How to replace a damaged socket

If one of your sockets has been scorched, it's usually been caused by overloading or loose connections in a plug. Don't plug your appliances back in without dealing with the problem first or it will happen again.

Safety first

Never take risks with electrical safety. Modifications to any circuit must comply with the latest IEE Wiring Regulations. New or replacement cables or sockets may need RCD protection.

Step 1

Start by isolating the circuit. Use a socket tester to double-check that it's dead. Unscrew the socket faceplate and pull it away from the wall, but keep the screws in case the new ones don't fit.

Step 2

Loosen the terminal screws and free the cable cores. If the insulation has been heat damaged, cut back the cores and strip the ends. Run green/yellow sleeving over the earth core if it's exposed. As the metal back boxes must be earthed, run a short length of earth cable between the earth terminals of the back box and the faceplate.

Step 3

Connect the live core or cores to the live terminal (L) of the new faceplate, the neutral to the neutral terminal (N) and the earth to the earth terminal (E or (Earth symbol)). Fully tighten the terminal screws, and fit the new faceplate. If the new screws don't fit the lugs of the old box, just re-use the original screws. Finally, use the socket tester to check you've wired everything correctly.