screws like those in electrical fittings. I use one - but them I am an electrician. Tighten, fit, remove, check & re-tighten.
Would never use choc block to extend cable behind a socket. Any screwed connection now needs to accessible without a tool for inspection and testing for tightness. Prescribed method is to replace cable or to use a proper crimped connection which can't loosen with time. Myself I would use Wagos (push-fit, not lever) where spare in the back-box permits.
Discussion about torque screwdrivers here;
http://www.electriciansforums.co.uk/electrical-tools-products/56142-adjustable-torque-screwdriver-set-recommendations.html
If not, then is there a 3rd party table of the precise values to be used for each product from each manufacturer?
If neither of those, then is it just guesswork?0 -
Do the manufacturers prescribe the tightness of the screws in their sockets?
a) Did I say sockets? b) did I say I always use one?
c) Commercial/industrial product makers DO define required torque for safe connections - and manufacturers instructions/specifications even trump BS7671 as far as defining what we should do for best practice.If not, then is there a 3rd party table of the precise values to be used for each product from each manufacturer?If neither of those, then is it just guesswork?
I used to work with an irritating pedantic know-it-all. After a smack in the gob from several of us on several occasions he decided to sod off and try to find a life ...:rotfl:
http://blogs.virginmedia.com/files/7413/7483/1174/10_Mr_you_dont_wanna_do_it_like_that.jpg0 -
. Any screwed connection now needs to accessible without a tool for inspection and testing for tightness.0
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...or to use a proper crimped connection which can't loosen with time. Myself I would use Wagos (push-fit, not lever) where space in the back-box permits.
OTOH, those methods of connection do seem very sensible - so can you give some part numbers for suitably insulated crimps and WAGO connectors that could be used (I have seen WAGO lever-lock connectors on their terminal blocks for PCB/PWB use, but they were quite large items, although not as standalone items for this particular sort of application)?
BTW, I do have a reasonable crimping tool - but, again OTOH, most people will not!
Edited:
Did a bit of searching, and found that Screwfix do the push-fit WAGO connectors
2-conducto:r : http://www.screwfix.com/p/2-way-push-wire-connector-773-series-pack-of-100/77102?kpid=77102&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&kpid=77102&cm_mmc=Google-_-Shopping%20-%20Electrical-_-Shopping%20-%20Electrical&gclid=CI-15pK_vMQCFeoJwwodHk8Axw
4-conductor: http://www.screwfix.com/p/4-way-push-wire-connector-773-series-pack-of-100/27374
I think I'll get some!0 -
The foreman, said "Do not believe anyone, including me(God) who tells you that the power is off".
Never work on any circuit unless you have personally ensured that the power is, indeed, off.
This is true on the railway.
If someone puts a special sign on a train which basically says the train can't be moved, only that same person can remove it. Obviously other people can but they don't know if anyone is working under it, so it's disallowed.0 -
anotheruser wrote: »This is true on the railway.
If someone puts a special sign on a train which basically says the train can't be moved, only that same person can remove it. Obviously other people can but they don't know if anyone is working under it, so it's disallowed.0 -
a) Did I say sockets? b) did I say I always use one?
c) Commercial/industrial product makers DO define required torque for safe connections - and manufacturers instructions/specifications even trump BS7671 as far as defining what we should do for best practice.
(a) The thread is about re-wiring a socket, and you said "electrical fittings"; of course, if you weren't talking about the thread topic, then perhaps it's for another thread.
(b) You said "I use one - but them I am an electrician."; you may or may not use it always, or not, but I never said you did or didn't.
(c) It's irrelevant to this thread whether commercial/industrial makers define torques, as this thread is about a 13A home socket for a dishwasher.See above.Skill learned with time and experience.I used to work with an irritating pedantic know-it-all. After a smack in the gob from several of us on several occasions he decided to sod off and try to find a life ...:rotfl:
http://blogs.virginmedia.com/files/7413/7483/1174/10_Mr_you_dont_wanna_do_it_like_that.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6QgHUJIQ5Q&list=RDy6QgHUJIQ5Q0
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