Is this allowed

[craig51]

HEYHO

I am wanting to change all the current white plug sockets, with gold sockets. My plan was to head to B&Q and buy a load.

Is there anything specific i need to know or buy, and am I legally allowed to do this by myself?

 

[mattylad]

HEYHO

I am wanting to change all the current white plug sockets, with gold sockets. My plan was to head to B&Q and buy a load.

"Spend a load" more like...

Is there anything specific i need to know or buy, and am I legally allowed to do this by myself?

AFAIK we are legally allowed to change the sockets.

You will have to ensure that the sockets are earthed correctly.

Can I have your old sockets ...

 

[nozspark]

You will probably find that you can get them cheaper at a local wholesaler, but yes you can do it...

Just make sure that the front plates on metal switches are earthed!!

 

[RF Lighting]

Also, you will probably find brass sockets are cheaper than gold ones.

 

[Pensdown]

...and if they are brass, they should be supplied with a clear plastic gasket which goes between the facia and the wall.

Don't throw it away as people do because you may end up with very discoloured sockets.

 

[craig51]

Very good!!! Brass is what i meant doh!

Re the old ones, what could i do with them? Anyone want them, say 50p each! Live in Edinburgh. Could post if wanted.

Re the plastic gasket. What is that actully for. One came with my new light switch, so i used it as its black and looks quite nice.

Re the earth, if there is one behind the exisiting plugs, i will just use that one, but what if there isnt, i guess i need an earth. The light sockets have earths, so i am assuming my sockets will have too.

 

[briwire]

there will be something very wrong if there are no earth wires behind your sockets.

 

[craig51]

cool. Just need to work out how many light switches/sockets i now need.

 

[Steve]

the gasket is to stop the plaster corroding your metal faceplates. Brass discolours very easily. I had a picture a while ago, it happened to me. The whole switch plate was corroded, not just the edges.

 

[Pensdown]

I had a picture a while ago, it happened to me. The whole switch plate was corroded, not just the edges.

I'd forgotten I saved that picture

Untitled

• Pensdown
• 19 Aug 2008
• 1