need to convert 1g to 2g socket.

seatbeltnoob

It has a single set of wires, and I have a socket tester too so I can check everything is properly done, wires are secured on correctly.

The socket is directly underneath the consumer unit.

seatbeltnoob

DiddyDavies said:

TELLIT01 said:

A double socket only has a  might only have a single set of wires into the back of it so replacing a single with a double is straightforward particularly with a surface mounted pattress. 

It might have two sets of wires or it might have a single set. It all depends on how it has been connected up. It might be like the sockets shown here:

Or then again, it could be like the lower socket here:

and it's impossible to tell which it will be without checking.

I have seen two sets of wires on another sockert that was damaged that I replaced. I wondered why there were 2 wires going into the same terminal. I guess they were just spurring power onto another socket down the chain.

Norman_Castle

seatbeltnoob said:

DiddyDavies said:

TELLIT01 said:

A double socket only has a  might only have a single set of wires into the back of it so replacing a single with a double is straightforward particularly with a surface mounted pattress. 

It might have two sets of wires or it might have a single set. It all depends on how it has been connected up. It might be like the sockets shown here:

Or then again, it could be like the lower socket here:

and it's impossible to tell which it will be without checking.

I have seen two sets of wires on another sockert that was damaged that I replaced. I wondered why there were 2 wires going into the same terminal. I guess they were just spurring power onto another socket down the chain.

Hopefully they were continuing the ring of the ring circuit, you shouldn't spur off a spur. Single or double sockets have the same mains wiring so its as easy to fit a double as a single socket.

FinallyStoppedLurking

If you want 3 sockets:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-3-gang-surface-pattress-box-white-30mm/19268
https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-logic-plus-13a-3-gang-dp-switched-plug-socket-white/17315

DiddyDavies

FinallyStoppedLurking said:

If you want 3 sockets:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-3-gang-surface-pattress-box-white-30mm/19268
https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-logic-plus-13a-3-gang-dp-switched-plug-socket-white/17315

If I was changing the single socket, I think I would also go for the 3 way option.
You might only need the 2 at the moment but your needs may change in the future and the difference in price between the 2 and 3 way option will be minimal.

seatbeltnoob

DiddyDavies said:

FinallyStoppedLurking said:

If you want 3 sockets:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-3-gang-surface-pattress-box-white-30mm/19268
https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-logic-plus-13a-3-gang-dp-switched-plug-socket-white/17315

If I was changing the single socket, I think I would also go for the 3 way option.
You might only need the 2 at the moment but your needs may change in the future and the difference in price between the 2 and 3 way option will be minimal.

Where to the wires connect on the 3 way? Do they all connect around the central gang?

DiddyDavies

seatbeltnoob said:

Where to the wires connect on the 3 way? Do they all connect around the central gang?

There is a single terminal for each wire on the back  so connecting it is exactly the same as the socket you currently have:

seatbeltnoob

@DiddyDavies That's brilliant, I'll go with that. I was worried it might have a live in one end and neutral on the other. Some double sockets have it like that.

DiddyDavies

If in doubt, pop into Screwfix (or whereever you decide to buy from) and ask to have a quick look at the socket before buying.
If for some reason they won't let you (possibly Covid related), I'm sure you will be able to return in should the terminal positions be different to the picture.

TELLIT01

fenwick458 said:

TELLIT01 said:

A double socket only has a single set of wires into the back of it so replacing a single with a double is straightforward particularly with a surface mounted pattress.  The only thing to be careful about is ensuring that the mains comes into the replacement pattress directly behind the connection on the socket.

if you don't know what you are talking about please refrain from offering advice about it!

My hamfisted attempt at saying that a double socket won't have any more wires to it than a single socket will.  There will not be a separate power feed to/from each socket.  I do know what I mean, just explained it very badly.