Being the first socket on the UK market using lever type connectors I install and review the new MK Rapid Fix socket. MK Rapid Fix at Screwfix: www.screwfix.c...
Hi-fi speakers have had this type of connector for donkeys years, no idea why they've never (till now) been used on other things - is such an excellent idea!!
Crabtree brought a range of switches out in the late 80's early 90's that had push fit connections. In Europe they have these type of connections on circuit breakers etc, manufacturers think we in the UK would not pay the extra cost for this convenience.
I like it. Never seen those before, they look a lot easier. It has always been great fun trying to juggle a screw driver, the socket itself and the cables. I’m a bit of a geek, I want to cut one open to see how the mechanism works! Great vid, thanks for showing them 👍
Great content as usual and a great time saving product, the only thing I would prefer to do if replacing an old socket and providing there is enough spare cable, is to trim the cables and re-strip the ends, simply in case the previous screw clamps have flattened the cable which may compromise the spring clamping. Keep up the great work and thanks for taking the trouble.
Another good video! Tell you what I would like to see, a cross over video series with you and the guys from the eFixx channel doing some sort of 'DIY basics around the house' series with them giving tips whilst you do the work. Probably not possible but it would be a very good series for any beginners venturing into the DIY world.
Thank you! Sounds a great idea and I would be up for it however I think you'll find the 'professionals' from eFixx would not want to be associated with an unqualified DIY electrician like me - I could be wrong.
your simply the best clear and easy to follow on u tube i have fitted outside socket with ease after watching you first. it beggars belief that you currently have 3 thumbs down thanks again look forward to your next post
Thank you so much for your positive comments. I don't understand why people do it either (maybe I've upset someone or they are electricians - I don't know) but it appears that some just need to give a thumbs down whatever you do. When I watch TH-cam vids if I don't like them I just move on - life is too short!
Wish manufacturers would put these connectors on the likes of cookers and general House hold appliances , found with cookers are the most difficult to fit because the cables are so thick and rather inflexible and it fits into a very small working area , great video as usual. Thank you .
Central heating pumps have had the lever style clamps on their electrical connections for years, about time sockets caught up to date. Wago now have a newer smaller style of connectors than the grey/orange ones you showed, they are fantastic and every electrician I know is using them.
Thanks. I had bought a pack, but found them difficult to lock onto the conductor. Then I realised, from your video, I was not levering the clamping levers up far enough. All OK now. Another key point is getting the right amount (and not too much) of each wire exposed out of the outer sheath.
I need to replace a damaged double socket so will try one of these. My best practice is to connect the Earth connections first as it 'Grounds' the double socket first, before the Live and Neutral are conected. This will then trip the circuit if a fault were to establish during installation.
Brilliant video, many thanks, very impressed with the technology of these sockets, it sure makes wiring them so much simpler,rather than juggling multiple wires in the same hole, just wandering if the screw that holds them in, has got a good secure grip on all the wires, it's the first time I've seen this in a socket , I know many hifi speakers use this sort of clamping type of design, it sure makes life easier, 👍👍👍
Thanks. Apparently these have been tested and approved as the fixing (like on hifi speakers as you say) has the ability to hold tight enough. Wago also have a number of items like this these days that are becoming more common.
Useful. Not seen these before. I expected theses switches to be extortionate, but £5.99 each compared to £3.77 for the standard MK double switch. Isn’t as bad as I suspected. Shame they don’t yet do them with USB outlets built in as that would be good motivation for upgrades.
While it seems handy to have USB sockets around the house, the fact is that this involves having a little AC/DC adapter inside your wall. I don't trust stuff like that on principle, if you end up with some cheap/unsafe adapter it's a fire hazard.
As far as I know, USB sockets waste 5 watts per USB connection even when not in use, I don't know for sure but it might be something to research before you fill your house with USB sockets
Bought one of these when I saw the @efixx video earlier in the week. Looks good quality. I used to buy MK all the time but switched to BG. BG have good quality, low prices and very clear coloured markings for connections. However until BG come out with a maintenance free one, I’ll be buying more of these MK Logic Plus ones. Good video as always 🙏
Excellent clear common sense approach - Thanks Stuart i am just a Diy’er but have been using the wago connectors which are great and this will make installing sockets so much quicker. Thanks for sharing your experience as always. All the best
WARNING: Folk, at 7:53 a neon test screwdriver is shown being used to test for live voltage. This is very bad practice. The neon bulb is lit up via a circuit completed via a high voltage resistor, the metal finger touch cap and the users body. If that resistor is faulty one can get a very nasty, possible lethal shock. Use a proper double insulated voltage detector probe, not this sort of cheap and very dangerous tool. Otherwise this is a nice and useful channel.
Great video yet again… I found these A few months ago and I use them all the time so much easier and quicker to use as you said with them being colour-coded thanks for sharing this video with us👍👍👍👍
Hi Stuart, another excellent video with a very clear explanation. By no means a criticism because I have replaced sockets in my own home in the same way, but this version misses out on some of the checks and testing required by BS7671. I am taking this example to the limit, but I am also a qualified electrical installation lecturer. When a socket is removed and replaced there is always the potential for a cable to pull out or snap off when it is pushed back and screwed down. This won't be apparent using any tester you can plug in because they won't recognise an open circuit on any of the line, neutral or cpc loops. This is determined by testing ring final continuity at the consumer unit. The socket will still work, but it could now be a long radial circuit instead of a ring final. An issue because the 32A mcb is now protecting a single cable with a lower current carrying capacity, i.e. if overloaded the cable melts before the mcb operates. Possibly splitting hairs, but I wonder if the average DIYer understands why sockets are frequently wired using a ring final circuit and what the relevance of the protective device is. With that being said the clear and methodical approach you demonstrate here will definitely help to avoid mistakes.
Thanks! You are completely right and it doesn't take very much to make a ring circuit into 2 radials. If though these types of problems and overloading issues were very common, I wouldn't have thought as a homeowner you would be allowed under Part P to carry out this type of work. Similar to everyone saying my little neon screwdriver tester is so dangerous. If it was, then the lawyers at Kingfishers etc would soon make sure B&Q and Screwfix didn't sell them!
@@ProperDIY Hi Stuart, I work in fire safety now, so very focused on worst case scenarios, but I would agree without reservation that the method you demonstrated, with the MK socket outlet, is a great option for DIYers.
Thanks Stuart. Agree with the comments - essential Friday viewing 😁 learnt a lot here so thank you. Nice to see some jobs inside the house - keep them coming. Will take a few things away from today 👍🏻
Not sure why you would replace all round the house when there is nothing wrong with the ones already fitted! but I am pleased to have found out about them for future need. thanks.
Sorry I have two issues that my OCD is driving me crazy with, first you did not hoover the crap from the back box...and second the screws should be straight up and down or left to right...Please sort this out... I have not seen these connectors before and love the look of them. Thanks again for another brilliant, well executed video.
Why do sparkies always leave a load of crud behind? I always have the vac handy if I'm changing a socket, or even loosening one for decorating purposes
I like the new screwless sockets - so much better that trying to hold two cables into one terminal and screw them tight! 3 hands needed. I think the only drawback would be using this socket when its in a house with old flexible wire as this might not clamp tightly.
These are great sockets. Beware of those old Neon testers...they can be fatal if they have got wet. Personally, I stopped using them years ago, and if I need similar functionality will use a proximity type light/buzzer stick... Fluke and Kewtech do similar products here.
@@ProperDIY but you’re proving your neon on a known live circuit prior to use, so any fault with that neon tester could result in a you becoming part of that live circuit. I personally don’t completely trust contactless testers either (I’ve never had a false negative with one, but have see many false positives, which don’t inspire confidence) and use a proper probe-type tester if I feel I need to verify a circuit is safe. I’m not an electrician, so this isn’t a professional opinion, but neon testers are well known to be potentially dangerous.
It would be nice if MK included some screw covers to hide the holes on the face plate, it would tidy up the look. I've resorted to giving them a dab of white primer which makes the screw heads less obvious. Otherwise another good MK product.
Wow come on, it's a socket! Sockets with separate faceplate are available if you're bothered by visible screws. Reminds me of my son-in-law when I took him to B&Q for paint and sockets to do up their first flat and I was paying. Decided he wanted stainless steel sockets as they looked nicer but of course they were £13 each as against a pack of ten standard sockets for £20! I got him six for the lounge but strangely enough, he never bought any more himself...........
Don't use the "neon screwdriver" for testing. If it goes faulty, you will be on the receiving end of mains voltage! Also, don't use a "volt stick" to prove dead. They tend to lie sometimes. If you want to test for the presence of voltage reliably, then use a two pole device such as a multimeter or similar device.
It is possible to find circuit breaker isolating devices. They attach to the CB plastic flipper and you use a small padlock, this prevents the CB from being turned on
I received the usual product email from Screwfix the other week and these sockets were being shown in it, and i was wondering about maybe changing the downstairs sockets in the house with these new ones, they look much easier to do with that clip method and now you have shown us how to fit them in the video, so i might just get some now. Thanks. Stay Safe, Barry (Wirral)
@@andymerrett When i moved into this house the sockets were not the best looking but were working ok, so if i came across any decent sockets to one day replace them then i will do, gradually. Stay Safe.
Thanks for showing us fans how to change a perfectly good socket with a very easy system... I didn't know these type of clip sockets were available... Thank you Stuart
@@Naughty_Squad its not about perfection Elvis, it’s more about, that a poor electrical contact will lead to overheating & destruction of the socket if say a high consumption appliance is plugged in for a lengthy period. For the sake of trimming the contacts back 5mm you potentially save the socket & the wires from damage.
It is extremely interesting to see the differences between UK and US building practices. FYI the US is 240/120 vac. The area we are in requires metal conduit (pipe). to run wiring in a single family home.
Interesting and useful product that I wasn't aware of, definitely worthy of consideration next time I need to replace a socket. I just don't understand why we still insist on having the fine threaded screws which are over long and take ages to screw in to fix the faceplate to the backbox. In Spain they have had these spring connections for years and the front face simply clips seperately onto the purpose designed backbox, so truly "tool-free". One question... Why are you going to the expense of replacing all the perfectly good sockets in your home?
That’s what I was thinking 🤔 nothing wrong with the ones that were there. No change cosmetically so maybe a bit of unnecessary waste here 😬 not criticising , just an observation!!
More than one spur from one socket isn't banned under regs, just not the best of ideas. It's sequential spurs which aren't allowed. Interesting video, and they are great connectors, but given that changing a socket is a minimal faff on a rare occasion, I doubt anyone should be rushing off to buy these unless you have a whole house to rewire, and then they'll be asking for USBs on them all anyway 😉
Great video Stuart, would always recommend a check with a multimeter instead of the phase tester if possible, keep them coming! Essential Friday viewing
@@millomweb I totally agree, I've seen people use a screwdriver to open the earth pin on the socket to release the latch to access the live and neutral! Proper cringe worthy! Hahahaha 🤣
Love your videos! Looks a decent product, and I’m shocked that fits in a 25mm back box, looks far too chunky. If you do another video about electrics, you should mention that it’s always worth having a decent amount of cable poking out the wall, then bending it in the middle so that when you take the sockets on/off the wall there’s plenty of length and it makes it easy to rewire. I only found that trick out a few months ago and I wish I knew it decades ago!
Personally I would not do anything without completely isolating the supply at the master switch. The circuit breakers only isolate the live side so neutral is still connected. In theory that's ok as it's earthed but I never trust previous wiring.
Only true if you have split load dual rcd, any decent rcbo board will be double pole so each switch is a true isolator, just fitted one and they aren't expensive anymore.
All well and good but not always.If your wall box is 25mm these may not be that straight forward as they are deeper and the wire dont connect at the top but halfway down.Its the same with the newish sockets with USB ports and so called slimline socket fascias.You need a 36 mm backbox especially if you need to extend the wiring.I think building regs on a ring main state that now anyway for a new build.
Great tutorial as usual, could you consider a video on replacing a bathroom ceiling extractor? I only ask as I can't get a sparky for love nor money to fit one
Great idea to simplify installation clearly explained. Does the socket not need a bonding wire to earth the metal backing box ? ? Also if the existing sockets are ok, why do you need to replace them ? ( 10 sockets about £60 )
The copper conductors were bent and indented by the screws when removed from the old screwed socket. The wires must be cut, then stripped to 10mm which reveals a clean undented straight copper conductor before inserting into the screwless lever Wagos.
Can't wait to see this system in light fittings. Changed the light in the hallway and nearly threw the thing out of the window. Clearly light fittings are not designed by electricians.
Great video as all of yours are, with clear explanations. I could be wrong however the back box looked to be metal, as such, should it not be earthed? In a very remote scenario: A conductors insulation breaks down and the conductor contacts the back box, the screws holding the socket plate could become live. The back box being earthed would mean the RCD would trip under LE / NE fault conditions. Just a thought. Regards, Adam.
Thanks. The backbox is earthed by connections on the back of the socket automatically when you screw it in place. Earthing it with a fly lead is apparently 'best practice' but not necessary required hence why none of my sockets in my new house has a fly lead.
Excellent. I like the look of these a lot. Love that the are colour coded but do they also have L N E stamped on them? Just thinking about people who are colour blind. Forgive me if I missed that.
i am a bit ocd... ahem.. very ocd about switches or things creating a spark that could cause a fire so when i wire a socket etc i take a long time checking. tightening correctly. and seeing that when ive screwed the cable connector that it is in contact with the wire and not the plastic around it.. and then pulling the wire to see that it holds.. then push the socket back.. then pull it back out again to see if any cables have disconnected. these sockets will save me a lot of over worrying.
The time saving of installation aside these may not take off in the trade as the price is basically double that of a normal MK socket which in itself not exactly cheap. It's taken the trade nion 5 years to embrace the Wago style connectors. When most tradesmen are completing jobs to a price I would put £1 down one of the 1st things to go are over priced sockets.
@@andymerrett Because the older the MK style Logic Plus sockets don't have problems with the soft screws? Many a time I have had to add a spur only for the screw to break the second you try to tighten everything back down on the L N E.
You don’t mention in the video how far you can lift the clamps, I thought that if I lifted beyond the resistance felt i would break the switch, clearly I was wrong. Lesson learned for next time.
Much easier socket than with screws,. with screws, the wires tend to come out when you tighten them, this is quicker and more secure, like wago connectors
Brilliant socket and brilliant video. Have to say though screwing the socket back on can be a nightmare, unlike you, as the screws can be to short in my opinion, any tips how to locate the threaded holes. Alan👍
They’re good but not cheap, roughly double the price of a ‘standard’ socket so don’t think I’ll be replacing mine any time soon. Do enjoy watching your channel though.
Speaking as an electrician, I can see these are a great idea, however (there's always a 'but' :-) ) If like around here there are a lot of 1970's houses where you live, you'll find the multi-strand cables used back then simply will not fit into this 'three separate hole' design of socket, it's all you can do to fit them in normal socket holes! Apart from that it's a good idea. I wonder if this design will help with 'copper creep' long-term with high inductive load appliances?
As an electrician from New Zealand, we use stranded cables here more often than not, if you were really concerned about the wire strands, you could use crimped boot-lace ferrules on stranded wires.
Agreed. It's not great if you want a flylead, that said the socket has a strap that connects the earth connectors to the fixing screws, so it will protect the backbox that way
Hi-fi speakers have had this type of connector for donkeys years, no idea why they've never (till now) been used on other things - is such an excellent idea!!
Crabtree brought a range of switches out in the late 80's early 90's that had push fit connections. In Europe they have these type of connections on circuit breakers etc, manufacturers think we in the UK would not pay the extra cost for this convenience.
HavIng struggled for years retiring sockets especially making sure the screw is tight enough to hold both wires this product is a godsend. Thanks!
No problem
I like it. Never seen those before, they look a lot easier. It has always been great fun trying to juggle a screw driver, the socket itself and the cables. I’m a bit of a geek, I want to cut one open to see how the mechanism works! Great vid, thanks for showing them 👍
Thanks
Great content as usual and a great time saving product, the only thing I would prefer to do if replacing an old socket and providing there is enough spare cable, is to trim the cables and re-strip the ends, simply in case the previous screw clamps have flattened the cable which may compromise the spring clamping. Keep up the great work and thanks for taking the trouble.
A contactless voltage tester is a useful tool to test for live wires safely. Those sockets are a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
I would always be cautios with a contactless connector. They don't always get it right.
I just switch off at the fusebox!
Another good video!
Tell you what I would like to see, a cross over video series with you and the guys from the eFixx channel doing some sort of 'DIY basics around the house' series with them giving tips whilst you do the work.
Probably not possible but it would be a very good series for any beginners venturing into the DIY world.
Thank you! Sounds a great idea and I would be up for it however I think you'll find the 'professionals' from eFixx would not want to be associated with an unqualified DIY electrician like me - I could be wrong.
Safe ads zz a sztssst
I've never understood why those switches on every socket hasn't caught on outside the UK. Seems so handy.
I would agree with you
I know :) it took me a while to get used to it
Australia has switched sockets as well
We have switches on ours here in Oz and have for many years. Must be the Yanks that are way behind the times.
Price. Simple as
your simply the best clear and easy to follow on u tube i have fitted outside socket with ease after watching you first. it beggars belief that you currently have 3 thumbs down thanks again look forward to your next post
Thank you so much for your positive comments.
I don't understand why people do it either (maybe I've upset someone or they are electricians - I don't know) but it appears that some just need to give a thumbs down whatever you do. When I watch TH-cam vids if I don't like them I just move on - life is too short!
Wish manufacturers would put these connectors on the likes of cookers and general House hold appliances , found with cookers are the most difficult to fit because the cables are so thick and rather inflexible and it fits into a very small working area , great video as usual. Thank you .
Central heating pumps have had the lever style clamps on their electrical connections for years, about time sockets caught up to date. Wago now have a newer smaller style of connectors than the grey/orange ones you showed, they are fantastic and every electrician I know is using them.
these are a god send and I can't believe its taken this long for them to appear
Thanks. I had bought a pack, but found them difficult to lock onto the conductor. Then I realised, from your video, I was not levering the clamping levers up far enough. All OK now. Another key point is getting the right amount (and not too much) of each wire exposed out of the outer sheath.
I need to replace a damaged double socket so will try one of these. My best practice is to connect the Earth connections first as it 'Grounds' the double socket first, before the Live and Neutral are conected. This will then trip the circuit if a fault were to establish during installation.
Great video, I won’t need my electrical torque screwdrivers now.
Love the screwless terminals and have been using them for over ten years.
Right on
Yes you will. Torque driver is required for CU. NOT sockets
Where the hell were these when I was renovating my bedroom sockets last year. Thanks for this video I shall be purchasing these from now on.
Glad I could help now anyway!
Brilliant video, many thanks, very impressed with the technology of these sockets, it sure makes wiring them so much simpler,rather than juggling multiple wires in the same hole, just wandering if the screw that holds them in, has got a good secure grip on all the wires, it's the first time I've seen this in a socket , I know many hifi speakers use this sort of clamping type of design, it sure makes life easier, 👍👍👍
Thanks. Apparently these have been tested and approved as the fixing (like on hifi speakers as you say) has the ability to hold tight enough. Wago also have a number of items like this these days that are becoming more common.
Also worth stating the obvious that for most of us the cable colours are red, black and yellow&green :-)
Useful. Not seen these before. I expected theses switches to be extortionate, but £5.99 each compared to £3.77 for the standard MK double switch. Isn’t as bad as I suspected. Shame they don’t yet do them with USB outlets built in as that would be good motivation for upgrades.
I think it's just a matter of time
While it seems handy to have USB sockets around the house, the fact is that this involves having a little AC/DC adapter inside your wall. I don't trust stuff like that on principle, if you end up with some cheap/unsafe adapter it's a fire hazard.
@@BertVermeulen There is a simple solution to that, don't use Chinese manufactured crap
@@BertVermeulen I agree with you. In my experience USB chargers can fail after a couple of years and putting them on electrical outlets is stupid.
As far as I know, USB sockets waste 5 watts per USB connection even when not in use, I don't know for sure but it might be something to research before you fill your house with USB sockets
This is a game changer and will saves any potential burns/fires from loose connections. Brilliant.
I think you are right
There’s so much like this in the uk that’s lagged behind. Wago connectors have been fantastic. The MK sockets are brilliant
Another really useful video, hope MK bring out a socket with USB ports.
Hope so!
Bought one of these when I saw the @efixx video earlier in the week. Looks good quality.
I used to buy MK all the time but switched to BG. BG have good quality, low prices and very clear coloured markings for connections.
However until BG come out with a maintenance free one, I’ll be buying more of these MK Logic Plus ones.
Good video as always 🙏
Thanks
Excellent clear common sense approach - Thanks Stuart i am just a Diy’er but have been using the wago connectors which are great and this will make installing sockets so much quicker. Thanks for sharing your experience as always. All the best
Very welcome
WARNING: Folk, at 7:53 a neon test screwdriver is shown being used to test for live voltage. This is very bad practice. The neon bulb is lit up via a circuit completed via a high voltage resistor, the metal finger touch cap and the users body. If that resistor is faulty one can get a very nasty, possible lethal shock. Use a proper double insulated voltage detector probe, not this sort of cheap and very dangerous tool. Otherwise this is a nice and useful channel.
Great video yet again… I found these A few months ago and I use them all the time so much easier and quicker to use as you said with them being colour-coded thanks for sharing this video with us👍👍👍👍
Absolute genies electrical work has always make me slightly Panicking re checking everything 100s of time definitely something I'm going to attempt
You and me both!
Hi Stuart, another excellent video with a very clear explanation. By no means a criticism because I have replaced sockets in my own home in the same way, but this version misses out on some of the checks and testing required by BS7671. I am taking this example to the limit, but I am also a qualified electrical installation lecturer. When a socket is removed and replaced there is always the potential for a cable to pull out or snap off when it is pushed back and screwed down. This won't be apparent using any tester you can plug in because they won't recognise an open circuit on any of the line, neutral or cpc loops. This is determined by testing ring final continuity at the consumer unit. The socket will still work, but it could now be a long radial circuit instead of a ring final. An issue because the 32A mcb is now protecting a single cable with a lower current carrying capacity, i.e. if overloaded the cable melts before the mcb operates.
Possibly splitting hairs, but I wonder if the average DIYer understands why sockets are frequently wired using a ring final circuit and what the relevance of the protective device is. With that being said the clear and methodical approach you demonstrate here will definitely help to avoid mistakes.
Thanks! You are completely right and it doesn't take very much to make a ring circuit into 2 radials. If though these types of problems and overloading issues were very common, I wouldn't have thought as a homeowner you would be allowed under Part P to carry out this type of work. Similar to everyone saying my little neon screwdriver tester is so dangerous. If it was, then the lawyers at Kingfishers etc would soon make sure B&Q and Screwfix didn't sell them!
@@ProperDIY Hi Stuart, I work in fire safety now, so very focused on worst case scenarios, but I would agree without reservation that the method you demonstrated, with the MK socket outlet, is a great option for DIYers.
Now to change the faceplate screws for torx screws
Love the ending of your intro clip
They look a LOT easier to handle. New subscriber here, like what I see after watching a few of your videos. Please keep them coming. Cheers, Norm.👍
Thanks, will do!
Thanks Stuart. Agree with the comments - essential Friday viewing 😁 learnt a lot here so thank you. Nice to see some jobs inside the house - keep them coming. Will take a few things away from today 👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed it
Not sure why you would replace all round the house when there is nothing wrong with the ones already fitted! but I am pleased to have found out about them for future need. thanks.
Sorry I have two issues that my OCD is driving me crazy with, first you did not hoover the crap from the back box...and second the screws should be straight up and down or left to right...Please sort this out...
I have not seen these connectors before and love the look of them. Thanks again for another brilliant, well executed video.
Why do sparkies always leave a load of crud behind? I always have the vac handy if I'm changing a socket, or even loosening one for decorating purposes
@@chrislyon8677 why do plasterers leave the crud in the box?
@@michaeldunham3385 Fair point - but neither of them seem to take a moment to clear it away...
I like the new screwless sockets - so much better that trying to hold two cables into one terminal and screw them tight! 3 hands needed. I think the only drawback would be using this socket when its in a house with old flexible wire as this might not clamp tightly.
Those are brilliant Stuart, hopefully one day we will get those in south africa too….take care and thank you
Thanks!
Very clever, and had they put the earths a little bit higher you could cut all your cable the same length.
These are great sockets. Beware of those old Neon testers...they can be fatal if they have got wet. Personally, I stopped using them years ago, and if I need similar functionality will use a proximity type light/buzzer stick... Fluke and Kewtech do similar products here.
As you saw, I used both the tester and the neon
@@ProperDIY but you’re proving your neon on a known live circuit prior to use, so any fault with that neon tester could result in a you becoming part of that live circuit. I personally don’t completely trust contactless testers either (I’ve never had a false negative with one, but have see many false positives, which don’t inspire confidence) and use a proper probe-type tester if I feel I need to verify a circuit is safe. I’m not an electrician, so this isn’t a professional opinion, but neon testers are well known to be potentially dangerous.
Never knew these existed. Superb!
Glad you like them!
It would be nice if MK included some screw covers to hide the holes on the face plate, it would tidy up the look. I've resorted to giving them a dab of white primer which makes the screw heads less obvious. Otherwise another good MK product.
Whte headed screws like those that come with white door handles would be good (upvc type)
In Australia we have a separate face plate that goes over the main socket and hides the screw holes. Gosh we are way more advanced than you Poms.
Wow come on, it's a socket! Sockets with separate faceplate are available if you're bothered by visible screws.
Reminds me of my son-in-law when I took him to B&Q for paint and sockets to do up their first flat and I was paying. Decided he wanted stainless steel sockets as they looked nicer but of course they were £13 each as against a pack of ten standard sockets for £20!
I got him six for the lounge but strangely enough, he never bought any more himself...........
Don't use the "neon screwdriver" for testing. If it goes faulty, you will be on the receiving end of mains voltage!
Also, don't use a "volt stick" to prove dead. They tend to lie sometimes.
If you want to test for the presence of voltage reliably, then use a two pole device such as a multimeter or similar device.
It is possible to find circuit breaker isolating devices. They attach to the CB plastic flipper and you use a small padlock, this prevents the CB from being turned on
Yeah they're called lock off kits
It's called a circuit breaker log-dog and allows a padlock to be fitted to it.
If they could make a 13 amp plug with these connections in it would great.
What an innovative idea!! Thank you for sharing.
Glad you liked it!
I received the usual product email from Screwfix the other week and these sockets were being shown in it, and i was wondering about maybe changing the downstairs sockets in the house with these new ones, they look much easier to do with that clip method and now you have shown us how to fit them in the video, so i might just get some now. Thanks.
Stay Safe,
Barry (Wirral)
@@andymerrett When i moved into this house the sockets were not the best looking but were working ok, so if i came across any decent sockets to one day replace them then i will do, gradually.
Stay Safe.
Thank you
Thanks for showing us fans how to change a perfectly good socket with a very easy system... I didn't know these type of clip sockets were available... Thank you Stuart
No problem - they came out on the market last week
Wago style connectors, Makes sense to incorporate them into sockets
Great review and a job I need to do, light switches also. As already commented here... Essential Friday viewing.
Thankyou
Thanks for watching!
Personally, i would trim the existing conductors back to give the connections fresh undamaged copper to connect to.
@@Naughty_Squad its not about perfection Elvis, it’s more about, that a poor electrical contact will lead to overheating & destruction of the socket if say a high consumption appliance is plugged in for a lengthy period.
For the sake of trimming the contacts back 5mm you potentially save the socket & the wires from damage.
@proper DIY please do a video of how to stop old stairs creaking
It is extremely interesting to see the differences between UK and US building practices.
FYI the US is 240/120 vac. The area we are in requires metal conduit (pipe). to run wiring in a single family home.
A great review and a nice installation
Glad you enjoyed it
Interesting and useful product that I wasn't aware of, definitely worthy of consideration next time I need to replace a socket.
I just don't understand why we still insist on having the fine threaded screws which are over long and take ages to screw in to fix the faceplate to the backbox. In Spain they have had these spring connections for years and the front face simply clips seperately onto the purpose designed backbox, so truly "tool-free".
One question... Why are you going to the expense of replacing all the perfectly good sockets in your home?
That’s what I was thinking 🤔 nothing wrong with the ones that were there. No change cosmetically so maybe a bit of unnecessary waste here 😬 not criticising , just an observation!!
More than one spur from one socket isn't banned under regs, just not the best of ideas. It's sequential spurs which aren't allowed.
Interesting video, and they are great connectors, but given that changing a socket is a minimal faff on a rare occasion, I doubt anyone should be rushing off to buy these unless you have a whole house to rewire, and then they'll be asking for USBs on them all anyway 😉
Can't wait for all of these when the cables red and black 🤣
Wait for the back lash later down the line with this product
Great video Stuart, would always recommend a check with a multimeter instead of the phase tester if possible, keep them coming! Essential Friday viewing
Thanks, will do!
Barry, why do you suggest that?
If your using a multimeter make sure you have a proving unit with it and make sure it's reading the correct result.
Don't ask me why I know this 🤣🤣
Hmmm. I'm not sure about a multimeter. Some of the cheap ones are downright dangerous.
@@millomweb I totally agree, I've seen people use a screwdriver to open the earth pin on the socket to release the latch to access the live and neutral! Proper cringe worthy! Hahahaha 🤣
Love your videos! Looks a decent product, and I’m shocked that fits in a 25mm back box, looks far too chunky. If you do another video about electrics, you should mention that it’s always worth having a decent amount of cable poking out the wall, then bending it in the middle so that when you take the sockets on/off the wall there’s plenty of length and it makes it easy to rewire. I only found that trick out a few months ago and I wish I knew it decades ago!
Thanks. Soon I will be doing a video on installing a spur so I will cover this on the install
Personally I would not do anything without completely isolating the supply at the master switch. The circuit breakers only isolate the live side so neutral is still connected. In theory that's ok as it's earthed but I never trust previous wiring.
Only true if you have split load dual rcd, any decent rcbo board will be double pole so each switch is a true isolator, just fitted one and they aren't expensive anymore.
All well and good but not always.If your wall box is 25mm these may not be that straight forward as they are deeper and the wire dont connect at the top but halfway down.Its the same with the newish sockets with USB ports and so called slimline socket fascias.You need a 36 mm backbox especially if you need to extend the wiring.I think building regs on a ring main state that now anyway for a new build.
Looks a good product love wago connectors
Great video and really nicely explained cheers
Glad you enjoyed it
Had this for years in France
Great tutorial as usual, could you consider a video on replacing a bathroom ceiling extractor? I only ask as I can't get a sparky for love nor money to fit one
would have been better if you re-stripped the conductors rather than putting deformed cables into the clamps. wago style connectors are brilliant.
I actually used some pliers to straighten them off camera - I should have filmed that really!
About bloody time.
Great video stu do like them sockets stay safe 👍
Thanks, will do!
such a handy video. thanks for sharing.
Glad it was helpful!
Great idea to simplify installation clearly explained.
Does the socket not need a bonding wire to earth the metal backing box ? ?
Also if the existing sockets are ok, why do you need to replace them ? ( 10 sockets about £60 )
Using those fittings for years in Portugal
Oh. Well we are years behind you then!
@@ProperDIY no portugal years behind concerning electrical but they have used those tab connectors for years
The copper conductors were bent and indented by the screws when removed from the old screwed socket. The wires must be cut, then stripped to 10mm which reveals a clean undented straight copper conductor before inserting into the screwless lever Wagos.
Can't wait to see this system in light fittings. Changed the light in the hallway and nearly threw the thing out of the window. Clearly light fittings are not designed by electricians.
There is something about light fittings that can make things difficult! should be easier with a smaller cable!
Woohoo!...... Friday tomorrow
at 9:43 it looks like your two brown wires have a cut in them if you look at them you can see the copper on one and the other one you can see the cut.
Really helpful. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Great video as all of yours are, with clear explanations.
I could be wrong however the back box looked to be metal, as such, should it not be earthed?
In a very remote scenario:
A conductors insulation breaks down and the conductor contacts the back box, the screws holding the socket plate could become live. The back box being earthed would mean the RCD would trip under LE / NE fault conditions. Just a thought.
Regards,
Adam.
Thanks. The backbox is earthed by connections on the back of the socket automatically when you screw it in place. Earthing it with a fly lead is apparently 'best practice' but not necessary required hence why none of my sockets in my new house has a fly lead.
Excellent. I like the look of these a lot.
Love that the are colour coded but do they also have L N E stamped on them? Just thinking about people who are colour blind. Forgive me if I missed that.
Yes they do
Exelent. Il look for thos when sockets need replacing.
Thanks
Another great video as always. It's a pity that here in Australia you have to get an electrician to change them
Thanks - that is a shame
@@ProperDIY yes I agree. I think if the electricians union could they'd have us call to change a light globe lol
@@albertwilson3396 Exactly - and thats why they never like any of my videos on electrics!
i am a bit ocd... ahem.. very ocd about switches or things creating a spark that could cause a fire so when i wire a socket etc i take a long time checking. tightening correctly. and seeing that when ive screwed the cable connector that it is in contact with the wire and not the plastic around it.. and then pulling the wire to see that it holds.. then push the socket back.. then pull it back out again to see if any cables have disconnected.
these sockets will save me a lot of over worrying.
The time saving of installation aside these may not take off in the trade as the price is basically double that of a normal MK socket which in itself not exactly cheap. It's taken the trade nion 5 years to embrace the Wago style connectors. When most tradesmen are completing jobs to a price I would put £1 down one of the 1st things to go are over priced sockets.
@@andymerrett Because the older the MK style Logic Plus sockets don't have problems with the soft screws? Many a time I have had to add a spur only for the screw to break the second you try to tighten everything back down on the L N E.
What a great idea, shame I've already replaced every socket already, would have saved me lots of time
Maybe next time
Why were you changing perfectly good sockets? Just a thought! Yes one to show process, but another 9 or 10?
You don’t mention in the video how far you can lift the clamps, I thought that if I lifted beyond the resistance felt i would break the switch, clearly I was wrong. Lesson learned for next time.
Brilliant videos thank you
Glad you like them!
Much easier socket than with screws,. with screws, the wires tend to come out when you tighten them, this is quicker and more secure, like wago connectors
Why are you changing perfectly good sockets?
I have often wondered why this has not been available for years now...
Prober job for a prober diyer, awesome stuff.
Thanks 👍
Brilliant socket and brilliant video. Have to say though screwing the socket back on can be a nightmare, unlike you, as the screws can be to short in my opinion, any tips how to locate the threaded holes. Alan👍
There are longer screws available in several lengths for sockets. Usually find them beside the small fuses, connectors etc in B&Q.
They’re good but not cheap, roughly double the price of a ‘standard’ socket so don’t think I’ll be replacing mine any time soon.
Do enjoy watching your channel though.
You are quite right! Thanks
Speaking as an electrician, I can see these are a great idea, however (there's always a 'but' :-) ) If like around here there are a lot of 1970's houses where you live, you'll find the multi-strand cables used back then simply will not fit into this 'three separate hole' design of socket, it's all you can do to fit them in normal socket holes! Apart from that it's a good idea. I wonder if this design will help with 'copper creep' long-term with high inductive load appliances?
As an electrician from New Zealand, we use stranded cables here more often than not, if you were really concerned about the wire strands, you could use crimped boot-lace ferrules on stranded wires.
A fourth earth terminal would help.
Agreed. It's not great if you want a flylead, that said the socket has a strap that connects the earth connectors to the fixing screws, so it will protect the backbox that way
No need for a cpc to the back box because the box gets earthed via the faceplate screws. It doesn't state this on the instructions on the bag though.
Great video 👍🏻
Thanks 👍
I've always been a Crabtree lover... but I presume they have, or will have, the same option...
The only model available right now is the double socket. No singles, FCUs, etc. They will come.
Great video, and one of the best theme tunes on TH-cam.
But you need to invest in better brooms. You seem to break one every week…
@@andymerrett My mate Trigger had the same broom for decades.
😆
Next up, CUs and RCBOs. Hopefully.
Thank you for the info
Any time!
Screw terminals tend to relax over time - these are spring loaded so cannot do that.
Whilst I can definitely see these are easier to fit in the first place; what is the advantage to swapping out the existing sockets?
Swapping it for the review
Blimey it might be a rapid fix to install but to say the name isn't 😁😂 great vid as always mate.
Thanks. I know what you mean, but I thought I should get the name right