May
13
Electrical Tips: How To Wire A UK Plug
3core flex
(1) Select the cable with the correct current rating.
3 Amp – Cable size ≥0.5mm² (for equipment upto 700 Watts)
5 Amp – Cable size ≥0.75mm² (for equipment upto 1200 Watts)
13 Amp – Cable size ≥1.25mm² (for equipment upto 3000 Watts)
(2) Prepare the cable.
Remove cable outer sheath and trim the wires as follows:
BROWN wire 20mm long
BLUE wire 30mm long
GREEN/YELLOW wire 50mm long
3a 5a 13a fuses
Strip 12mm of insulation from each wire to reveal bare copper.
To make a more reliable connection in the plug terminals, a useful tip is to fold the bare copper strands back on themselves before putting them in to the screw terminal.
(3) Select the correct Mains Fuse.
3 Amp (Red) for equipment upto 700 Watts
5 Amp (Black) for equipment upto 1200 Watts
13 Amp (Brown) for equipment upto 3000 Watts
(4) Connect the wires into the Plug as follows:
BROWN wire to L (Live) Terminal
BLUE wire to N (Neutral) Terminal
GREEN/YELLOW wire to E (Earth) Terminal
13A plug wiring diagram
Re-assemble the plug, making sure the clamp grips the cable, but doesn’t crush it.
Your completed plug should look very much like the one shown here.
Now you just have to screw the lid back onto the plug making sure the wires are laid carefully so you don’t pinch them when screwing the lid tight.
For any jobs which involve permanent hard wiring, you may require an electrical certificate & for the installation to be carried out by an approved competent electrician. You can call us on 0845 3883 648 for advice.