How to Wire a Plug - Step by Step Guide

Wiring a new plug is really simple. There are however some guidelines that it’s best to follow. These guidelines will make sure that you have done everything properly - and most of all, safely.

1. To get started you will need:

Phillips head screwdriver

Small flat head screwdriver

Wire Cutters

2. Remember if you are wiring a plug that is already in use, to switch off the power source before removing the plug. If any part of the plug is damaged, it’s best to dispose of and replace it. It’s important to always use a plug which is approved by the B.S.I. (British Standards Institute) - look for the Kite Mark.

3. With the plug on a flat working surface the first thing to do is remove all the outer screws with your Phillips head screwdriver. This will allow you to remove the back plate and start the wiring process.

4. Open the plug up and familiarise yourself with the information inside. You will notice it will have markings indicating the positions for the Neutral, Blue Cable (N) (bottom left), Live, Brown Cable (middle right) and Earth, Green and Yellow Cable (central top).

5. The next thing to do is loosen all the small screw connectors inside the plug. This makes it easier to feed the copper wire into the pin connections. Once you have done this, align all the wires so that they are in the correct position. This again just makes things easier when wiring in.

6. Each wire needs to be fitted into place, start with either of the bottom right or left wire. These are to be placed fully inside their correct connection point. Make sure there is no copper showing either side of the point (trim with wire cutters if necessary) then tighten with your flat head screwdriver.

7. Once you are happy that all the connection points are securely tightened the next thing to do is secure the flex. This is important so that any live wires can’t be pulled from the plug. Start by placing the screws back into place, then turn over the plug (while holding the screws in place) and screw the bridge connection into place, securing the flex.

8. Secure the remaining screw on the front of the plug with the Phillips head screwdriver. Now you can just plug into an RCD adapter and switch on .