Fitting Sockets.

[Cagethethird]

There is always this thing, designed in and for the American Market but it may be useful.

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[littlespark]

Something I’ve done since an apprentice (so I was probably told to by the experienced tradesman) is to terminate only the live and neutrals and press the socket back, with the sleeved earths just pulled straight up out between the box and socket.
This gives the L and N a tidy bend. And the earths can be added afterward easily as they’re thinner.

 

[Ray Pooley]

Something I’ve done since an apprentice (so I was probably told to by the experienced tradesman) is to terminate only the live and neutrals and press the socket back, with the sleeved earths just pulled straight up out between the box and socket.
This gives the L and N a tidy bend. And the earths can be added afterward easily as they’re thinner.

A tidy bend. Good description.

 

[littlespark]

A tidy bend. Good description.

Couldn’t think of another way to word it....

 

[brianmoooore]

When fitting a 2G box, always bring the cables in the extreme LH or extreme RH knockout on the top or bottom of the box, never the middle one (or two, depending on make o box). Sweep the prepared tails all the way across to the other side of the box, then back to the middle to connect to the socket.
No sharp bends anywhere, and no trouble screwing the socket back.

 

[Pete999]

When fitting a 2G box, always bring the cables in the extreme LH or extreme RH knockout on the top or bottom of the box, never the middle one (or two, depending on make o box). Sweep the prepared tails all the way across to the other side of the box, then back to the middle to connect to the socket.
No sharp bends anywhere, and no trouble screwing the socket back.

Unless you use an impact driver ?

 

[Deleted account]

I make a little conseteena with the cables so when I push the socket closed they fold in on themselves.

sorry about the spelling of conseteena. Spell check didnt kick in.

 

[Dartlec]

There is always this thing, designed in and for the American Market but it may be useful.

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That looks like it might actually be useful in consumer units when trying to snag wires out for testing - though might be too big to be practical - (was actually looking at plastic crochet hooks the other day as a possible option).

For sockets, rubbing the wires vigorously can help them to bend a little easier, especially if it's chilly.

Helps to have a good socket with sensible terminal placements too of course - the LAP (possibly some other brands too?) with L N terminals at the bottom are a right pain. Client/friend recently bought a load and I made him put them all on himself as penance (then inspected and corrected as needed).

 

[Zerax]

I think this is a classic example of experience. The more you do it, the more you'll know the ideal amount of cable to leave, the ideal entry point and the ideal bending.

Practice, practice, practice...

 

[littlespark]

I make a little conseteena with the cables so when I push the socket closed they fold in on themselves.

sorry about the spelling of conseteena. Spell check didnt kick in.

“Concertina”

you can thank me later

 

[Taylortwocities]

Unless you use an impact driver ?

Quite. How are you going to ensure that the screw slots are vertical if you use one of those things?
No pride in their work, some people!

 

[Mike Johnson]

I agree about the impact driver, but screw slots should be horizontal.

 

[Dustydazzler]

Screws should always be at the diagonal & always like this /

(I was joking about the impact driver , they Should only be for consumer units

 

[littlespark]

No no no.... you use the smallest screwdriver you’ve got to screw back plates.... ones that dig into the slot when tight and leave it all chewed up.....
If you’re really good, you can mis-thread the screw, so you really have to force it.... it’ll never come out after that.

???

 

[loz2754]

No no no.... you use the smallest screwdriver you’ve got to screw back plates.... ones that dig into the slot when tight and leave it all chewed up.....
If you’re really good, you can mis-thread the screw, so you really have to force it.... it’ll never come out after that.

???

I personally prefer to use screws that are too long, and force them to bend over at the end when they hit the metal back box....

 

[Dustydazzler]

No No NO, your doing it all wrong...

2 inch #8 wood screw for face plates , that sucker will be nice and tight

 

[Dustydazzler]

Anyone tried one of these 'spinner' screwdrivers for face plate screws ...

they are all the rage in America/Canada

 

[Pete999]

Anyone tried one of these 'spinner' screwdrivers for face plate screws ...

they are all the rage in America/Canada

CAN'T FIT THAT INTO AN IMPACT DRIVER CAN YOU Dustydazzler

 

[nicebutdim]

No No NO, your doing it all wrong...

2 inch #8 wood screw for face plates , that sucker will be nice and tight

Recently removed BT master socket, when painting a wall, and found it was secured with wood screws. They probably come in sealed packaging with 3.5mm screws and this in a house less than 4 years old.

 

[Mike Johnson]

I usually crimp the screw thread with a pair of side cutters, so it ruins the back box thread and makes the face plate easy to remove with a pair of pliers, just give the faceplate a pull.