Wiring domestic sockets

[headey]

This is something I've done a lot over the years. However, one aspect I've often struggled with and has made me wonder if there is a trade 'secret' I am unaware of.

Ring main sockets need 2.5mm cables and would this have two wires held by each screw terminal. How best to fix a third wire? I've just moved the internet router to a more convenient location and run a spur to power it. Even 2 wires side by side might not be pinched with equal firmness. Trouble is, getting three 2.5mm wires into the same terminal is tricky enough (it is obviously fairly stiff to move around), but getting the screw to clamp all three firmly took some fettling. Eventually, I gave up trying them straight and twisted the 3 together. Perhaps this is indeed the approved method to ensure reliable, low resistance contact.

[arco_iris]

Never had any problem (that I know of) with securing two or three 2.5mm2 cores tightly into a decent brand socket, straight.

For what you're saying, firstly ensure that you have plenty lengthy tails in the back box. Strip the cores back by at least 30/40mm. Hold the three wires together at the insulation, fingers or pliers will suffice, then twist the cores together by multiple turns using a pair of pliers holding the ends only. Snip the twist to length and insert to the terminal. Tighten the terminal screw with a decent, correct sized, screwdriver.

The important thing here is using decent tools! Pliers of sufficient width, slotted VDE screwdriver. Do not try to do it with narrow pliers or thin "electrical" screwdrivers, or those with "engineers" handles. Equally, cabinet handled s/drivers risk overtightening - horses for courses, correct tool for the job is my mantra.

[Someone-Else]

I would suggest that you NEVER twist wires. It actually does more harm than good.

If you have 1 cable to connect to a socket, strip the core twice as long as required, fold it in half, insert into terminal tighten screw.

If you have 2 cables to connect to a socket, strip each core to the required length, insert into terminal tighten screw.

If you need to add a 3rd cable to same socket, strip cable to required length, undo terminal screw, insert cable, tighten screw.

After you have tightened the screw, it is good practice to give each wire in turn a slight tug.

Twisting wires around each other apart from being bad practice (It did used to be done, but it has been found to cause more problems than it is worth) One of the things it does is to increase the apparent core size, and as such can become loose over time, another problem is when it comes to testing, the cables have to be un twisted and separated, it is also a time wasting task, and it has been known for the copper to snap, which isn't so bad if the cables are long, but if they are "just long enough" they won't be any more.

[arco_iris]

I would suggest that you NEVER twist wires

I don't, didn't say I did. I agree with your remarks, S-E, it's OP who queries.

Not only testing though - I remove face plates often (for decorating properly for example, or replacing with new) and twisted cores are a pet hate. My own house was refurbished, from derelict, by the previous owner - an electrician at an oil refinery - who not only twisted every pair but got all his supplies from Newey & Eyre (Newlec brand)....

Importantly though, I did say allow adequate length before twisting then snip off the excess - trying to twist short cores creates the problems to which you allude.

[headey]

Thanks for the replies. I've never had to twist the wires before, but in my memory most terminals have been circular. The socket I fitted today had square terminals, so I guess one wire could have been 'hiding' in a corner.

I do take the point about stripping back enough bare copper. I've probably made the tails a bit short before, not wishing to have any bare copper visible.

[arco_iris]

The socket I fitted today had square terminals, so I guess one wire could have been 'hiding' in a corner.

In that case, as S-E says, put two wires in straight, fold the third one over, that gives four round wires in the square hole.

[headey]

put two wires in straight, fold the third one over, that gives four round wires in the square hole.

Yes, that might do it. TBH, I had thought that 2 wires as the base of a triangle with the 3rd being the tip, pressed by the securing screw should have been OK - but clearly it wasn't.

[fin]

i guess the op could go to screwfix and get those sockets wher ethey have the clamps like wago connectors

https://www.screwfix.com/p/mk-logic-plu ... pack/313ph

[headey]

I was about to say 'Ouch!' at the £30 price tag, but then I realised it's a pack of 5. I must say, they do look convenient.

I've never used Wago connectors - yet. Must investigate.