New and old wires in socket

[IslaView]

Hi, I have a question about the above wiring. We have taken the so ket and box out whilst painting, and will be replacing them with new ones. As you can see in the photo, there is 2 sets of wires, one with new style brown and blue wires and one with the old red and black. When I rewire the socket, do I need to attach both sets of wires to the socket like was previously done, or can I tape off the old one and hide it in the wall?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[littlespark]

Yes. you need to reattach all the wires back into the socket. The brown/blue is obviously a new addition to the existing installation at some time, but the original red/black is still in use.


Please be careful with isolating the circuit. Ive got an awful feeling the cables are live there under the tape.

 

[IslaView]

Yes. you need to reattach all the wires back into the socket. The brown/blue is obviously a new addition to the existing installation at some time, but the original red/black is still in use.


Please be careful with isolating the circuit. Ive got an awful feeling the cables are live there under the tape.

Thanks for the reply. Oh well, had hoped I could make it easier on myself by just wiring up the new ones. Had to do it with another socket and it was a nightmare to get the wires situated in such a way to put them all in.

I switched the electricity off prior to taping up and pulling the box out. Will keep it off until the new box and socket are in place, assuming that is what you mean.

 

[littlespark]

If the old wires have been twisted together, as was the way of doing it years ago, youll find it difficult getting a straight conductor in beside it.
Shouldnt be too much of a problem, the terminals on the back of sockets usually have plenty space.

Just make sure the screws are tight, and theres no bare copper showing outside the terminals

 

[Lister1987]

You may find the above screenshots usual in identifying cable colours. There should also be a label similar to that shown in yellow on your consumer unit.

 

[IslaView]

Cheers for the replies. I'll manage it easy enough, was just trying to make it even easier if I could

Now to figure out what to do with the 2 sockets that now don't work after daisy chaining 2 extensions for the sander. It sparked and shut off the electricity, now 2 won't work. Changed the socket front, but didn't help ?

 

[littlespark]

Oh dear.
where was the spark? And was there any damage to the cables behind the socket?

 

[IslaView]

Oh dear.
where was the spark? And was there any damage to the cables behind the socket?

There was a spark from the second extension. The weird thing is the socket they were plugged into still works, it's 2 completely different ones that are no longer working. Wondering if it may have something to do with the old and new wiring. Switching on the electric shower this morning cut the power to the whole house too. That will teach me not to daisy chain! ?

 

[littlespark]

I think you need to stop messing with the electrics.

too far north for me to check it out for you.

 

[Timbo]

Are the sockets that no longer work attached to the new cable in your photo?

 

[Timbo]

I think you need to stop messing with the electrics.

Too late, he's gone and killed himself!! ?