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

In this electrical DIY guide i will be showing you how to change a single plug socket for a double plug socket. I will take you through step by step, showing you how to swap single plug sockets for double plug sockets the easy way. If you like the video then leave a like and please subscribe for more content like this as I've got a lot more to come and there will be something that will help you out.
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[@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 😅

[@Lbm414.Oleg.Kuznetsov.]

Buy a conversion plate surface mount back box.10 min job.

[@markyates5744]

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

[@donnainman38]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@nosycatUK]

My favourite DIY channel ♥️

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Wow, thank you!

[@toddhunter3137]

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

[@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 👍

[@philipmortimore9311]

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

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍👍

[@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).

[@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.

[@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. !!

[@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.

[@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 👍

[@chazz9459]

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

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks, will do!

[@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!

[@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 👍

[@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. 😉

[@user-be2jp8fb9w]

Appreciate the video fella. very clear and safe instructions.

[@hawksticks]

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

[@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!

[@davey4818]

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

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you like the vid😀

[@user-hv1yf2rm7m]

Very clear and easy to follow vid Thanx .

[@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 😉)

[@baileypj]

Super helpful. Thanks!

[@LiuDienNuoc2024]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="658">10:58</a> Your way of doing things is so creative

[@chmartin444]

Awesome no waffle straight talking great video.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍 thanks, glad you like it

[@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.

[@nickmitchell5150]

I love your accent singing through, does make me smile

[@TheDIYGuy1]

😆

[@martinkirby3270]

Thanks your videos are really useful and well understandable

[@TheDIYGuy1]

You are welcome

[@andybrown3508]

Great video , well explained 👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 👍

[@34hedgehog]

Very good, mate. Very helpful. Thank you.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

No problem 👍

[@tigertony2716]

Thank You, very helpful

[@TheDenis3212]

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

[@nealaddison4888]

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

[@bungabening3530]

How come a single socket came fitted with six wires?

[@gabrielgatheru3583]

Very helpful video.

[@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

[@michaelplays2449]

Great video, thanks 😊 👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@MyNamesGG]

As always a great video

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@paulmoore120]

Great video.Thanks.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Glad you liked it!

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@ProfSimonHolland]

are multi outlet sockets internally wired for all their outlets?

[@mohdarif7869]

Very nice

[@michaelcripwell1724]

Nice one.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@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.

[@nasimahm3d]

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

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Good luck 😃

[@duncanl55]

Very clear. Even I could do it

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Brilliant 👍

[@mikelaw6153]

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

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Great suggestion!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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....

[@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.

[@wch4972]

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

[@andysims4906]

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

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍 yep

[@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).

[@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

[@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?

[@Mackenzie2576]

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

[@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

[@RC-oi1gg]

Can you spur a power outlet from a light switch?

[@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

[@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]

👍

[@jennifertollady833]

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

[@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

[@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

[@ADElectric]

Good job from Pakistan

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 👍

[@user-kg7pi2zo7n]

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

[@jperezrios]

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

[@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

[@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

[@Drifter077]

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

[@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??

[@Farmerh01]

New build by the cables colour

[@islamourpridechannel4120]

Please how did connect the earth terminal of the socket

[@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?

[@rassellsobur5342]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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

[@mikelacey9384]

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

[@ChongBoy1]

How do I fix my 3 way light? Downstairs switch now does nothing, as does the upstairs light switch. When we moved in 6 years ago the mid stairs light worked but it's been years the mid stair light stopped working

[@mastercontrol469]

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

[@amazing451]

If I used a metal backbox and a plastic socket, am I right in saying that the earth link between the backbox and socket would not be required? I always thought these earth links were only needed between metal backboxes and metal socket's or switche's.

[@ZG0002]

As long as your back box has a fixed lug (this one did) the link between the socket and backbox isn't required but could be considered good practice.

[@Mickmcnamara]

Same process for a single to triple socket?

[@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.

[@davekent2088]

love your videos, can i suggest that behind the plasterboard is checked for any studs? might have to adjust the siting of the hole to miss them?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍 Absolutely

[@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.

[@CarSer]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="565">9:25</a> what if the opening can't accept 2 thick wires?

[@Davidhughes9467]

Competent would mean holding the relevant qualifications no mention of testing ?

[@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.

[@zenganow]

I tried to fit a double socket with one wire (brown, blue and yellow), but tester showing earth is missing when I test it! help please

[@tomkeav5122]

It easier to just buy a double wall socket that fits into existing single wall box I got one from screwfix it fits nice and flush and uses existing screw threads in wall box