Installing an electrical socket yourself: the step-by-step guide

Replacing or adding an electrical socket is a job within reach of a careful DIYer, provided you respect the safety rules. This guide shows you each step for a correct, compliant connection.

Safety first: switch off the power

• Switch off the circuit breaker for the relevant circuit in the consumer unit
• Check with a voltage tester that the socket is truly dead
• Use tools with insulated handles (1000 V rated)
• Never work on a damp installation or with wet hands

The necessary gear

• An electrical socket (flush or surface-mounted model)
• A voltage tester
• An electrician's screwdriver
• A wire stripper
• Connector blocks or Wago automatic terminals for the connections

Identifying the wires

In France, the wires are colour-coded: the live (red, brown or black), the neutral (blue) and the earth (green-yellow). The earth is not present everywhere: in old homes it may be missing, which requires sockets without earth or a wiring upgrade.

Connecting the wires

1. Strip each wire to about 1 cm with the pliers
2. Connect the earth wire (green-yellow) to the terminal marked with an earthing symbol
3. Connect the neutral (blue) to terminal N
4. Connect the live to terminal L
5. Tighten each terminal well and check that no wire is sticking out

Fixing and refitting

Gently recess the mechanism into the box pushing the wires to the back, then screw on the plate. Restore the power and test the socket with an appliance.

If you have any doubt about your installation, have your work checked by an electrician: it is the guarantee of a safe and lasting installation.