Socket Spur Wires Too Thick for Terminal

Ben1989

Hi all,

I have a socket in the loft which is dead. Was intending to figure out why and use it to power my PIV unit.

I’ve discovered it was spurred to the box bedroom below, chased through the plaster. However the cable from the loft to the socket was ended and not connected. I thought ‘simple enough, get the wires connected’. I was wrong.

Firstly, there isn’t enough cabling from the ring main to have a real play. Secondly, the wires are just too thick to get into the terminals. I’ve spent an hour and not even been close. What is the solution here? Can you get sockets with bigger terminals? Any way of connecting wires in the back box to reduce wire thickness into terminals?

dil1976

Your description tells me you have next to no electrical experience or knowledge, so my advice is get a electrician in to connnect it for you so it is done safely

Ben1989

It seems whoever put the spur in gave up and likely had the same problem I’ve been having. If getting sockets with bigger terminals it would solve all my problems with a novice like me. There is a physical restriction, an electrician won’t do any better than me trying to get them in. Granted, they may have a solution but not sure what that may be 

GDB2222

Try one of these.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-logic-plus-rapid-fix-13a-2-gang-dp-switched-socket-white-with-white-inserts/814ph

GDB2222

Also, there’s a DIY wiki, which gives loads of info on electrics. 

http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/Main_Page

dil1976

Ben1989 said:

It seems whoever put the spur in gave up and likely had the same problem I’ve been having. If getting sockets with bigger terminals it would solve all my problems with a novice like me. There is a physical restriction, an electrician won’t do any better than me trying to get them in. Granted, they may have a solution but not sure what that may be 

What a electrician will be able to do is say weather it is even safe to connect the socket that isnt working into the one you are trying to connect it into. It may have been disconnected for reason!

Ben1989

I’ve replaced the loft socket with an IP66 socket to keep dust out and have inspected the whole wire. Everything looking good 

Ben1989

The wire goes through a storage cupboard. I may add a fused spur for extra protection 

dil1976

Ben1989 said:

I’ve replaced the loft socket with an IP66 socket to keep dust out and have inspected the whole wire. Everything looking good 

Ok I will play, but beginning to think this a wind up now.

So some other points that need to be correct for you to proceed.

1. Does the existing circuit have RCD/RCBO protection, if yes does it trip in the required time?
2. Will the Zs at the new socket be low enough so should a fault occur the circuit breaker will trip in time?
3. Is the existing socket you wish to connect too safe to connect another socket too.
4. Do you have proof you are competent to carry out the task and have suitable insurance should the worse happen and your works injure someone?
5. Is the cable you have inspected safe to connect to the socket?

FreeBear

A standard socket will comfortably accommodate 3 strands of 2.5mm² or 4mm² cable and at a push, 2 of 6mm² (stranded).

Ben1989

These are the wires