Electrical Sockets Explained

rewiring a double plug socket
(Image credit: Jeremy Phillips)

Changing a socket and adding a new one to a circuit are two of the few electrical tasks a DIYer can legally do, so take a look at its key components with this detailed diagram of the inner working of the humble electrical socket.

1. Terminal screws: These secure LIVE, EARTH and NEUTRAL within their TERMINALS. No bare wire should be exposed; if it is, cut it or fold over the end.

Melanie is an experienced homes journalist and editor of Period Living, Britain's best-selling period homes magazine. She has worked for Homes & Gardens and Real Homes, and is a former Deputy Editor of Homebuilding & Renovating, writing about modern design and architecture, and interviewing countless self builders and renovators about their experiences. In addition to undertaking her renovation projects, her other great passion is gardening.