How to Change a Single Socket to a Double Socket | Electrical DIY

[@donnainman38]

Hubby said I couldn’t do it, your video helped me to prove him wrong! Thanks ☺️

[@pauldrinkwater2621]

Try doing this on a brick and plaster wall . It's a different ball game .

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Have done many times. Same process essentially just tougher.

[@pipins3616]

Easy

[@coxyjmz]

Not really, it’s a basic sparky job. If you can’t turn a single into a double somethings fundamentally wrong 😅

[@markyates5744]

You just need a masonary drill bit, some 8, 10 and 12mm are quite good.

[@A2Z1Two3]

I have an old brick house and it had LOTS of singles low down that I changed to doubles higher up into plaster and brick . I bought a plastic drilling jig that had lots of holes like a honeycomb the shape of the Patress, you just get a masonry drill set to the depth you need and drill all the holes in the jig and it pretty much falls out with a few hits of a cold chisel . Not sure why he did not replace with a Wi-Fi and USB socket when he had the chance .

[@ogden99]

Every time I need to do a job this fella has a video! Cheers.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Cheers!!😀

[@harleymac6308]

Thanks for this helpful video. I had an electrician out to do exactly this & he left the box sitting proud off the wall. It looks an eyesore. I'm going to attempt to do the job properly now that I've watched this. Thank you so much 👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

You're welcome!

[@EfaBailey22]

Great video, very helpful! Just changed three sockets in my room as part of our reno. Some top tips! With a solid wall, i found a drill and chisel took a long time, i used a multitool with masonry bit, did it all in 30 minutes. Thanks again, great video!

[@philipmortimore9311]

Such a good clear explanation. You shouldn't get it wrong using this guide.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍👍

[@antonioantonio5950]

this was a very useful video because I am going to wiring my house by myself on next week? ???God bless you dude and have a great day. !!

[@toddhunter3137]

Great video, I was thinking about doing this, but couldn't be arsed so just bought a four way and plugged it in.

[@superboy8916]

Wow the outlets look different on the other side of the pond…very interesting I do a lot of handy man work and your videos are very interesting on how there is similar and different things…specially tools.

[@hawksticks]

Thank you gave me the confirmation that I could do it myself all turned out great. Subscribed

[@evotoadracekartscars.6738]

Thanks mate, got to do both this and the wire extension as soon as the wire finder arrives. Many thanks.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

No problem 👍

[@steviethom]

Brilliant channel started to try a few things lately because of you. Easy to follow and clear should be a teacher

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Great to hear!

[@brettuk]

super video. extremely well explained . I particularly like the testing elements to make sure the circuit is dead. much appreciated. thanks.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks

[@jasonlee3247]

Whilst it’s a useful trick, just remember that a cable could be live even though your multimeter shows zero volts.

[@fontybits]

CRUCIAL TIP: After removing single pattress box, use a torch & inspection mirror to check the cavity for stud locations. Only THEN mark the cut-out section for the double pattress box. Save yourself cutting into studs and some possible grief.

[@StorminBriski]

This is the comment I was looking for. I used to put my hand in and feel for the studs. You may have to move the back box to the right etc. If you do cut all the way to the stud you'd never get the plastic lugs to work.

[@55north17]

A good video. In a stud wall check that there isn't a vertical stud that is going to obstruct positioning the new box. Additionally, particularly with a brick wall, it's best to have some dust protection when drilling. Working in brickwork could be 10 times more difficult than block so drill out at much as you can before using a chisel.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Absolutely, good tips for people 👍

[@pikricky]

Another good video,I like to use penny washers when securing metal back boxes to the wall as I think it stops the screw head from pulling through the back box if I tighten it too much,I also use them if I've chased the wall for two cables to hold them fast with the screws in the middle of the cables,really enjoy your channel always enjoyable and informative 👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Interesting tip. Thanks and I'm glad you like the channel

[@jimh4072]

Great tip, I will try to remember this one 👍

[@powergemelectrical]

This just came up while I was searching for something else. Decided to watch it anyway & while I was watching I was hoping that socket was going to be a solid wall with about 4 x 2.5mm cables rammed into it. Also you missed the part to tape up the 2 neutrals cus if touched with the earth wires would still trip the RCD despite breaker being off. One of my favourite ways to turn the individual RCCBO’s off for the correct circuit. 😉

[@vimalraj9377]

Just moved to a new house and apparently my room has a burnt wall socket. My father is an electrician but I thought it would be better if I watch a video and learn to fix myself. Love the way you teach, love from Malaysia!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad I could help!

[@55north17]

@@TheDIYGuy1 Need to check out why the socket burnt out.

[@O.kh.R]

Thanks bro

[@chmartin444]

Awesome no waffle straight talking great video.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍 thanks, glad you like it

[@nosycatUK]

Id love to watch a video about how you started learning everything you know. What was the first thing you learnt . What was the most difficult to learn. Have you ever watched other DIY videos to learn. Etc.. at what age did you start learning tools .. etc. That would be very interesting. You could make video like that once you've hit 500k.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks for the idea!

[@LiuDienNuoc2024]

10:58 Your way of doing things is so creative

[@shanksgaming2827]

Nice, before you do this pop your fingers in before hand to check if there isn't a joist in the way.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍 good tip for people.

[@TheEulerID]

The vertical pieces in the wall are called studs (hence stud wall).

[@RyanMarimuthu]

Appreciate the video fella. very clear and safe instructions.

[@peterryan7827]

Another brilliant video cheers for this one ,must stress not to nick those cables ,any anytime during this operation .

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks. Yes don't nick the cables(stealing isnt good 😉)

[@nickmitchell5150]

I love your accent singing through, does make me smile

[@TheDIYGuy1]

😆

[@nosycatUK]

My favourite DIY channel ♥️

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Wow, thank you!

[@nocode1603]

Try the appleby range of dryline boxes with yellow lugs that's what most of us in the trade use had no end of trouble with the diy range of boxes might be abt 10p more but worth it & if you tape up your earth wires together you won't get pesky tripping on your split load board good vid mate👏

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 👍. I will check out the appleby boxes 👍

[@fabianmckenna8197]

Agreed,the cheaper ones are a right pain to secure with the screws. Worthwhile finding some longer screws which help when fitting these boxes blind.

[@terrytoner-f7u]

Very clear and easy to follow vid Thanx .

[@chazz9459]

Always follow and trust your videos. Have helped me out loads! Keep up the excellent work mate!!!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks, will do!

[@nasimahm3d]

my house has two non-working/broken double sockets, i'll give this a go, wish me luck 😯

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Good luck 😃

[@marcushull12]

OH if only it was that easy lol ...I've just bought a 2 bed, 35 year old over 55`s apartment and nearly all the sockets were single !! It was very dated and i`ve spend six months (while living in it modernising it ( i`m a young 60 year old ) anyway I digress , all the internal walls are straw ! it`s amazing how much straw (and mess) comes out of making a single into a double . Although not as bad as the exterior walls cavity , which are full of bean bag beans, the hole for the stench pipe ended up as an avalanche , I had to tape it up before the full side of the building contents ended up in my bathroom lol

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Haha thanks for sharing

[@gilbertlufc]

Excellent useful video. Thank you.

[@therealdojj]

Nice and easy explanation I have found though that if you let the wires touch each other it tends to pop the breaker in the box, might not, but if everything turns off, you'll know why 👍

[@TheRCBiker]

neutral and earth touched together will trip the RCD on a split board, yes

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Absolutely

[@davey4818]

That's the one I've been waiting for Result thanks pal

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you like the vid😀

[@denisdensico1]

hi very clean explanation i love it carry on for more thanks

[@Grump69neal]

Now I’ve seen you do it I will give it ago great video …thanks

[@tigertony2716]

Thank You, very helpful

[@martinkirby3270]

Thanks your videos are really useful and well understandable

[@TheDIYGuy1]

You are welcome

[@gabrielgatheru3583]

Very helpful video.

[@stevenbuckley1416]

Thank you nicely done, I’m new to your channel but still good to keep up with the new item on the market and ideas that solve the problems 👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Welcome aboard!

[@AndyGuinan]

Nice video, very instructional and concise 🙂 I particularly like the attention to electrical safety 👍 One thing to note which I may have missed you mentioning in the video is to make sure that converting to a double terminal doesn't add a potential risk to overloading the circuit (not common these days but still worth a mention)

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks, glad you liked the video.

[@donlunn792]

Andy Guinan surely if you are adding to a ring main which this is surely portraying. It makes no difference to overloading a circuit. But having said this.There are still old Electrical circuits that are not ring main. I would suggest that if someone has no idea what they are doing but think this is easy. Or have an old building that doesn’t have a ring main, consult an Electrician at the very least.

[@34hedgehog]

Very good, mate. Very helpful. Thank you.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

No problem 👍

[@grahamsherry4788]

Ah cheers for this,... I'm going to do ours. I don't like taking work away from tradesmen but a quote of £1000 made me choke!... I'll do this myself 😁😉👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Brilliant

[@peterigrenyi9176]

£1000 for swapping single socket to double? Give over

[@duncanl55]

Very clear. Even I could do it

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Brilliant 👍

[@glennpowell3444]

This is well and good if the cables come through the back of a galvanised wall box.Chances are they come through the knockouts in the sides.That changes the game completley.

[@ADElectric]

Good job from Pakistan

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 👍

[@gman5114]

Made a double into a single THEN made a single into a double just because I saw it in this video!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

😆 nice one G man

[@paulmoore120]

Great video.Thanks.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you liked it!

[@marklola12]

i ended up just getting those 1 gang to 2 gang convertors as i do not mind it sticking off the wall a bit and it saves messing about knocking brick out for me

[@ZG0002]

Half decent video, only one I've seen that advises locking off the supply while working on the circuit. I understand why you didn't, but I'd of liked to see some mention of cable sizes. Seen many sockets wired in undersized cables or a spur off of the socket in 1mm etc.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@richardajoy79]

Very helpful vid. I need to change a single into a double, but it needs to be vertical due to having no space for horizontal...haven't found one yet.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

You can do it!

[@iantaylor6538]

But, with two sockets vertically as you say you need you won't be able to plug anything in to the upper socket if the lower socket is in use as the cable will be impeded by the lower plug. could you mount a double socket vertically and have the cables from the plugs coming out horizontally?

[@StorminBriski]

Thats because they don't exist. The bottom socket would be fouled by the strain relief of the plug in the socket above. And you can't mount double sockets sideways. The only solution would be to use 2 single sockets with space in between.

[@SimonHollandfilms]

are multi outlet sockets internally wired for all their outlets?

[@mohdarif7869]

Very nice

[@dazl7954]

Love the vids mate, these will really help most/all DIY'ers. As a professional in certain areas, I do enjoy watching these. Look forward to more great content from you this year, deffo a thumbs up.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you like them! Thanks

[@BrodaPaul]

Another interesting video! Look forward to them. I watched another DIY youtuber who said you need to tape each of the coloured wires as if they touch each other they could trip the RCD? Is this correct? I thought there is no power going to the wires so no need.

[@gshort4707]

That is what I found in my house. If the Live (brown) touches the neutral or earth for even a millisecond then it will trip the main circuit breaker cutting the supply to all other circuits. So, I do as you suggested and tape the Live wires as soon as I've unscrewed them. Maybe it depends on the type of circuit breakers installed.

[@ZG0002]

It is correct to a point, it's if Neutral and CPC touch it will trip the RCD. Yes even when the circuit is dead.

[@andybrown3508]

Great video , well explained 👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 👍

[@MyNamesGG]

As always a great video

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@tonyhaz6664]

Love the vids ya do. Ever done heavy duty shelving for in the home? I got a audio amp that's 15kg, I want to mount it on my wall, plasterboard onto brick outside wall. Can't think off best way to do it, amps 15 inches deep.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks a lot.

[@jasonmorphew4359]

Many thanks for this, all your videos are great. Any chance you could do a video on how to put a new socket in behind an existing TV as in taking it from a low down skirting board up to the TV and chasing it in ect. Many thanks in advance.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Let me see what I can do for you

[@AccountantDoesDIY]

Funny you should suggest this as I just did this job DIY myself a few weeks ago. Trickiest bit was easifill and flashing the paint correctly over the hole I had to make for the junction box where I spurred off the ring main.

[@peterigrenyi9176]

When adding the sockets make sure you have a certificate for the work. Dont just have a go....

[@websurfer1585]

I have to do this on a wallpapered wall, a bit trickier.

[@amazing451]

Can you do a video on the correct use of a voltage detector or multimeter please.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

I will see what I can do for you. Thanks

[@michaelplays2449]

Great video, thanks 😊 👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Mackenzie2576]

Can you do a vid installing spotlights right to the switch?

[@andysims4906]

Don’t forget if you use flat plate fittings you should use a 35mm deep back box for sockets

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍 yep

[@daze1945]

Great video as usual. I would point out that when using a metal back box to use a rubber gasket or grommet in the cable entry hole to prevent the insulation chaffing. Also, any opinions on socket adaptors. I.E. the type that replace the existing single or double socket with single to double or double to triple. quad socket other than the extra surface depth?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

As the box replacement was demonstrated without any cables present I didn't show this but yes you are correct. Thanks

[@Farmerh01]

New build by the cables colour

[@mikelaw6153]

Your videos are great. Can you do a video that explains the wiring of a bathroom extractor fan?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Great suggestion!

[@turnerm87]

One thing I noticed you skipped by was, when screwing the wires into their selected slots, do you then screw them back onto the rubber outer case, or onto the metal wires inside the tube?

[@dm7325]

Just found this channel and wish I'd found it earlier!! Any chance of doing a video on how to add cleaner to a central heating system then draining it and adding inhibitor. Thanks

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Great suggestion!

[@jennifertollady833]

Wrap the wire tips.with insulation tape so it don't matter if they touch

[@daveellsworth8553]

When would you choose a double pole socket as opposed to a single pole and is there a difference in the way you connect please?

[@benjaminsimpson5089]

Quick question, how do I know what depth I need the back box. Is there any standardisation for stud walls or do I just have to check and measure before getting one?

[@vandy2077]

Question about the last earth wire, the link wire from the metal box, you said you connect the earth wire to the socket? I can only see 2 yellow and green wires, isn’t there meant to be 3 now? I’m new to this and plan on replacing mine on the weekend so I’m just wanting to make sure

[@mowburnt]

If you convert a single to a double can you then run a 4gang extension lead from each of the sockets safely. Looking to do this for the bedroom as we only have a single socket one side of the bed. Only used for phone charging, lights and fans

[@andriusantanaitis9922]

I see that in this case there are two sets of cables. I assume not every single socket will have two sets coming in. That being the case can you still wire the double socket with a one 3-core cable if you get me?

[@MIck1-10]

Nice one.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@wch4972]

For the box, Whether it is plastic or metal is better?

[@KraszkoAlmos27]

hi all, great video many thanks! can I still do this if our cables are only singles? I removed the single socket head, but there's only 1 earth, 1 live and 1 neutral cable. Your has double of them... Can I still replace it to a double socket or it won't take voltage enough? Thank you

[@TheDIYGuy1]

This is likely due to it being radial circuit or a spur. Yes you can still carry out the work safely

[@KraszkoAlmos27]

@@TheDIYGuy1 thank you for the quick response! Absolute legend! This is in the kitchen, it was for the washing machine, but we put our dishwasher there and the additional will be used for a water filter system. Hope that still OK. Thanks so much

[@jperezrios]

I have only one socket for the fridge. Can this be done to have a double socket for fridge + dryer?

[@persephone1583]

Question, I have 2 sockets with really short wires, you can barely get at the connecting screws. There are 3 each of brown, blue and earth, can I connect 3 of one colour to a Wago 222, 5 port and connect a fly cable to the socket, or is this overload??

[@brianthorne8609]

Thanks, have you got a vid to show how to spur off an existing double socket to make a further double socket on a different wall? I don't mind using conduit to hide the cable rather than chasing it in. Thanks.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

I don't but I may in the future. Thanks

[@paulmatthews5470]

If you have a socket with 2 earth terminals, it is advisable to put either leg in each one, such that should one cpc become loose the other should still be connected.

[@fabianmckenna8197]

The wires should be in solid and you absolutely have to check but if you're not sure..... leave it to the experts. If you have to worry about an earth wire coming loose then what about if a live wire came out. Deadly!

[@Homerlad]

Twist the earths then you know it’s connected throughout the ring.

[@Drifter077]

Hi is it possible to make a socket from a switch place??

[@datderpa9499]

Quick Question if all rooms in my house is filled with single sockets do i need to do anything to the consumer unit if i change them to double socket

[@islamourpridechannel4120]

Please how did connect the earth terminal of the socket

[@AffectionateDriftwood-vr2sf]

How do u replace old metal cases out to change them for a plastic one???? Mine are ancient....so would be interested in seeing how that's done aswell

[@RC-oi1gg]

Can you spur a power outlet from a light switch?

[@IbnuMuhammad-z9q]

If casing of the wall socket is a plastic, then the other earth outlet no needs to pun any earth wire , right ?

[@mld8]

Could you do a video please on fixing when the screw has threaded on the back box? After decorating I can't get mine back on. Thanks

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍 I'll see what I can do

[@bungabening3530]

How come a single socket came fitted with six wires?

[@rassellsobur5342]

Trying to do the same but converting from a double to a single socket, any help, advice please

[@ScottDurkin1]

Question, I have a back box but it's nailed into the stud. What is the best way to remove it without damaging the wall (too much).

[@Herewithkop]

What's the 4th terminal you don't use ? I need to replace a cracked double socket, when I took it off there was 3 terminals, the replacement I bought has 4 likes yours extra one has E on, can I just not use that ? Thanks

[@TBTT-sx3ux]

Great video. Sorry for the stupid question but if going from a single how are there two wires for each already?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

This will be because it’s on a ring. The wires don’t represent the number of sockets

[@TBTT-sx3ux]

@@TheDIYGuy1got you. Thanks for getting back. Think I'm going to stick to a single for now to play it safe anyway as the single I was looking at changing is spurred off a double so wouldn't want to overload.

[@Autonomous1969]

I had to do this with a lot of my sockets when I bought my house but I bought converter sockets that just went into the single back box.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@mikelacey9384]

Is it permissable to use same process to change a double to a triple ? (Stud wall)

[@MasterControl-MCP]

Correct me if I’m wrong, wasn’t your socket tester showing a fault when you plugged it in?

[@You-ye5nm]

When inserting the conductors into the terminals, should they be pushed into the terminal as far as they will go? Is it okay for the conductors to be touching the back of the plastic faceplate?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Yes they should be.

[@supersparks9466]

How to change a single to a double on the easiest wall possible, show us your skills on a single socket fed by 2 x metal conduits in a concrete wall, then I might be impressed.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Been there a few times myself and picked up a few handy tips and tricks. If your struggling let me know 👍