Testing The Circuit

Step 1

Before testing the circuit, turn off the electricity using the main switch on the consumer unit.

Step 2

Unscrew the socket faceplate and ease it off its mounting box. Note the number of cables feeding the socket - if three cables are connected, it is safe to upgrade the socket. If two are fitted you should test the circuit.

Step 3

Disconnect all the appliances on the circuit, then remove the red-coloured live wires from the socket terminal and separate these wires. Attach a continuity tester between the two live wires - if the tester glows, the socket can be changed.

• If the tester fails to light, get a qualified electrician to test the circuit before changing the socket.
• Similarly, if only one cable is connected to the back of your single socket, have that tested by an qualified electrician to make sure it is safe to convert.
  t return to the consumer unit as with a ring-circuit cable. A 2.5mm² two-core-and-earth cable is used for a floor area up to 20m² (24yds²), and the circuit must be protected by a 20amp fuse or MCB. Higher-rated fuses and cable are required for larger floor areas.

Single sockets on a ring or radial circuit can be converted to doubles or even fused triple sockets. Spur sockets can also be upgraded, provided the spur cable is serving only the one socket outlet.