How to Change a Socket | Wickes.co.uk

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Updating your electrical fittings can add a crisp, modern finish to your home. If your plug sockets are damaged, overheating or no longer comply with safety standards they may need replacing, and you can absolutely do this yourself.

We'll show you exactly how to change a plug socket. Whether you're changing a wall socket for the very first time or upgrading an old faceplate, we've got you covered. Our practical, step-by-step guide will help you tackle the job with total confidence.

Always isolate the circuit at your consumer unit and check the socket is dead using a voltage tester before starting any work.
Match the wire colours to the correct terminals: brown or red to Live (L), blue or black to Neutral (N), and green or yellow to Earth (E).
Trim any frayed wires back by 5mm, cover bare earth wires with appropriate sleeving, and secure the wires tightly before replacing the faceplate.

Tools and materials

Staying safe with electrics

Electrical installations are subject to local building regulations. Your wiring should always comply with IEE Wiring Regulations. If you have any doubts about your home's setup, it's best to contact a registered electrician.

Electrical work can be dangerous. Never work on your electrics unless you are totally sure they have been turned off and isolated at the consumer unit. To be extra safe, wear rubber-soled shoes that insulate you from the ground.

Purchasing a voltage tester is the safest way to ensure there is no electrical current running to the socket. Test the voltage tester on the old socket before the power is turned off. That way you can be sure it is actually working when you use it later. We also recommend that all homes are fitted with a fixed RCD (Residual Current Device) as they offer the highest level of protection.

Step by step instructions

Locate your consumer unit (fuse box) and identify the circuit you'll be working on. Isolate the circuit by flicking the micro-circuit breakers (MCB) to the OFF position or by removing the fuse, keeping it safely in your pocket until the job is completed.

Use a voltage or socket tester to check that the socket is no longer live. You could also double-check by plugging in a lamp before isolating the circuit, then checking the light has gone off.

Use a screwdriver to remove the retaining screws and gently manoeuvre the front of the socket to reveal the wiring. There should be enough slack in the wire that you can easily access the back section.

You may have single, double or triple wiring, and it's vital that you replace the wires like-for-like.

Loosen the terminal screws, gently free the wires and put the old socket to one side.

If any of the wires are frayed, use side cutters and electrical wire strippers to leave 5mm of wire clear.

Cover any bare earth wires with appropriate green or yellow sleeving.

Note that the order and positioning of the Live (L), Neutral (N) and Earth (E) terminals on the new socket may be different from the old socket. Be sure to check the terminal labels on the new socket carefully.

Ensure that the terminal screws on the new socket are open. Then, depending on the age of your wiring, connect the brown (or red) wiring to the Live (L) terminal, making sure no bare wire is visible, and that the connection is secure.

Repeat this process connecting the blue (or black) wiring to the Neutral (N) terminal and the green & yellow wiring to the Earth (E) terminal.

Re-tighten the terminal screws so that they’re firmly fixed but not over-tightened.

Carefully manoeuvre the faceplate back into position, making sure that wiring is not caught or trapped.

Reattach the faceplate with the retaining screws, checking it is level with a spirit level and being sure not to over-tighten.

Replace the fuse and restore the power at the consumer unit.

Use the socket tester to make sure the unit is correctly wired and functioning.

Modern upgrades and aftercare

If you want a fresh look, changing plug socket faceplate covers is a quick and effective update. Sockets are available in a range of sizes, colours and finishes. Modern designs often feature built-in USB ports and Wi-Fi extenders to make charging devices simpler. You can even change a single socket to double by replacing the surface-mounted box. Bear in mind that different designs have different fitting requirements. Always check the manufacturer's instructions.

Once your new socket is installed, take care not to overload it as this can cause damage and overheating. Wipe it with a soft dry cloth from time to time to keep it looking clean.

We hope this guide has given you the confidence to safely change your plug sockets. Remember to take your time and if you are ever unsure at any stage in the process, contact a registered electrician for help. If you ever need to do further maintenance on your home we have plenty more handy guides, such as how to replace a radiator.

FAQs

The safest method is to isolate the power at your consumer unit first. Then, use a voltage tester to confirm there is absolutely no current running to the socket before you start unscrewing the faceplate.

Yes, you can easily change a wall socket yourself by following basic safety steps. However, you must always comply with local IEE Wiring Regulations. If you feel unsure, contact a registered electrician for practical help.

You can change a single socket to double by using a replacement surface-mounted box. These boxes give you space to wire in a new double socket safely. Always remember to check the specific manufacturer's instructions first.