terminal cage in wall-socket too small

qaz · Aug 31, 2023

hi. would appreciate advice from any electricians.

am trying to replace a 13amp [35 year old MK] wall socket but the terminal cage in all the new ones ive tried is too small for the 3 separate multi core wires. on the old one the 3 wires fitted into the rectangular terminal.

the hole takes [tightly] a 6mm drill bit. on all new sockets ive tried terminal holes only take a 4.5 drill bit

whats the solution if anyone knows thanks

Avo Mk8 · Aug 31, 2023

If a standard white twin socket would do:

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/mk-lo...witched-socket-white-with-white-inserts/814ph

qaz · Aug 31, 2023

Avo Mk8 said:
If a standard white twin socket would do:

https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/mk-lo...witched-socket-white-with-white-inserts/814ph

brilliant thanks. but i cant seem to find 1 gang versions, do u know if any other firm makes such a socket that might be 1 gang. thanks again

littlespark · Aug 31, 2023

thats it, im afraid... different manufacturers have different sized holes.... although most should fit 3 cables of standard 2.5mm.

If the old socket is near 35 year old, im assuming just a single socket (?) so box space will be limited, and if the cables are the same age, they might be stranded, and possibly twisted together.

qaz · Aug 31, 2023

yes limited space and cables are stranded, but straight. i assume twisted together would be slightly thicker.
thats interesting to know they should should fit 3 cables of standard 2.5mm, i'll try again. ' thanx

Avo Mk8 · Aug 31, 2023

The MK range has capacity, they claim, for 4 x 2.5mm 3 x 4mm, 2 x 6mm

PS I'm not a salesman for MK!

[ElectriciansForums.net] terminal cage in wall-socket too small

qaz · Aug 31, 2023

ahhh.. interesting, the tech dept at mk couldn't tell me any of this today on the phone...clueless. am i right in thinking the stranded cables take up more width and may not fit?

Avo Mk8 · Aug 31, 2023

qaz said:
ahhh.. interesting, the tech dept at mk couldn't tell me any of this today on the phone...clueless. am i right in thinking the stranded cables take up more width and may not fit?

If your cables are the imperial version of what we use now, 7 strand, they are a slightly larger csa. I would think they would fit the MK sockets in post #5.
I believe it is better to keep the strands straight, and not twist them together, or with strands of other cables. If they are long enough it would be best to re-strip the ends, but I'm guessing there's not enough cable for that.

littlespark · Aug 31, 2023

yes, twisted together makes it thcker... especially if it was roughly done in the first place..... And its a PITA when it comes to testing in the future.

As above... if you can cut the twist off and strip a fresh bit of copper, it might be easier

Avo Mk8 · Aug 31, 2023

qaz said:
brilliant thanks. but i cant seem to find 1 gang versions, do u know if any other firm makes such a socket that might be 1 gang. thanks again

I don't think there is a single socket version I'm afraid

qaz · Aug 31, 2023

thanks both of you. over next few days i'll do the job and let you know

qaz · Sep 2, 2023

all done now, strands needed straightening even more. one strand broke of but guess i'll live with that theres not an undue loads on the circuit .
they are 7 strand cables
thanks again guys

terminal cage in wall-socket too small

qaz

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Avo Mk8

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qaz

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littlespark

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qaz

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Avo Mk8

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qaz

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Avo Mk8

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littlespark

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Avo Mk8

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qaz

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qaz

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