terminal cage in wall-socket too small

[qaz]

hi. would appreciate advice from any electricians.

am trying to replace a 13amp [35 year old MK] wall socket but the terminal cage in all the new ones ive tried is too small for the 3 separate multi core wires. on the old one the 3 wires fitted into the rectangular terminal.

the hole takes [tightly] a 6mm drill bit. on all new sockets ive tried terminal holes only take a 4.5 drill bit

whats the solution if anyone knows thanks

 

[Avo Mk8]

If a standard white twin socket would do:

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/mk-lo...witched-socket-white-with-white-inserts/814ph

 

[qaz]

If a standard white twin socket would do:

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/mk-lo...witched-socket-white-with-white-inserts/814ph

brilliant thanks. but i cant seem to find 1 gang versions, do u know if any other firm makes such a socket that might be 1 gang. thanks again

 

[littlespark]

thats it, im afraid... different manufacturers have different sized holes.... although most should fit 3 cables of standard 2.5mm.

If the old socket is near 35 year old, im assuming just a single socket (?) so box space will be limited, and if the cables are the same age, they might be stranded, and possibly twisted together.

 

[qaz]

yes limited space and cables are stranded, but straight. i assume twisted together would be slightly thicker.
thats interesting to know they should should fit 3 cables of standard 2.5mm, i'll try again. ' thanx

 

[Avo Mk8]

The MK range has capacity, they claim, for 4 x 2.5mm 3 x 4mm, 2 x 6mm

PS I'm not a salesman for MK!

 

[qaz]

ahhh.. interesting, the tech dept at mk couldn't tell me any of this today on the phone...clueless. am i right in thinking the stranded cables take up more width and may not fit?

 

[Avo Mk8]

ahhh.. interesting, the tech dept at mk couldn't tell me any of this today on the phone...clueless. am i right in thinking the stranded cables take up more width and may not fit?

If your cables are the imperial version of what we use now, 7 strand, they are a slightly larger csa. I would think they would fit the MK sockets in post #5.
I believe it is better to keep the strands straight, and not twist them together, or with strands of other cables. If they are long enough it would be best to re-strip the ends, but I'm guessing there's not enough cable for that.

 

[littlespark]

yes, twisted together makes it thcker... especially if it was roughly done in the first place..... And its a PITA when it comes to testing in the future.

As above... if you can cut the twist off and strip a fresh bit of copper, it might be easier

 

[Avo Mk8]

brilliant thanks. but i cant seem to find 1 gang versions, do u know if any other firm makes such a socket that might be 1 gang. thanks again

I don't think there is a single socket version I'm afraid

 

[qaz]

thanks both of you. over next few days i'll do the job and let you know

 

[qaz]

all done now, strands needed straightening even more. one strand broke of but guess i'll live with that theres not an undue loads on the circuit .
they are 7 strand cables
thanks again guys