13 A 1-Gang to 2-Gang Moulded Converter Switched Socket

[stevec59]

Hi,
I'm still waiting for the purchase of my bungalow to go through, but when it does I want to replace some of the single sockets with double ones, all the internal walls are solid, so if I wanted 'Proper Double Sockets' I'd have to make the hole bigger etc, not too bad a job but probably takes a while, so I was wondering if these are OK:-

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006GAI2...UTF8&colid=MLRTT3P3KHTR&coliid=I2AF4YSZEAICKX

I feel confident in doing this, can I, or do I need an electrician?

Many Thanks

Steve

 

[Taylortwocities]

Sure you can do it.

Make sure you confirm the power is off before unscrewing anything (see WIKI for safe isolation procedures). Those converter sockets are generally OK but fitting can be a challenge if there are several cables in the box.

If it were my "new" house, I would want to do it properly by chasing in double back boxes.

 

[bernardgreen]

Anpother source is a known reliable supplier

https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_I...dex/Sockets_1_to_2_Gang_Conversion/index.html

 

[stevec59]

Thanks Guys,
I'll see how much time I have before the decorator comes in, if I have enough time I'll go for the proper double socket.

I might just check what DIY electrics you can do without a cirtificate, I think there's a wiki entry regarding that, I found

//www.diynot.com/wiki/Electrics:part_p:DIY-Electrical-Work-and-the-Law

Looks like a lot of reading to be done.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

They are slow to use, but one of these http://www.diy.com/departments/bq-plastic-patress-jig-w90mm-l150mm/178007_BQ.prd coupled with scoring through any wallpaper and plaster top coat with a stanley knife first should allow you to cut the holes without wrecking the decoration.

I might just check what DIY electrics you can do without a cirtificate.

You can do DIY decorating without a certificate too.

 

[JohnW2]

Make sure you confirm the power is off before unscrewing anything (see WIKI for safe isolation procedures).

There ius a sticky entitled 'Electrics Safety' which contains a couple of brief posts about safe isolation procedures, but, unfortunately, all the WIKI currently has to offer is:

This is where page 1 of the Basic Safety Information is going to go if/when drafting is completed. (page created as placeholder by JohnW2)

I did attempt, way back, to produce a number of drafts of this for discussion, but everyone seemed to eventually loose interest, so it never got finalised. Understandably, one of the sticking points related to whether it would be appropriate to mention the sort of 'less than ideal' (but definitely 'better than nothing') procedures which, in the real world, are most likely to be used by DIYers (not neon screwdrivers ).

Kind Regards, John

 

[ban-all-sheds]

1) I'm afraid I've given up on the Wiki, such a pile of poo is the new software.

2) Proper testers can be bought for little money - there is no excuse for not having one.

 

[JohnW2]

1) I'm afraid I've given up on the Wiki, such a pile of poo is the new software.

I remain happy to fight with the forum software, but would only be prepared to do so if there were something approaching a consensus about content.

2) Proper testers can be bought for little money - there is no excuse for not having one.

I agree, but I don't think that was the main issue that left discussions up in the air.

Kind Regards, John

 

[stevec59]

Thanks again Guys,
Regarding the DIY electrics rules, it would be nice to have something short in plain English, for example (imnot sure if this is ore t or not, so please don't quote), but something like

If you're confident in knowing what you're doing and it's indoors and not in the bathroom you can do it

Also, I hadn't seen one of those jigs for drilling the holes for back boxes looks like a good idea.

Steve

 

[bubachuba]

hi steve, i am a big fan of internet forums as they are great for sharing knowledge, although competence is not something that can be easily assessed on them.
You said in your first post you are confident in doing this job, so if i tell you what a professional would do, perhaps that may help you decide.

Isolate and confirm the circuit you are working on is dead, check the tester with a known voltage and re-check. If you are using a plug-in device, you can plug in to a socket that is still live (perhaps you have upstairs/downstairs layout)
Do the work necessary to fit your new chosen sockets.
Carry out an earth fault loop impedance test to ensure your socket will disconnect in the event of a fault.
Test the RCD (if your consumer unit has one) will disconnect in the required timed.

hope this helps.

 

[stevec59]

I not sure how to carry out a earth loop impedance test, I have a multimeter can I. Do it with that?

Steve

 

[stillp]

No, and you can't check your RCD trip time either. About all you can do is to check the earth continuity from your socket-outlet to the main earth terminal.

 

[stevec59]

Thanks, is that important? I guess I could do the work and then get an electrician to do the test, I've got a few sockets to do, so might be the best way, rather than paying an electrician to do all the work..
Steve

 

[stillp]

Is what important? The RCD trip time/current, fault loop impedance, and earth continuity are all important. Speak to your electrician first, as he might not be happy with testing someone else's work.

 

[stevec59]

I'll do that.

So that's why people don't do DIY Electrics, they won't have the equipment to do the test.

Steve