Electrical: Changing a single socket to a double

[richard carmichael]

Hello, i have done no electrical work before and this will probably be the most basic question so far...
I want to change a single socket to a double. All the double sockets in the flat have TWO sets of cable leading into the them but the existing single socket has only one cable leading in -- so, can I safely swap this single socket to a double using only the one cable there or will this be insufficient to handle two sockets (handling a washing machine, freezer, fridge, and radio).??
Thanks

 

[Graeme]

You can buy a double socket cover for about £8 from B&Q which is specificaly designed to do what you intend. All you do is remove the single cover and the new double cover screws into the existing metal box, it is advertised on the packet how simple it is to do. The only thing I am not sure about is if a washing machine can be run off a standard plug but Im sure a future post will clarify that for you.

 

[breezer]

you want one of these http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=19202&ts=43117

and one of these http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro.jsp?id=19579&ts=43116

you put the three cores that were in the origonal socket into the new one.

red live (L) black neutral (N) the green or bare copper wire Earth (E)

you will probably find the bare one does have green sleaving on it)

Also you must do this with the mains OFF

and yes a w/ m will run off a normal socket.