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
@charlieshooter2 жыл бұрын
I'm pleased to hear the video helped you out and gave you the confidence to tackle it yourself! Well done!
@6yjjk6 жыл бұрын
@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.
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
+6yjjk Good idea!
@6yjjk6 жыл бұрын
That piercing beep on the socket tester would probably work just as well, I suppose, assuming nothing about tripping the breaker would damage it.
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
+6yjjk I think I'd stick to the radio....no one needs to listen to that awful beep any longer than necessary! 😂
@nylas1003 жыл бұрын
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?
@charlieshooter3 жыл бұрын
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!
@larrydavid27285 жыл бұрын
This was such a perfect video for a novice. Thank you
@charlieshooter5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment....glad it helped you out! 👍🏼
@Colin6232 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter2 жыл бұрын
@@Colin623 I did mention it earlier in the video briefly.
@Colin6232 жыл бұрын
@@charlieshooter Ok, obviously missed it. Thanks
@cooper5125 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter5 жыл бұрын
Top advice! They can sometimes be bigger than the one you are removing.
@ela370032 жыл бұрын
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 🙏 😅 🙃
@charlieshooter2 жыл бұрын
Good luck! 👍🏼
@happy2bmell16 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this! You make things very clear.. Time to buy my new sockets and give it a go 👍
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
Glad you found the video helpful. Good luck with your new sockets. 👍🏻
@shootNbreezeIRL4 жыл бұрын
That's how an instructional video should be made. Thank you.
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, glad you found it useful! 👍🏼
@EmmerDoucheface4 жыл бұрын
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?
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
@@EmmerDoucheface Yes, you can trim the end off with side cutters/ pliers. With a sharp pair, you can be quite accurate.
@samranhussain24404 жыл бұрын
Exactly this is how one explains so everyone can understand.... straight forward ...
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, hope it helped you out.
@vitovito1236 жыл бұрын
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?
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
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!)
Happy Christmas to you too. Follow the guide and you'll be fine!
@petercollett21824 жыл бұрын
CharlieShooters KnowHow c
@markkelly9404 жыл бұрын
Thanks , successfully installed new USB plug socket today!!
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
Great stuff. Hope it helped out!
@goldsgolds2010 Жыл бұрын
Good this, clear and concise 👍💯
@charlieshooter Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful! 👍🏼
@annigard84 жыл бұрын
Hi from Caerphilly! 😛 I can tell by the accent that you don't live too far from me. Thanks for the vid.
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
Yep, not far away....you can't hide that accent! Thanks for leaving a comment. 👍🏼
@paulainpink4 жыл бұрын
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. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
That's great to hear! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
@iffykhanuk2890 Жыл бұрын
Very good video thanks bro 👍
@charlieshooter Жыл бұрын
Cheers....glad to hear it!
@seanyjtv3 жыл бұрын
Made this so easy to follow...thanks mate
@charlieshooter3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for leaving a comment. 👍🏼
@petechapman82022 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter2 жыл бұрын
Glad the video helped you out. I covered both colours as our house is half and half! Cheers! 👍🏼
@darkpanther43676 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
No problem. I'm glad you found it useful. Thanks for the comment. Good luck with your project.
@blackwell7542 жыл бұрын
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!
@charlieshooter2 жыл бұрын
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. 👍🏼
@steenystuff10755 жыл бұрын
Whoop! Whoop! Cos of you, I can do it myself. Thanks!😀
@charlieshooter5 жыл бұрын
No problem. Glad the video was useful.
@tahirakhan75664 жыл бұрын
You showed a very simple and easy way I can do myself now InShaAllah, thank you soo much 🙂
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
No problem. Pleased I could help you out!
@JayWithAJ4 жыл бұрын
This video was super helpful, and really clear. Cheers!
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
Thank you....glad it helped you out! 👍🏼
@ItsGazareth4 жыл бұрын
Great video! Shows everything clearly.
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
Thank you! 👍🏼
@gopherbar2 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter2 жыл бұрын
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.
@joannajarvis90032 жыл бұрын
Fab that was really helpful but my front doesn't fit the metal box in the wall. How come your one fitted?
@charlieshooter2 жыл бұрын
Do you mean the back box isn't deep enough? The USB sockets do have a slightly deeper back on them.
@pp-si2dm4 жыл бұрын
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!
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
Thank you for commenting. No it doesn't matter which one goes where, as long as all earths are connected to an earth terminal.
@sukhsagoo13 жыл бұрын
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?
@charlieshooter3 жыл бұрын
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.
@stevelelew61454 жыл бұрын
Useful video and well presented. Thank you.
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much.....thanks for leaving a comment. 👍🏼
@marcredmond45473 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter3 жыл бұрын
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.
@rossmacdonald18383 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter3 жыл бұрын
Yes you're right you don't need that other earth!
@tysonsdream15 ай бұрын
Brilliant mate great video thanks very much
@charlieshooter4 ай бұрын
Cheers...appreciate you leaving a comment!
@carraighband16688 ай бұрын
Does the earth wire from the backbox go into the earth terminal at the bottom on it's own (marked functional earth)?
@charlieshooter8 ай бұрын
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.
@paulinefriar69163 жыл бұрын
Thank you, am gonna do this
@charlieshooter3 жыл бұрын
Great stuff! Thanks for commenting.
@Rahman4Media4 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
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.
@rowanlee48233 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much, quite literally a life saver.
@charlieshooter3 жыл бұрын
Pleased to hear it! Thanks for leaving a comment!
@davidsguitarhelp7 жыл бұрын
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?
@charlieshooter7 жыл бұрын
+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.
@davidsguitarhelp7 жыл бұрын
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.
@exwhyz337 жыл бұрын
Great demonstration, thanks.
@charlieshooter7 жыл бұрын
+exwhyz33 Glad you liked it....hope it helped.
@CreativeEducation14 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
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.
@CreativeEducation14 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Yes I meant earth wire.thanks for clarification
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
@@CreativeEducation1 No worries, thanks for watching!
@KateDatingCoaching3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! This is a great video. I'm now going to give it a go
@charlieshooter3 жыл бұрын
That's great to hear! 👍🏼
@DanielGreen075 жыл бұрын
Excellent video thanks
@charlieshooter5 жыл бұрын
Thanks. Hope it was useful!
@ashleycroft71755 жыл бұрын
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?
@charlieshooter5 жыл бұрын
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.
@DemonicDaron2 жыл бұрын
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?
@charlieshooter2 жыл бұрын
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.
@DemonicDaron2 жыл бұрын
@@charlieshooter electricity magic - you give it an alternative path, and it auto-magically use it as appropriate. Good stuff and thx for the explanation
@jaypaul81063 жыл бұрын
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?
@charlieshooter3 жыл бұрын
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. 👍🏼
@brianr9876 жыл бұрын
UK wiring is great and the plugs are huge but safe. Why do you need insulation on the ground (earth) connections?
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
+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.
@brianr9876 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
+Brian Smith I see where you're coming from, but the rules and regulations in the UK are very "belt and braces"!
@michaelboyes49486 жыл бұрын
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
@davejones47406 жыл бұрын
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?
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
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-0075 жыл бұрын
Ever heard of ebay or amazon? 😂 cheaper then in store.
@Alhamdulillah.e.rabil.alameen4 жыл бұрын
How long does it take you to charge your mobile via the usb socket (not wall plug)?
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
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.
@kinggulu72484 жыл бұрын
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
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
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.
@danielsonhud486 жыл бұрын
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?.
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
+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.
@danielsonhud486 жыл бұрын
charlieshooter Brilliant, thanks the the advice and fast reply appreciate that.
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
+daniel sonhud No problem!
@normanboyes49836 жыл бұрын
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.
@danielsonhud486 жыл бұрын
Norman Boyes Most sockets and switches are cheap these aren't particularly cheap! The socket is definitely earthed at the screws though.
@michaelmcl49794 жыл бұрын
Are the screw holes in all plug socket faces universal that they line up with existing back box holes?
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
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.
@michaelmcl49794 жыл бұрын
@@charlieshooter cheers boss
@loraox3 жыл бұрын
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 🙄
@charlieshooter3 жыл бұрын
It's quite simple if you follow the video carefully. 👍🏼
@jacobeleftheriou62782 жыл бұрын
Can I ask is the blue one USB?
@robzaphy5 жыл бұрын
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
@charlieshooter5 жыл бұрын
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!
@robzaphy5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the reply. I think I will just copy what you have done here. thanks
@charlieshooter5 жыл бұрын
@@robzaphy If you follow the video you won't go far wrong! 👍🏼
@robzaphy5 жыл бұрын
what if the back box is plastic should I just copy the video and it will be fine? thank you
@charlieshooter5 жыл бұрын
@@robzaphy Yes, it's the same. Except you don't need the wire going to the back box if it's plastic.
@adamski91842 жыл бұрын
Do the usb sockets consume more power than a standard socket?
@charlieshooter2 жыл бұрын
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.
@spongey766 жыл бұрын
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
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
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.
@spongey766 жыл бұрын
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
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
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.
@spongey766 жыл бұрын
took it back mate and got some with usb fits fine cheers again
@galentyrol65124 жыл бұрын
@@charlieshooter amp not v surely
@jean-paulguyse22866 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
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-paulguyse22866 жыл бұрын
@@charlieshooter It's not Ground Earth but Functional or Clean Earth. It's OK though now, I've figured it out. Thanks for replying.
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
I don't think you'll find a functional earth in most UK sockets.
@jean-paulguyse22866 жыл бұрын
@@charlieshooter I've got one in mine for the USB terminals.
@Marcel_Germann5 жыл бұрын
@@charlieshooter Actually the neutral is a functional earth, but no one calls it that way...the earth is actually the protective earth (PE).
@FirebrandVOCALS4 жыл бұрын
How do you know which amp rating to buy? 2.1Amp or 3.1Amp? Cheers!
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
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! 👍🏼
@MrTupeloFlash4 жыл бұрын
Informative ......Thanks
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for leaving a comment. Glad it helped you out. 👍🏼
@Qasimxx13 жыл бұрын
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?
@charlieshooter3 жыл бұрын
No, it shouldn't really be doing that. Possibly a loose connection is causing arcing, which would make the noise.
@daveypug4 жыл бұрын
What size/thickness green/yellow wire should be used as a fly lead to earth the socket to the back box?
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
The earth wire on normal 2.5mm² 2 core and earth is only 1.5mm², so using a 1.5mm² wire would be fine.
@daveypug4 жыл бұрын
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
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
Yes, that would be fine.
@cjmillsnun7 жыл бұрын
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!)
@charlieshooter7 жыл бұрын
+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.
@francisikhifa95477 жыл бұрын
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
@charlieshooter7 жыл бұрын
+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!
@Cameronboyd114 жыл бұрын
What happens if you only attack on of the wires? As in 1 black and one red wire?
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
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.
@Toukoi6 жыл бұрын
In my old house the black was the live and red was neutral, it was so alarming doing any electrical work on the house.
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
Wow....you'd have to keep your wits about you doing any electrical work in that house!!
@davidkinkade38846 жыл бұрын
now is red live, black ground white neutral
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
Red is live, black is neutral and green/yellow is earth.
@Toukoi6 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
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.
@zoidburg29754 жыл бұрын
This is easy, but what about when you have smart switches and the hole isn’t deep enough?!
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
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?
@carlosee884 жыл бұрын
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
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
Yes you can get the spacers, but they don't look the best in my opinion.
@sh4rpy9834 жыл бұрын
Blew myself up
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
At least you lived to type the tale!! 😉
@HereIsWhatISaw4 жыл бұрын
I have brown-taped a radio plug to an extension lead socket to stop someone removing it. Is this dangerous?
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
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?
@HereIsWhatISaw4 жыл бұрын
@@charlieshooter Thanks for your reply. I could unplug the extension lead at the wall? What do you think?
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
@@HereIsWhatISaw Still not ideal!
@07HDFatboy7 жыл бұрын
Thought this was going to show how to fix a USB socket. Not how to just remove and replace a socket! Good video anyway.
@charlieshooter7 жыл бұрын
+07HDFatboy Thanks, sorry if it misled. I don't think I'd have a go at fixing one....probably just buy a new one.
@spongey766 жыл бұрын
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
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
Oh right, that'll be fine then. 13amp is ok, not 13v! 😉
@spongey766 жыл бұрын
thanks very much mate
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
No problem, glad I could help!
@MsJinkerson4 жыл бұрын
What is with the switches on the outlets in Canada we don't
@charlieshooter3 жыл бұрын
They didn't used to in the UK, they started to appear in the 1980's I'd say.
@K.K0006 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
+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
@hassemsadiq7 жыл бұрын
Awesome vid How much should it cost to fit 5 of these and 1 light switch thanks
@charlieshooter7 жыл бұрын
+Infinity vidz help the helpless If you are fitting them yourself then the actual units are £28 for 2 at the moment in Screwfix.
@DONK80087 жыл бұрын
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.
@EN4ORC3R7 жыл бұрын
The jobs a 'goodun' :-)
@charlieshooter7 жыл бұрын
+EN4ORC3R It sure is! Thanks for watching! 😀
@malcolmgoad54372 жыл бұрын
Do I need to earth a dry wall box
@charlieshooter2 жыл бұрын
No, there is no need to earth these as they are plastic.
@juliusheart26674 жыл бұрын
My socket had 3 of each type of wire... and they very short...
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
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!
@cikguomar7 жыл бұрын
Charlieshooter, why some have two wires each and some single wires (sharing from the other Slot)?
@charlieshooter7 жыл бұрын
+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.
@cikguomar7 жыл бұрын
Now I understand, appreciate it. Thanks for the info!
@charlieshooter7 жыл бұрын
+cikguomar No problem.
@Planet9_music2 жыл бұрын
I've got 2 live 2 neutral and 1 earth 🤔🤔🤔is that normal?
@charlieshooter2 жыл бұрын
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_music2 жыл бұрын
@@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 👌🏼👌🏼
@charlieshooter2 жыл бұрын
@@Planet9_music Pleased to hear it....glad it wasn't a botch job!
@Planet9_music2 жыл бұрын
@@charlieshooter you're telling me mate 🤣I was getting paranoid for a moment!
@ChargedWords6 жыл бұрын
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
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
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?
@ChargedWords6 жыл бұрын
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?
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Ok
@fireblade89056 жыл бұрын
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.
@AssetAssassin7 жыл бұрын
One of my fuses have blown and now I cannot use my wall plugs
@charlieshooter7 жыл бұрын
+AssassinL1V3 After fitting a USB socket? Double check it's wired properly and there are no bare wires showing.
@AssetAssassin7 жыл бұрын
charlieshooter thankyou for the tip it's been sorted
@striderwhiston98972 жыл бұрын
Is this easy to do yourself as a person not really good with anything DIY, or would it be better to hire an expert?
@charlieshooter2 жыл бұрын
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!
@wenkaizhang52997 жыл бұрын
how did you decide which earth line goes into which slot? seems like there're 2 slots for the three of them.
@charlieshooter7 жыл бұрын
+Wenkai Zhang It really doesn't matter. I just went with which one would reach best.
@wenkaizhang52997 жыл бұрын
thanks!
@Josh-dv9uf6 жыл бұрын
I hate seeing more than one earth cable in the earth socket! There’s two earth sockets for a reason.
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
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.
@DomWPC6 жыл бұрын
are you welsh? (EDIT) saw a comment down below that you are lol!
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
+Dom wpc Yes mate. How did you guess? 😉
@amz87856 жыл бұрын
I saw a really old house, had all red wires.
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
Really? You sure it wasn't at a light switch maybe?
@amz87856 жыл бұрын
@@charlieshooter it was a very long time ago. Maybe
@cooper5125 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter5 жыл бұрын
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!
@youngthug1496 жыл бұрын
You need RCD protection bruh
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
Ideally, yes. It's fine for now, but will upgrade in the future! Thanks for watching!
@gazyounglive7 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter7 жыл бұрын
+gazyounglive Thanks for watching. It's a fair comment....but I think the RCD/MCB would trip before it causes any major problems.
@robbiemarshall14814 жыл бұрын
If u need to watch a video on how to fit a socket u shouldn't be touching electrics at all
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
Everyone has got to learn somewhere....
@robbiemarshall14814 жыл бұрын
@@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
@charlieshooter4 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@oliverbendt31046 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter6 жыл бұрын
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-ju3fv5 жыл бұрын
Jesus Christ chill out - this guy is competent
@oliverbendt31045 жыл бұрын
@@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-ju3fv5 жыл бұрын
@@oliverbendt3104 paaahhhhaaaa I've just looked at your channel. What a sad pathetic little loser you are. Jog on mate.
@kingofthetrowel17253 жыл бұрын
Do you need a minor works certificate for a socket
@dannywood22595 жыл бұрын
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.
@charlieshooter5 жыл бұрын
That's an idea for a future video maybe, thanks, but a little overkill for the average DIYer who wants to change their socket!
@dannywood22595 жыл бұрын
Carry on fella, keeps me in a job. Forever going out to repair diy electrical disasters.
@charlieshooter5 жыл бұрын
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.
@kingofthetrowel17253 жыл бұрын
Zs R1+R2 IR 🤔 it works tho 😂
@billsbasementworkshop19022 жыл бұрын
why keep calling it EARTH. Look in the definitions of BS 7671
@charlieshooter2 жыл бұрын
I'll stick to what I've always called it I think. 👍🏼 Thanks for watching.
@motoninja27473 жыл бұрын
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?
@charlieshooter3 жыл бұрын
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
@motoninja27473 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@charlieshooter3 жыл бұрын
@@motoninja2747 Oh yes definitely....you'll be able to use a stanley knife or multi-tool. 👍🏼