Complete Guide to Wiring a Twin 3‑Pin UK Socket Outlet (2‑Gang)

How to Connect a 2-Gang, 3-Pin BS1363 Socket Outlet? Wiring Switched Double Plug Socket

3-Pin Dual Socket Outlet

A BS1363 socket outlet (by IEC) is also known as a UK socket outlet or Type G socket. It has multiple types i.e. 1 Gang, 2, Gang and so having three pins with or without switches and neon light bulbs. It is also available in different shapes/designs and the wiring connection depends on the system requirement and yes, we will discuss one by one in the upcoming posts.

Three Pin socket outlet is one of the famous and most used sockets with plugs in different countries such as the UK, EU and other Arab and Asian countries due to the following reasons.

Three Pin BS1363 power socket has the following protective features.

It is the safest socket outlet as compared to other outlets as shuttered outlets on socket(s) are used for three pin plugs which prevents the children from inserting nails or other conducting material by mistake.
The earth slot is bigger and longer, hence, neutral and live terminal can’t be inserted in it or the whole socket can’t be used up-side down.
For BS1363 socket, there is a protective fuse in the related type G plug.
All the pins are insulated in BS-1363, 3-pin plug which is designed for BS-1363 socket outlet.
Shuttered outlets on sockets are used for 3-Pin power plugs which prevents the children from inserting the nails or other conducting material in the socket outlet. The longer earth pin helps to open the other two slots for Live and Neutral wires.

In the following wiring tutorial, we will show how to wire a new (or upgrade an outdated) three pin socket outlet with switches. The two switches can be used to control the ON/OFF operation of each socket. The neon bulb shows the ON and OFF position of the switch i.e. if the light bulb is ON, the switch is ON and the circuit is operational and vice versa. The advantage of a red light bulb in the switches is that the neon light can be easily seen in the dark areas which indicate either the connected appliance is in OFF or ON position.

Complete Guide to Wiring a Twin 3‑Pin UK Socket Outlet (2‑Gang)

Tools Needed

The following basic tools are needed while wiring a 3-pin socket outlet.

Switched 2 gang, 3-pin socket outlet.
Flat bladed screwdriver.
Phase tester.
Wire snips, pliers, side cutters, scissors, knife or simple wire striper.

Wiring a Switched 3-Pin Dual Socket Outlet

Follow the following simple steps to wire a BS-1363 dual socket (wall outlet) with switches.

First of all, switch off the main breaker in the consumer unit and make sure the main supply is turned off.
If you want to upgrade an already installed 2-gang 3-pin socket, then loosen the tightly fitted screw on the front side of the wall socket. It will help to release the front cover from the mounting box. This way, the socket can be eased from the mounting box. Note: Ignore step 2 if you want to install a fully new 2-gang, three-pin power socket (wall outlet) instead of replacing or upgrading two gang, 3-pin sockets.
If you want to connect a new 3-pin dual socket, just connect the “Earth” as Green with Yellow stripe color wire into the “E” screw terminal (which indicates Earthing & Grounding).
Now connect the “Neutral” as Blue color wire into the “N” screw terminal slot (which indicates Neutral).
Finally, connect the “Live” as Brown color wire into the “L” screw terminal (which indicates live or phase).
If you want to modify/upgrade the older socket outlet, just loosen the Live “L”, Neutral “N” and Earth “E” screw terminals in the previous socket and replaces the related wires in the new 3-pin power socket (Brown for Live “L”, Blue for Neutral “N” and Green or Green with Yellow stripe for Earth “E”).
As a final step, tighten the screws and replace the front/back cover of the three-pin socket. Make sure all the wires and screws are perfectly tightened as loose connection may lead to catching a hazardous fire due to arcing and overheating or even electric shock with serious injuries. In addition, no wires or naked strands should be hanging out from the socket or screw terminals. Now, carefully push back the 3-pin socket outlet into the mounting box to place it over perfectly in the box slot.
You have done. Restore the power back by turning ON the main switch or related circuit breaker in the consumer unit and test if it is working perfectly.

Complete Guide to Wiring a Twin 3‑Pin UK Socket Outlet (2‑Gang)

Remember:

Green with Yellow stripe wire to the Earth “E” terminal.
Blue wire to the Neutral “N” terminal.
Brown wire to the Live “L” Terminal.

IEC & UK Wiring Color Codes:

We have used the following IEC wiring color codes for 230V single phase supply voltage applicable in the UK and EU. The United Kingdom was using their own wiring color codes prior April, 2004 while some countries are still following the same old UK wiring color code. The United Kingdom is following IEC wiring color codes now.

IEC Wiring Color Codes for 230V, 1-Phase, 3-Wire System

Brown = Live or Phase Wire
Blue = Neutral
Green or Green with Yellow Stripe = Earth or Ground wire as protective earth (PE).

The Old UK wiring color codes for single phase wiring are as follow.

230V Single Phase

Red = Phase
Black = Neutral
Green = Earth or Ground Wire.

Instruction & Safety Precautions

Disconnect the power supply (and make sure it is really swathed OFF) before servicing, repairing or installing electrical equipment. To do so, switch off the main switch in the main consumer unit or distribution board.
Never stand or touch wet and metal parts while repairing or installation.
Read carefully all the cautions and instructions and follow them strictly while doing this tutorial or any other work in practical related to electrical works.
Always, use the right size cable and wire, proper size outlets and switch and suitable size of circuit breakers. You may also use the Wire and Cable size calculator to find the right gauge size.
Never ever try to play with electricity (as it is dangerous and can be fatal) without proper guidance and care. Do the installation and repairing work in presence of experienced persons having vast knowledge and good practice who knows how to deal with electricity.
Doing your own electrical work is dangerous as well as illegal in some cases. Contact the licensed electrician or the electric power supply provider before practicing any change/modification in electrical wiring connections.
The author will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information or if you try any circuit in wrong format. So please! Be careful because it’s all about electricity and electricity is too dangerous.