1 Double Socket - Three Sources?

rhd · Jan 3, 2016

Some basic advice needed please.

I have a number of double sockets in one room. There is also a lamp circuit in the room. The room had all sockets removed to allow redecorating, and i have since replaced all myself, except for one. This final double socket has three power sources, not two as with all other sockets. For those with two i simply completed the circuit by putting two leads into each terminal in the sockets. Can someone please advise me how this final socket should be wired in. (and as a follow up question, why are there three sources not two as to be expected?). I have used a socket tester for all those that I have wired in and are working fine.

many thanks

Andy™ · Jan 3, 2016

a socket will not have 3 power sources. at most it will have 2 if its on a ring, or 1 if its a radial. the extra cables will be to spurs. it will be wired exactly as the others, just with 3 (unless the ring has been extended from that point, then the wiring would be very different and you would have 4 cables)

and powering up the circuit with one missing can be dangerous. apart from the obvious live wires sticking out of the wall, you have also broken the circuit so you could easily end up overloading some cables possibly leading to fire. just because you have plugged in a socket tester and that says they are working fine, does not mean that its safe and that they are working fine

Lurch · Jan 3, 2016

As a general side note, it is always a good idea to take note of what wires you remove from accessories before removing them.

rhd · Jan 3, 2016

Andy,

Thank you; you are of course correct. The third cable must be running to a spur the other side of the wall. I will now wire it as you suggest, i.e. three lines to each terminal in the double socket.

many thanks.