How to fit a USB Plug Socket in the UK - Old and New Wiring Colours

[@chippyquinn]

Brilliant video!! You helped me change a socket for the first time in my life and I am terrible at this sort of stuff!! Thank you SO much for this video. The clear instructions and especially the shots of the older wiring, absolutely brilliant - subbed

[@charlieshooter]

I'm pleased to hear the video helped you out and gave you the confidence to tackle it yourself! Well done!

[@6yjjk]

@1:10 Or plug a radio into the socket in question before going to the panel and turning the breaker off. If you can still hear the music, you got the wrong breaker.

[@charlieshooter]

+6yjjk Good idea!

[@6yjjk]

That piercing beep on the socket tester would probably work just as well, I suppose, assuming nothing about tripping the breaker would damage it.

[@charlieshooter]

+6yjjk I think I'd stick to the radio....no one needs to listen to that awful beep any longer than necessary! 😂

[@nylas100]

I don't think I'm going to try this I'd probably get myself a free perm! However just wanted to ask that 4th wire where did that come from is that in all sockets & what colour was it? I've never done anything like this in my life but you never know... Have you got a video on how to install a socket I presume that's what a spur is?

[@charlieshooter]

If you're a little unsure, probably best to leave it to someone who does know what they're doing! The fourth wire (I think you're referring to) is an earth linking the metal back box with the socket front. Not all sockets will have these, depending on age and if there are metal or plastic boxes. I haven't got another video on installing a socket, but watch this space!

[@larrydavid2728]

This was such a perfect video for a novice. Thank you

[@charlieshooter]

Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment....glad it helped you out! 👍🏼

[@Colin623]

Good, but he forgot to tell you that the third earth wire that fits in the bottom earth screw terminal should be connected to the back box ! which he did, but didn't explain that in the video, other than that good.

[@charlieshooter]

@@Colin623 I did mention it earlier in the video briefly.

[@Colin623]

@@charlieshooter Ok, obviously missed it. Thanks

[@cooper512]

One more thing to add is that these USB sockets are always bigger than their standard counterparts. You may need to remove existing backbox and chisel out some brickwork to put in a deeper box. Remember to move rubber grommets to knockouts of new box.

[@charlieshooter]

Top advice! They can sometimes be bigger than the one you are removing.

[@ela37003]

Was such a learning with you, I find second option on my wall ...now I'm going for light switch to fade button-> wish me luck 🙏 😅 🙃

[@charlieshooter]

Good luck! 👍🏼

[@happy2bmell1]

Thank you for this! You make things very clear.. Time to buy my new sockets and give it a go 👍

[@charlieshooter]

Glad you found the video helpful. Good luck with your new sockets. 👍🏻

[@shootNbreezeIRL]

That's how an instructional video should be made. Thank you.

[@charlieshooter]

Thanks, glad you found it useful! 👍🏼

[@EmmerDoucheface]

Thanks for this, a really helpful easy to understand tutorial. I’m wondering, if you can’t get the copper wire in all the way without the wire showing, is there a way to trim it?

[@charlieshooter]

@@EmmerDoucheface Yes, you can trim the end off with side cutters/ pliers. With a sharp pair, you can be quite accurate.

[@samranhussain2440]

Exactly this is how one explains so everyone can understand.... straight forward ...

[@charlieshooter]

Thanks, hope it helped you out.

[@vitovito123]

Hey mate, I did it myself watching this, I have a socket tester, I'm going to use that on Monday but you made it really simple to do. I appreciate that. Should we be doing this if a socket only has 1 earth 1 live and 1 neutral?

[@charlieshooter]

Glad you found the video useful. If there is only one of each wire, that would mean it's a spur from the ring main, and is fine (as long as it's not a spur from a spur!)

[@Tselectricals]

Good job bhai ❤❤❤

[@charlieshooter]

Cheers! 👍🏼

[@me-ju3fv]

Hey cheers mate. Feel comfortable fitting mine now. Thank you. Happy Christmas! X

[@charlieshooter]

Happy Christmas to you too. Follow the guide and you'll be fine!

[@petercollett2182]

CharlieShooters KnowHow c

[@markkelly940]

Thanks , successfully installed new USB plug socket today!!

[@charlieshooter]

Great stuff. Hope it helped out!

[@goldsgolds2010]

Good this, clear and concise 👍💯

[@charlieshooter]

Glad it was helpful! 👍🏼

[@annigard8]

Hi from Caerphilly! 😛 I can tell by the accent that you don't live too far from me. Thanks for the vid.

[@charlieshooter]

Yep, not far away....you can't hide that accent! Thanks for leaving a comment. 👍🏼

[@paulainpink]

Thank you Thank you Thank you 🙏🏻Could not have asked for a better video, answered ALL the questions I had and have been able to do the swap perfectly. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@charlieshooter]

That's great to hear! Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@iffykhanuk2890]

Very good video thanks bro 👍

[@charlieshooter]

Cheers....glad to hear it!

[@seanyjtv]

Made this so easy to follow...thanks mate

[@charlieshooter]

Thanks for leaving a comment. 👍🏼

[@petechapman8202]

Well done that man. Bought a USB double from Aldi but the diagram supplied was for a single cable in only, spur? Not only that but my wiring was 2004 old colours, you scored a double, thanks. After chiselling out the old sloppy plastering it's all working fine now. Cheers.

[@charlieshooter]

Glad the video helped you out. I covered both colours as our house is half and half! Cheers! 👍🏼

[@darkpanther4367]

Superb vid. In tbe process of doing my loft up.fitted standard socketd.but changed my.mind after painting.now going to fit USB ones. Though maybe it would have been wired different.your vid was very informative and well made.cheers bud. 👍👍.double thumbs up.

[@charlieshooter]

No problem. I'm glad you found it useful. Thanks for the comment. Good luck with your project.

[@blackwell754]

Hey, I wanted to ask you about sockets that stick out- my flat has a lot of these bulky looking sockets I don’t know what to do about them. It’s a pity I can’t upload a picture but I’m sure you’ll know what I mean. It sticks out from the wall. The front panel screws onto it. I’m wondering if I can remove the bulky part safely? Any help would be appreciated! Also have you done a video on how to change a light switch? Is it the same deal? I’m desperate to change mine to new ones!

[@charlieshooter]

What you're referring to there are surface mount sockets. They are usually found in older properties or where someone has added a socket at a later date. They are not as aesthetically pleasing and can sometimes get in the way. You would need to chisel out the wall (known as chasing) to 'sink' the back of the socket in the wall. It can be messy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZDWoaGMhdh9aqs As for the light switch....take a photo of the old one and make sure all the wires go in the same place on the new one. 👍🏼

[@steenystuff1075]

Whoop! Whoop! Cos of you, I can do it myself. Thanks!😀

[@charlieshooter]

No problem. Glad the video was useful.

[@tahirakhan7566]

You showed a very simple and easy way I can do myself now InShaAllah, thank you soo much 🙂

[@charlieshooter]

No problem. Pleased I could help you out!

[@JayWithAJ]

This video was super helpful, and really clear. Cheers!

[@charlieshooter]

Thank you....glad it helped you out! 👍🏼

[@ItsGazareth]

Great video! Shows everything clearly.

[@charlieshooter]

Thank you! 👍🏼

[@gopherbar]

Great video but a question please, should you also earth the front plate to the back plate (with an earth wire). I had to do this when converting plastic light switches for metal ones, the old wiring had a green sleeved earth going to the metal back box, so had to earth the front plate to the back plate via an earthing screw.

[@charlieshooter]

Best practice would be to earth the back box to the socket front, but it isn't part of the regs. There's a lot of talk on the internet whether to or not. When everything is tightened up and screwed down, the back box is earthed through the screws attaching it to the socket front, but then the backbox isn't earthed once you take the screws out.....but should you be removing the screws without turning off the electric anyway?? It really is up to you, but maybe better to be safe than sorry.

[@joannajarvis9003]

Fab that was really helpful but my front doesn't fit the metal box in the wall. How come your one fitted?

[@charlieshooter]

Do you mean the back box isn't deep enough? The USB sockets do have a slightly deeper back on them.

[@pp-si2dm]

Brilliant video. Thank you. With the three earth wires, does it matter which one goes on the bottom of the socket? I have three earth, three live and three neutral and also have the same USB socket you use for this video!

[@charlieshooter]

Thank you for commenting. No it doesn't matter which one goes where, as long as all earths are connected to an earth terminal.

[@sukhsagoo1]

Brilliant video... however I'm looking to wire some screwless metal usb sockets. But I only have 2 earth wires that are wired together in my current plastic socket. Can I do the same on the metal sockets?

[@charlieshooter]

Yes that should be fine. Quite often electricians will wind two earth wires together. You only need the third one going to the back box if the back box is metal too.

[@stevelelew6145]

Useful video and well presented. Thank you.

[@charlieshooter]

Thanks very much.....thanks for leaving a comment. 👍🏼

[@marcredmond4547]

Great vid mate. QQ. Mine asks for a functional earth to be attached. I have some spare earth cable but there does this need to go? I have a plastic back box and this is running from a small consumer unit from a hook up in van. Any help be warmly received mate.

[@charlieshooter]

I'll be honest, I've never heard of it before so a quick Google found this... www.diynot.com/diy/threads/replacing-old-socket-connection-to-functional-earth.477540/ The extra functional earth isn't a requirement. Mine certainly didn't have it. As this is in a van, there maybe something else to consider, but not sure as I've never fitted any sockets like this in a vehicle.

[@rossmacdonald1838]

Hi cheif. Great video. Quick question. I got plain white screwfix ones, and the diagram shoes two earth going into the top earth part, and a third earth going into the bottom. From your video am I correct in assuming I don't need a bottom/third earth wire? Because I don't have one there.

[@charlieshooter]

Yes you're right you don't need that other earth!

[@tysonsdream1]

Brilliant mate great video thanks very much

[@charlieshooter]

Cheers...appreciate you leaving a comment!

[@carraighband1668]

Does the earth wire from the backbox go into the earth terminal at the bottom on it's own (marked functional earth)?

[@charlieshooter]

Mine didn't have "functional earth" but no, the earth wire that goes to the box would connect to one of the other earth wire terminals.

[@paulinefriar6916]

Thank you, am gonna do this

[@charlieshooter]

Great stuff! Thanks for commenting.

[@Rahman4Media]

This one you bought from Screwfix, does it come with the backbox? I looked at the exact one online and it says required 25mm backbox. Thanks.

[@charlieshooter]

No, they don't come with a back box, because it depends where you're fitting it, as to what type of box you'll need. The reason they say it requires a 25mm back box is because how big then back of the socket front is.

[@rowanlee4823]

Thank you so much, quite literally a life saver.

[@charlieshooter]

Pleased to hear it! Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@davidsguitarhelp]

Great - thanks Charlie. My question is why is there an earth on the backplate - should this also be connected to 2nd the earth on the front plate? If not, isn't the metalbackplate dangerous?

[@charlieshooter]

+David Guy Best practice is to run a separate 'fly lead' to the backbox to earth it, but there is another school of thought that relies on the fact the front plate is screwed to the backplate and therefore earths that way. If you're undoing the screws to remove the front plate (and therefore removing the 'earth') then the electricity should be off anyway, so the backbox would pose no danger.

[@davidsguitarhelp]

I see . That's great. Thanks! As you say electricity off when removing - but hadnt appreciated it relies on the screws to transfer earth when electrity on. thanks again.

[@exwhyz33]

Great demonstration, thanks.

[@charlieshooter]

+exwhyz33 Glad you liked it....hope it helped.

[@CreativeEducation1]

All 3 neutral wires were stuck together in old fitting. In new fitting, you placed one neutral at the bottom and two at the top. What is the reason. Thanks for a great video.

[@charlieshooter]

I think you mean the earth wires. Yellow and green? If there's another earth terminal on the socket then it's best to try and use that, so you're not ramming 3 wires in 1 terminal. They will fit better, and be a bit more secure. Not all sockets have the 2 terminals for earth though.

[@CreativeEducation1]

Thanks. Yes I meant earth wire.thanks for clarification

[@charlieshooter]

@@CreativeEducation1 No worries, thanks for watching!

[@KateDatingCoaching]

Thanks! This is a great video. I'm now going to give it a go

[@charlieshooter]

That's great to hear! 👍🏼

[@DanielGreen07]

Excellent video thanks

[@charlieshooter]

Thanks. Hope it was useful!

[@ashleycroft7175]

I'm changing mine at the moment and i have both coloured wires. The new brown and blue and the old red and black plus the two earths. Any advice on what to do with the old wires? Should they be removed?

[@charlieshooter]

You will probably find that they are both required. Someone has probably extended the circuit somewhere hence the blue/brown wires so you will probably need to use both. Any doubts, get someone to check if all the wires are connected elsewhere or are live.

[@DemonicDaron]

Trying to get around how many cables there are: I see two live, neutral and earth cables; does that mean there are two "cables" that go into that double socket? If so, how is electricity split across the two if they both plug into the same metal bits?

[@charlieshooter]

British electrics means that most socket circuits run in a ring, so most sockets will have two cables for each. There is more current capacity with a smaller cable then as there are two paths it can take.

[@DemonicDaron]

@@charlieshooter electricity magic - you give it an alternative path, and it auto-magically use it as appropriate. Good stuff and thx for the explanation

[@jaypaul8106]

In trying to change my single socket to a double usb socket but when I checked earlier on I've got 3 live wires, 3 earth wires and 3 neutral wires, is there any reason as to why theres 3 of each?

[@charlieshooter]

When there is 3, it's because there has been a spur run from that socket to an extra socket near by. Just make sure you reconnect all 3 back up. 👍🏼

[@brianr987]

UK wiring is great and the plugs are huge but safe. Why do you need insulation on the ground (earth) connections?

[@charlieshooter]

+Brian Smith There's 2 reasons for this. 1. It identifies which one is the earth wire and 2. It stops the bare wire touching any of the terminals when you put the socket back on.

[@brianr987]

When you think about that, it doesn’t make much sense. Since the boxes and anything else metal is earthed, there is really no reason to have insulation on the ground. It’s just extra cost. And the ground is always identifiable, since there is no insulation. I suppose that is the rationale in the states. I’m not knocking the methods in the UK. Very precautionary. I can appreciate it.

[@charlieshooter]

+Brian Smith I see where you're coming from, but the rules and regulations in the UK are very "belt and braces"!

[@michaelboyes4948]

Brian Smith If your Distribution Board (consumer unit) is not RCD protected then if the CPC(earth) had no insulation on it and it was to touch the live terminal it would then make everything in the property that is an exposed or extraneous part live because it would created a earth to live fault if insulation is there then it would not happen also if the board is RCD protected it would pick up this fault and trip the RCD out, Its not pointless its that added bit of safety

[@davejones4740]

I wish to tile my walls with 12 mm tiles. Do you know where you can get longer screws as the socket will be further from the original wall. Also are all wall boxes compatible with all wall sockets?

[@charlieshooter]

Yes, all back boxes are compatible with all sockets...they are a standard size. You can buy longer screws from Screwfix....and if they are too long, you can cut them to size. I had to do that when I tiled my kitchen.

[@zoli-007]

Ever heard of ebay or amazon? 😂 cheaper then in store.

[@Alhamdulillah.e.rabil.alameen]

How long does it take you to charge your mobile via the usb socket (not wall plug)?

[@charlieshooter]

I've got an S8 and it fast charges fine through the USB. As quick as it does using a plug anyway. I couldn't tell you exactly how long though.

[@kinggulu7248]

Question My socket is very old, one socket only as well, I want to replace it with a very similar one to urs, two sockets and two usb ports, because mine recently started making sounds and started causing all sorts of probs, will it be much different going from a one socket to a two socket as it's quarantine and i canny call an electrician and would like to do it myself

[@charlieshooter]

It's not too difficult, but it depends on the material of the wall. Unless it's surface mounted, you will have to widen the recess. If it's plasterboard/stud wall, then you'll be able to widen it with a Stanley Knife, but if it's solid brick/block, then you'll need to chisel it out. A little bit of care and patience and this can be done quite neatly. Whichever way, you are going to need a new back box suitable for the wall material too. As for wiring, the same wiring can be used for a double.

[@danielsonhud48]

Hi nice video, I've just installed the exact same socket in my kitchen works great. I only had one of each cable. Does the back box have to be connected to earth in a kitchen? The socket is connected to just the one earth. I'm not sure on regulations. And can I just run a earth from the socket to the back box if needed?.

[@charlieshooter]

+daniel sonhud There's a lot of talk on forums etc about whether you should earth the back box. Earthing it is best practice, and you could do that by running a short sleeved wire from the earth terminal on the socket to the back box. However it is not part of the regulations and not everyone does it. The reason being is that the back box is earthed through the screws when you attach the socket front and that is enough for some people. And one wire each is fine....it is probably the end of a spur. Thanks for watching.

[@danielsonhud48]

charlieshooter Brilliant, thanks the the advice and fast reply appreciate that.

[@charlieshooter]

+daniel sonhud No problem!

[@normanboyes4983]

CharlieShooters KnowHow Except some cheap chinesium sockets are not earthed at the screw mountings - much better to Earth the box and have done with it.

[@danielsonhud48]

Norman Boyes Most sockets and switches are cheap these aren't particularly cheap! The socket is definitely earthed at the screws though.

[@michaelmcl4979]

Are the screw holes in all plug socket faces universal that they line up with existing back box holes?

[@charlieshooter]

Yes, they should do, in the UK. I've just taken some sockets off the wall that have been in since the early 90s, I think, and they lined up fine with my new backbox.

[@michaelmcl4979]

@@charlieshooter cheers boss

[@loraox]

Can’t believe how easy it is, going to replace the socket in my sons room as a plug managed to snap inside of the old one 🙄

[@charlieshooter]

It's quite simple if you follow the video carefully. 👍🏼

[@jacobeleftheriou6278]

Can I ask is the blue one USB?

[@robzaphy]

Hi, I am doing the exact as you swapping plastic for chrome socket but I have been told I need to earth the back box to the metal socket is this correct? or do I just put any earths into the earth and it will be fine? thanks

[@charlieshooter]

Officially, and to make sure it's "belt and braces" earthed, you should run a small earth wire from the metal socket front to the metal back box if there is one, but there is a lot of discussions on forums indicating that it might not necessarily be a requirement!

[@robzaphy]

Thanks for the reply. I think I will just copy what you have done here. thanks

[@charlieshooter]

@@robzaphy If you follow the video you won't go far wrong! 👍🏼

[@robzaphy]

what if the back box is plastic should I just copy the video and it will be fine? thank you

[@charlieshooter]

@@robzaphy Yes, it's the same. Except you don't need the wire going to the back box if it's plastic.

[@adamski9184]

Do the usb sockets consume more power than a standard socket?

[@charlieshooter]

Some people say they still draw something even when off, but I've not noticed any huge hike in useage, and we have got a few.

[@spongey76]

excellent video Charlie do all my own work except electrics so this was very helpful bought 3 today a bit different though from your illustration its 13v and usb is 2.4 v is that ok mate

[@charlieshooter]

Thanks, glad you found it useful! Not sure about it being 13v? Is it a standard UK socket? A 2.4v USB is fine though and installation should be the same.

[@spongey76]

hi mate tried fitting that usb socket but when removed old socket and wires usb one found there was not enough room in back box to fit so bought plastic deeper back box to accommodate which fitted together ok but breezeblock at back of socket so no chance of making recess big enough to fit ….so front plate is sticking out about 5 mil from wall any ides or will that be fine mate

[@charlieshooter]

That's not ideal, it should fit flush to the wall, and definitely shouldn't leave a gap between the back box and faceplate. If it's only 5mm, then you should be able to chisel out some of that breeze block, to set it deeper.

[@spongey76]

took it back mate and got some with usb fits fine cheers again

[@galentyrol6512]

@@charlieshooter amp not v surely

[@jean-paulguyse2286]

Hi, where do you wire the additional functional earth connection to ? My USB socket has one, probably due to protecting the USB connectors on the sockets independently ? Thanks.

[@charlieshooter]

The extra earth terminals do not all need to be used. They are usually all connected to each other so if one is earthed, they all are. The extra ones are usually present so you don't have to wedge them all in one terminal. In the video I used the extra one to earth the metal back box.

[@jean-paulguyse2286]

@@charlieshooter It's not Ground Earth but Functional or Clean Earth. It's OK though now, I've figured it out. Thanks for replying.

[@charlieshooter]

I don't think you'll find a functional earth in most UK sockets.

[@jean-paulguyse2286]

@@charlieshooter I've got one in mine for the USB terminals.

[@Marcel_Germann]

@@charlieshooter Actually the neutral is a functional earth, but no one calls it that way...the earth is actually the protective earth (PE).

[@FirebrandVOCALS]

How do you know which amp rating to buy? 2.1Amp or 3.1Amp? Cheers!

[@charlieshooter]

I'd always go for the highest Amp USB sockets you can get, because it means your phone or ipad is going to charge a bit quicker! 👍🏼

[@MrTupeloFlash]

Informative ......Thanks

[@charlieshooter]

Thanks for leaving a comment. Glad it helped you out. 👍🏼

[@Qasimxx1]

I have installed same socket but it makes constant buzzing nose you can only hear it with ear close to the socket is that normal?

[@charlieshooter]

No, it shouldn't really be doing that. Possibly a loose connection is causing arcing, which would make the noise.

[@daveypug]

What size/thickness green/yellow wire should be used as a fly lead to earth the socket to the back box?

[@charlieshooter]

The earth wire on normal 2.5mm² 2 core and earth is only 1.5mm², so using a 1.5mm² wire would be fine.

[@daveypug]

CharlieShooters KnowHow thanks for the reply! Would using 2.5mm be ok? Such as this, which I already have in stock: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MTCEU5D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_MzRmFbXED3554

[@charlieshooter]

Yes, that would be fine.

[@cjmillsnun]

So you have new wiring colours with no RCD?. No safe isolation (ie proving the tester still works after the circuit is dead). No mention of locking off (even saying put a notice up not to switch the circuit on would be good!)

[@charlieshooter]

+cjmillsnun Correct....the circuit had been extended prior to me moving in by the looks of it and they used the new wiring for that part. They wouldn't have needed to change anything at the consumer unit when they did this. I was working in my own house with no one else home....no need for me to write a note to myself to remind me what I'm doing. Thanks for watching though.

[@francisikhifa9547]

I've earthed the back box and when I go to screw the frontplate back on and switch on the supply a fuse blows but if I leave the socket unscrewed it works fine? help

[@charlieshooter]

+Francis Ikhifa It sounds like you are pinching the live wire against the backbox to me. Check the wires don't have any bare sections and make sure when you squeeze the socket up tight, no wires are getting pinched/trapped behind the socket. Also....goes without saying....but double check all wires are in the correct screw on socket. Hope that helps!

[@Cameronboyd11]

What happens if you only attack on of the wires? As in 1 black and one red wire?

[@charlieshooter]

If you mean if you only attach one of each, then the wires will short out in the back of the back box that aren't attached. If you've only got one of each, then the socket is probably a spur.

[@Toukoi]

In my old house the black was the live and red was neutral, it was so alarming doing any electrical work on the house.

[@charlieshooter]

Wow....you'd have to keep your wits about you doing any electrical work in that house!!

[@davidkinkade3884]

now is red live, black ground white neutral

[@charlieshooter]

Red is live, black is neutral and green/yellow is earth.

[@Toukoi]

Yeah I don't like to mess too much with electrics so it wasn't a particularly nice setup in the old house. I used this guide to install 5 new USB sockets so far in the new house, your videos are so useful and it gives me the confidence to do the work without too much worry as long as I follow your guides. For that I am very grateful.

[@charlieshooter]

That's great to hear! I'm glad the videos help you out. I try to make things as clear as I can. Thanks for watching.

[@zoidburg2975]

This is easy, but what about when you have smart switches and the hole isn’t deep enough?!

[@charlieshooter]

If you're careful, you could unscrew the back box, chip away at any plaster holding it in, and then chisel out the walls a touch, and replace it with a deeper box?

[@carlosee88]

I know I'm late to this, but you can get spacer units to get a bit of extra depth. Search for "double socket spacer". They're about £2 each

[@charlieshooter]

Yes you can get the spacers, but they don't look the best in my opinion.

[@sh4rpy983]

Blew myself up

[@charlieshooter]

At least you lived to type the tale!! 😉

[@HereIsWhatISaw]

I have brown-taped a radio plug to an extension lead socket to stop someone removing it. Is this dangerous?

[@charlieshooter]

Yes, I would have thought so! Brown (parcel?) tape isn't for electrical work and could overheat the plug, plus, what if you needed to unplug it in a hurry?

[@HereIsWhatISaw]

@@charlieshooter Thanks for your reply. I could unplug the extension lead at the wall? What do you think?

[@charlieshooter]

@@HereIsWhatISaw Still not ideal!

[@07HDFatboy]

Thought this was going to show how to fix a USB socket. Not how to just remove and replace a socket! Good video anyway.

[@charlieshooter]

+07HDFatboy Thanks, sorry if it misled. I don't think I'd have a go at fixing one....probably just buy a new one.

[@spongey76]

yeh mate standard uk socket but does say eveready usb double wall socket 13 amp on front of packetging got it from b&m bargins

[@charlieshooter]

Oh right, that'll be fine then. 13amp is ok, not 13v! 😉

[@spongey76]

thanks very much mate

[@charlieshooter]

No problem, glad I could help!

[@MsJinkerson]

What is with the switches on the outlets in Canada we don't

[@charlieshooter]

They didn't used to in the UK, they started to appear in the 1980's I'd say.

[@K.K000]

Thank you very much for your video mate, it helped me massively. I want to fit a dimmer switch but when I took off the front cover of my switch I found that the wires into my switch are both the same which is brown? It is just one price of 2 core wire but with both the wires inside being the same colour I don't know which wire goes where. I do not own a multi meter to check them so I was just wondering if there's any other way of doing this but without having to pay out lots of money? Thank you very much for taken the time to read this. Take care and thanks again mate.

[@charlieshooter]

+K Ri It's difficult to know which is which from looking at the wires, but try and look on the back of the original switch for "Com" and "L1". Make a note of which wire goes into which one and match that up on the back of the dimmer one. If you get it wrong all that will happen is the switch will work the opposite way (on when it should be off and vice versa!) No need to fork out big money though

[@hassemsadiq]

Awesome vid How much should it cost to fit 5 of these and 1 light switch thanks

[@charlieshooter]

+Infinity vidz help the helpless If you are fitting them yourself then the actual units are £28 for 2 at the moment in Screwfix.

[@DONK8008]

If you were to get an electrician to do it then it should cost between £30-£40 at the most assuming you provide the sockets/switches.

[@EN4ORC3R]

The jobs a 'goodun' :-)

[@charlieshooter]

+EN4ORC3R It sure is! Thanks for watching! 😀

[@malcolmgoad5437]

Do I need to earth a dry wall box

[@charlieshooter]

No, there is no need to earth these as they are plastic.

[@juliusheart2667]

My socket had 3 of each type of wire... and they very short...

[@charlieshooter]

Sounds like there is a spur coming off that socket. That's no problem, just a bit more fiddly, and especially if the wires are short!

[@cikguomar]

Charlieshooter, why some have two wires each and some single wires (sharing from the other Slot)?

[@charlieshooter]

+cikguomar As a general rule a socket will have 2 wires to each slot because it is on a ring main. In a ring main a wire comes from the consumer unit, in and out of each socket and then back to the consumer unit (in a ring). Where there is only one wire in each slot at the back of a socket, that is likely to be a spur off the ring main. The socket will work the same.

[@cikguomar]

Now I understand, appreciate it. Thanks for the info!

[@charlieshooter]

+cikguomar No problem.

[@Planet9_music]

I've got 2 live 2 neutral and 1 earth 🤔🤔🤔is that normal?

[@charlieshooter]

There should be as many earths as the others. Have a look in the cable that holds the live and neutral....someone may have cut it short and not bothered connecting it.

[@Planet9_music]

@@charlieshooter cheers man! Turns out I didn't look close enough, they had just shrouded both ends so it looked like 1 cable so was all good 👌🏼👌🏼

[@charlieshooter]

@@Planet9_music Pleased to hear it....glad it wasn't a botch job!

[@Planet9_music]

@@charlieshooter you're telling me mate 🤣I was getting paranoid for a moment!

[@ChargedWords]

Hi, I'm in the process of changing these in my house. Some have been really straight forward, then others have had multiple and mixed between old and new wires. Given it's an ex council house I expected as much. However I just got to the last one and I just can't fit it it into the back box. Would you recommend swapping the box and it is easy? Thanks

[@charlieshooter]

If it won't fit and you absolutely want to replace it with one then you can swap the back box. It's not too difficult....just fiddly if you don't want to damage the surrounding area (if it's plastered in). Once it's out you would have to chip away some of the brickwork to make it deeper. If it's only sticking out a small amount, and the wires are quite long, you may get away with trimming the wires shorter (not too much though!) to get it to fit?

[@ChargedWords]

CharlieShooters KnowHow trimming might work,. I'm only a couple of mm out. The others have been a little tight but workable or would you recommend replacing them all?

[@charlieshooter]

ChargedWords You shouldn't really crush the wires too much, but if you can do the screws up easily enough that should be fine. Try trimming the wires if they're long but remember....you can't add any wire back on, so go careful!

[@abdi8819]

Ok

[@fireblade8905]

Wires scare me. I have been fried before but here in London houses will short circuit so that save my life at 14 years of age.

[@AssetAssassin]

One of my fuses have blown and now I cannot use my wall plugs

[@charlieshooter]

+AssassinL1V3 After fitting a USB socket? Double check it's wired properly and there are no bare wires showing.

[@AssetAssassin]

charlieshooter thankyou for the tip it's been sorted

[@striderwhiston9897]

Is this easy to do yourself as a person not really good with anything DIY, or would it be better to hire an expert?

[@charlieshooter]

It is pretty simple to do yourself in all fairness. A few people have commented how easy it was after following the video, but if you are in anyway unsure, please get a pro in!

[@wenkaizhang5299]

how did you decide which earth line goes into which slot? seems like there're 2 slots for the three of them.

[@charlieshooter]

+Wenkai Zhang It really doesn't matter. I just went with which one would reach best.

[@wenkaizhang5299]

thanks!

[@Josh-dv9uf]

I hate seeing more than one earth cable in the earth socket! There’s two earth sockets for a reason.

[@charlieshooter]

There's no issue with having 2 earth wires in the same terminal. There is actually 3 earth wires in this install and only 2 terminals so one is going to have to double up. Thanks for watching.

[@DomWPC]

are you welsh? (EDIT) saw a comment down below that you are lol!

[@charlieshooter]

+Dom wpc Yes mate. How did you guess? 😉

[@amz8785]

I saw a really old house, had all red wires.

[@charlieshooter]

Really? You sure it wasn't at a light switch maybe?

[@amz8785]

@@charlieshooter it was a very long time ago. Maybe

[@cooper512]

Just a reminder to people doing this. ALWAYS earth metal backbox, it is not optional. Sleeve earth wire with green+yellow sleeving if you find old exposed earth wires. Earthing the backbox is especially important if you are using these metal faceplates. Also check for earth continuity with a tester. The last thing you want is to get shocked to death touching your nice metal faceplate due to the previous homeowner not checking this.

[@charlieshooter]

Good advice there, and if both lugs are adjustable then you MUST run an earth tail to the metal back box, but if one lug is fixed then the regs indicate there is no actual necessity for it, relying on the screws to earth it. Always better to be safe than sorry though and run one!

[@youngthug149]

You need RCD protection bruh

[@charlieshooter]

Ideally, yes. It's fine for now, but will upgrade in the future! Thanks for watching!

[@gazyounglive]

I don't trust the things, and if I moved in to a new place and these things were everywhere... out they'd all becoming... A uniform design fault I don't like... a little transformer live 24/7... something goes wrong with the current, not that it does much because in the UK the current is generally stable, but the thought of what could happen if still lingers... they need to have an on/off switch for the USB's too before I'd even consider one.

[@charlieshooter]

+gazyounglive Thanks for watching. It's a fair comment....but I think the RCD/MCB would trip before it causes any major problems.

[@robbiemarshall1481]

If u need to watch a video on how to fit a socket u shouldn't be touching electrics at all

[@charlieshooter]

Everyone has got to learn somewhere....

[@robbiemarshall1481]

@@charlieshooter absolutely true that's why there is a 4 year apprenticeship, DIY electrics is the leading cause of fires, faults, electrical injury and death, if u are not an electrician don't touch it

[@charlieshooter]

@@robbiemarshall1481 If you're going to tackle a bigger job, fair enough, but you don't need to be a fully qualified electrician to change a socket, just competent. Thanks for taking the time to comment though.

[@oliverbendt3104]

Stop doing electrical work for your own safety. how do you know that socket is earthed? Metal faceplate too, looking at the state of the cables behind it I wouldn't be too sure. Worrying thing is people watch this and think it's OK. Without test equipment you have no idea until someone's electrocuted.

[@charlieshooter]

I appreciate your concern, and thanks for watching my videos, but I can assure you that all the electrics had previously been checked and certified by an approved electrician. Swapping a socket front is well within the realms of a competent DIYer watching this, and if they follow the video, they will be fine!

[@me-ju3fv]

Jesus Christ chill out - this guy is competent

[@oliverbendt3104]

@@me-ju3fv if you think that is competent you need to ask yourself some serious questions. It's time to stop lounging around in your boxers smoking herb with your bisexual flatmate alternating between grinder and KZbin and take a long hard think about where your life went south.

[@me-ju3fv]

@@oliverbendt3104 paaahhhhaaaa I've just looked at your channel. What a sad pathetic little loser you are. Jog on mate.

[@kingofthetrowel1725]

Do you need a minor works certificate for a socket

[@dannywood2259]

Omg, plug something in and check it’s not working ? Stop with these vids before somebody gets hurt . Maybe you should also add a video of how to conduct an insulation test and earth loop to make sure the circuit is safe to put back in to service.

[@charlieshooter]

That's an idea for a future video maybe, thanks, but a little overkill for the average DIYer who wants to change their socket!

[@dannywood2259]

Carry on fella, keeps me in a job. Forever going out to repair diy electrical disasters.

[@charlieshooter]

Good to see you had a change of heart with your comment! I don't think they'll be any DIY disasters from following the advice in this video though.

[@kingofthetrowel1725]

Zs R1+R2 IR 🤔 it works tho 😂

[@billsbasementworkshop1902]

why keep calling it EARTH. Look in the definitions of BS 7671

[@charlieshooter]

I'll stick to what I've always called it I think. 👍🏼 Thanks for watching.

[@motoninja2747]

some of my sockets have a spacer box on the back that makes the socket stick out into the doorway blocking the door. (seems stupid to me) can I make it a flush socket?

[@charlieshooter]

You can make it flush if you don't mind making a bit of mess! You could get away with drilling lots of holes and chipping it out......or see my other video on chasing a wall.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZDWoaGMhdh9aqs

[@motoninja2747]

@@charlieshooter thanks mate that video was interesting and helpful in relation to masonry wall mounted sockets I believe the walls im having issue with are plaster so should be far more straight forward.

[@charlieshooter]

@@motoninja2747 Oh yes definitely....you'll be able to use a stanley knife or multi-tool. 👍🏼