How to Install a USB Plug Socket in Under 10 Minutes | *No Electrician Needed*

In this electrical DIY guide i will be showing you how to install a USB wall socket. This is a must have upgrade in 2023. This is a great one to follow along to at home and this video will level up your electrical DIY work whilst teaching you basic principles of safe electrical work. This video can also be used to learn how to change a 13amp plug socket. If you like the video then leave a like and please subscribe for more content like this.
Check out my other videos on my channel, there are a lot more electrical guides!
Products i recommend for this job!
🔵 USB Socket(no type c) - amzn.to/3ppFQVE
🔵 USB Socket(type c) - amzn.to/3Me2Hwq
🔵 Socket Tester - amzn.to/3G1MTJH
🔵 Voltage Tester - amzn.to/432ty51
🔵 Proving Unit - amzn.to/3LWxxK8
🔵 Martindale Lockout Kit - amzn.to/3jNxLYr
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[@TheDIYGuy1]

A nice easy one to follow along to at home 🙌

[@davyarthurs]

My 10 year old wants to be an electrician and he wants me to show him how to do this very job. So here’s a video for him to watch first 😝. Thanks!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Haha your welcome 🤙

[@brinh123]

Great vid - A good tip I saw (I think on @Artisan Electrics) is after you push the socket back into the back box, pull it very slightly back out and retighten the terminals as pushing the box back into the wall can be enough to let the connectors settle a little in the terminals.

[@mearulz]

Thank you 🎉 I just managed to change my socket with the help of your vid. Many thanks 😊

[@superamario6464]

Great video. Very instructional...clear and straightforward. Thank you my good man!

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Your welcome 🤗

[@alexwilson7235]

Oh man, thank you so much. You are the best one in KZbin.

[@avdhutpatel3194]

Thanks for your video. Very helpful.

[@johng9341]

Then. Ring Continuity test. Insullation resistance test. Then earthoop. Then fill out a minor works cert 😂😂😂😂🎉 Nice video 🙂

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 😀

[@robertsparrow8678]

I would agree with this. If you’re working on a ring final circuit, end to end tests of R1, Rn and R2 at a minimum. If you’re doing a proper job it would also be R1+R2, IR, Zs and RCD. Ze, PFC and PSCC, then document results on a minor works.

[@kingofthetrowel1725]

@@robertsparrow8678 I thought diyers along with myself were not allowed to touch electrics in your own house 🤔

[@bushtuckertrialsofa6674]

@@robertsparrow8678 No requirement to test PFC/PSCC on a minor works. And Zdb is all thats required, not a Ze. But I agree the rest of the tests are essential.

[@tobysherring1369]

​@@kingofthetrowel1725 many things can be done, but everything has to be tested and certified. Most DIYers don't have suitable test equipment or certificates on which to record results.

[@martinkiely3147]

Great video will do these in my house this week easy to follow thanks looking forward to the next 👏👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍👍 go for it

[@NickBanford]

Your videos are very helpful. I’m following your renovation project closely as we’ve just bought a 70’s house too that needs a fair amount of work.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Great thanks, good luck with the house

[@mikea7174]

Great video, easier and useful to know and do. Really enjoy your videos mate, being American loving in UK and adjusting to electrical outputs here has been a learning experience. Cheers.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 👍

[@video99couk]

I would not advise this. The USB outlets cannot be switched off, so they are powered 24/7. The capacitors (or other components such as transformer) in these will fail after a time, somewhere between about 1 and perhaps 3 years. When the circuit fails the result can be (depending on the fault condition and build quality) anything from a merely defective outlet to a fire in the wall cavity or mains on the USB. When someone invents a USB outlet which can be isolated with its own switch, then they might be a good idea.

[@johnboy82760]

Is this why USB sockets make small buzzing or humming noise? I recently changed one over to new one and it's buzzing very faintly when I'm right up close to it. Thinking of just changing to normal socket as I think the USB ones are actually proving pointless and waste of money

[@Footski1]

Love your videos, but this one goes way over the top for most jobs like this.

[@VOLTRONDEFENDER4440]

I’m in the us and we also have plug tester that has a gfci test button and helps if the gfci is working properly

[@JamesBrown-yn7xr]

Excellent Video instruction, Just wanted to warn people to check the current output of the USB plugs. I replaced a few and I think 2A is too slow for modern phones. You need to make sure it's a decent ouput. I think 3.2 is a Max at the moment and you need a decent rated USB cable for, whereas some new adapters will give very fast charging. Also note the current in the USB is normally shared between 2 and you may find 2 modern hungry smart phones charge too slowly.

[@davidellis8141]

That’s all very well if you have the gear. It’s a lot easier to just buy a usb plug or even a multi adapter. Some require a higher output such as an iPad.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Fair point 👍

[@fus149hammer5]

True. Some devices such as phones will only fast charge if they are charged via the supplied USB and cable. I've fitted 5 of these sockets and so far 3 of the USB ports have stopped working although the normal plug sockets are fine. They also charge extremely slowly. So I've gone back to using the plug and cable supplied with my phone which seems to defeat the object of fitting the sockets in the first place.

[@tobysherring1369]

They come in different power ratings. Cheap ones are 1.2A output, others 2.1 or 2.4. If you plug in two devices and they're getting 1.2A each it will be slow. But if you charge overnight it's not such an issue.

[@christophergallagher3845]

​@@fus149hammer5call em socket outlets , plug sockets sounds silly

[@BrodaPaul]

Another useful video. Very easy to understand.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks a lot 👍

[@666Anonymous0]

You need to tell people about doing end to end readings on a ring to make sure the cirucit they are connecting to is safe and not broken, then make sure they have RCD protection

[@outdooradventuresdave]

Hi im dave love this content im thinking getting some sockets cause kids always charging phones this big help .

[@TheDIYGuy1]

👍

[@maxelliot9426]

Excellent video, thank you.

[@Silver-st2zq]

Very helpful, thanks 👍

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 😊

[@rawdah786]

Top video Bud 👍🏼

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Cheers mate

[@em8969]

Another great video, well done buddy

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Thanks 👍

[@MalcolmJames-sg3zg]

great video THANKS

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Any time

[@mainchannelofarondomguy]

Excellent video!!

[@tek2313]

Why your voltage tester showed continuity between all the conductors?

[@amazing451]

Great video mate always thought you'd need data cables 👍. Why did you just wrap the end of the neutral cables, what happens if the live touched the cpc or is that unlikely as they are either side of the socket ? The consumer unit is a split load one I think, maybe you could do a video explaining what the difference in these consumer units. Thanks and keep up the great work 👍

[@christophergallagher3845]

The reason is even when isolated , a neutral and cpc short causes the main rcd to trip and since its a split board where the rcd controls many circuits it could cause damage or make your work area unsafe due to lights going out ( for this reason I put one light circuit in same room as sockets on the other rcd just incase ) If it was an rcbo board each breaker is its own rcd basically so it wouldn't matter then as it won't have any effect on any other live circuits Hope this helped

[@SunnySingh-ee1df]

Do these usb sockets draw electricity when nothing is plugged in ?

[@PADDY-he2xe]

Great video if your unsure of circuit breaker for socket can you not just flip trip switch to off?

[@IAmThe_RA]

Then your wife yells from the bathroom because water is cold and kids crying because the TV is off 😅

[@carlcoulter3376]

can you not just turn off all the power to the house on the breaker box to make sure there's no power going to the socket?

[@stephenweston1807]

A good job. It would be better if there was a small fly lead from the earth terminal to the backbox earth terminal rather than relying on the screws (I've seen some cheap switches with plastic screws). You also seemed to plug the proving unit in the wrong way round according to the pictures (4:17) or doesn't it matter?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

It makes no difference regarding the proving unit. It is intended to be used either way.

[@denisem1961]

Thank you for this video, very helpful. Do you know if there is a socket that allows the USB slots to be powered off when not in use as I don't like to leave switches on?

[@gerryslater4297]

Yes, you can buy sockets that can be powered on/off by an app from your phone. Good for all sorts of applications.

[@tobysherring1369]

I don't know of one yet. But you are right that these USB outlets are always on with no way to isolate them without turning off at the consumer unit

[@michaelb1587]

What if one of the usb’s doesn’t work on charging my iPhone but works on everything else? Have checked iPhone cables.

[@leorichardson8699]

No one has all this kit lol electrician definitely needed 😂

[@JT-xt8bh]

Great video but it doesn’t stop there as you would have to follow several more steps before the job is safely done. Just because it switches on and works doesn’t mean it’s safe to use, especially on an older property.

[@user-ts5wk3ed4x]

Like your videos

[@SmithyScotland]

"No faults on the socket"? Shouldn't there be 2 leds lit?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

No fault on the socket, you would see a pulse or red lights if there were dependant on the tester

[@Nyle95]

I have this same tester and I'm sure it should have 2 green LEDs for no fault? And that's what it's displayed when I've changed sockets.

[@Sidmi5utc]

Correct 2 green lights just like at the start of the video. I have the same tester and the one green light on the right says it indicates a missing neutral. DIY man can you confirm please ? Perhaps your finger was covering the light that was off and you just didn't see it. Thanks.

[@samr3530]

I have connected like on video and everything works but not usb c port. Why ?

[@stevewilliams1122]

I wonder how many people actually use lock outs at their home. Good advice but I have never used one

[@gavin9873]

Nice video .I have a question ,I have a plastic surface mount back box and a plastic socket and the back box has an earth screw on it and my socket has an extra screw for an earth .if both my socket and back box is plastic do I have to add an extra earth to it..and if not if I did add it would it just make it more safe

[@tobysherring1369]

There is no reason whatsoever to connect a plastic box to earth. The terminal is provided for use with light switches, which don't have an earth terminal, so all the CPCs can be joined together, or a single CPC can be terminated rather than left loose. Your earth is connected in the socket and thereby to the screws.

[@garethbull5303]

So there's really no difference in the wiring of a wall plug socket with a USB port to one without? That's nice to know.

[@philipgreenwood746]

Many many usb 13amp sockets will not fit in a 25mm box especially when the socket is on the ring (two 2.5 cables) it needs to said.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

This will be listed in the product details. You will find a lot of manufacturers are now leaning toward minimum 25mm backboxes.

[@cestemshow]

The socket tester won't tell you if neutral earth is reversed. Call an electrician who can test and assess the install safely. If you have type ac rcds installed then these extra dc loads will blind the core and prevent it working.

[@Nyle95]

No need to call an electrician for a simple socket change if you have the first idea about what you're doing

[@okaro6595]

There is no reason to suspect that the earth and neutral are reversed when you do the work properly. In anyway such thing would trip the RCD in a modern installation.

[@TheSixYardBox]

A little Gary Neville 😂

[@fountainwell49man65]

Ring? So no chance of a radial circuit then?

[@zeldagoblin]

My socket has two earth terminals. Am i supposed to split the two and put one in each?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

No, the terminals will be linked. Look for a metal bar that connects the two to check.

[@zeldagoblin]

@@TheDIYGuy1 Ah I see the bar, that makes sense. Thank you!

[@shoudd]

What would you suggest if the lug on the flushed backbox has stripped thread and doesnt tighten. Is there a way to repair this as opposed to removing the backbox.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

I would replace the box it it were me, it’s a pretty easy job 👍

[@patburke5740]

Or you could use a rethreading tool

[@johnboy82760]

If it's a dry wall back box you can snap out the clips (yellow ones I changed) just buy a new backbox and take the clips out them and pop new ones back in

[@BedsitBob]

Personally, I'm not a fan of active electronics in a wall.

[@sharonbradford4494]

The British cell phone chargers look a lot more crew than the US versions

[@kaleem669]

Using all these instruments. You might as well get an electrician

[@raj080288]

this could also be a radial, right?

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Yes it would be the same for a radial.

[@connclissmann6514]

"New colour for wiring.."? That colouring has been around for a very, very long time.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

As per the dates stated in the video.

[@superamario6464]

Some old houses have the old wiring...we certainly do.

[@connclissmann6514]

@@TheDIYGuy1 As I missed any mention of dates in the video, I apologise. Good video, with comprehensive safety described. Thanks.

[@christophergallagher3845]

How do you know the socket tester didnt just fail at same time you flicked off an mcb ? No point using a lock off kit if you dint do the proper safe isolation procedure Edit. Nevermind i just got to the part you whipped out the proving unit . Top man 🌟

[@MrMedicalUK]

Even worse is that these days it's usb c to usb c.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Yeah lol

[@helloworld5638]

What's wrong with USB C?

[@okaro6595]

That socket has both USB A and USB C so it works no matter what cable you have.

[@Stubear22374]

I tried once but it was all red wiring so gave up

[@philllipoosis]

im the only exasperated one then waiting past all the safety

[@666Anonymous0]

DIY electrical not always a good idea

[@pdjhh]

Trying to work out accent?

[@johndufton9686]

By the time a DIYer has bought a socket tester, a voltage indicator and a proving unit and a lock out kit you will have paid more than an electrician would charge. How about doing an earth fault looop impedance test on the circuit? My Multi function tester costs nearly a £1000 that no DIYer will have. The number of DIYers who have mucked up their electrics over the years has made me a tidy profit sorting out. That metal socket should be earthed to the back box with a fly lead as per the regs. You should not rely on the socket screws for earth continuity to the back box

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Fair points on cost however those are tools for life and would come in handy for many electrical jobs a DIYer might undertake. Fixed lug so doesn’t need a fly lead.

[@hoonsurdaddy8482]

Please for the love of god do not touch your electrics people. No matter how good the instructions are. We carry out a lot more tests after the work here is done to prove that the work done is safe. just turning it back on and it working DOES NOT mean it is safe. For example if one of them live cables fell out as you pushed the socket back but didn't touch anything you would never know there is a problem as everything will work fine, BUT you now have not got a ring main and have turn the circuit into a radial. The cable can now not cope with the current that you could draw into it and causes a fire. I know the odds are slime but it your life and house that is at stake. I will never understand why people DIY with electrics as they wouldn't play with their gas pipes.... Both are equally as dangerous.

[@ianbd8704]

By the time you've bought a socket tester and lockout kit, an insulated screwdriver, a voltage tester, a proving unit, you might as well have paid an electrician to do it properly. Just a terrible idea.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

Fair points on cost however those are tools for life and would come in handy for many electrical jobs a DIYer might undertake.

[@ianbd8704]

While you're at it, please give us some advice on changing our own gas hobs and combi boilers.

[@TheDIYGuy1]

😂😂 I’ll see what I can do for you

[@YeahNoTellTheTruth]

Maybe if you plan to do one socket upgrade and that's it, but if you later decide on other sockets down the line, you're already out of pocket. Terrible idea or terrible opinion of yours... I think the latter.

[@reggiedixon2]

I changed mine in every bedroom, I have screwdrivers and a voltmeter and I am perfectly able to turn off the mains when nobody else is around to turn it back on. This hardly counts as DIY.

[@alan-freeman]

If there is one statement which GRATES every time I hear it, it is the title of this video "How to Install a USB Plug Socket in Under 10 Minutes | *No Electrician Needed*" Is it a PLUG or SOCKET - it is never both!! You are talking about a 13A SOCKET

[@martmcg3157]

You do actually realise that ANY electrical works are meant to be carried out by a qualified electrician for a reason now. Clearly you've never studied regs ! What a ridiculous thing to be advocating !

[@TheDIYGuy1]

I disagree on many levels which a won’t take the time to address considering I doubt you will agree with my reasoning. What I will say for the benefit of other reading this is, if competent and confident there’s nothing wrong with carrying out this work as a DIYer.

[@fus149hammer5]

Try finding one who'd come out just to change a plug socket.

[@YeahNoTellTheTruth]

Oh shut up.

[@tobysherring1369]

Not true. Part P is very clear that even notifiable works can be carried out by non-qualified people, as long as they are notified, inspected, tested and certified by someone who is (the cost of this makes it uneconomical). Anyone can do non-notifiable, but it still has to be inspected, tested and certified, which is where most DIYers break the regs - they don't usually have test equipment to do ring continuity, earth loop or insulation tests or certificates to complete.