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How to change a plug socket to USB

This step-by-step guide provides detailed information on how to complete a task.

It includes a list of tools and materials needed for the task.

Please be advised that this is only a guide and I cannot accept responsibility for any work undertaken. If you are not confident undertaking electrical work then you should have this work undertaken by a qualified electrician. 

Tools and Materials

  • 13 Amp plug socket with type A (and type C (optional)) USB output (make sure it’s suitable for your existing wiring and voltage likely 230/240V)
  • Flathead Screwdrivers (and potentially a Phillips)
  • Voltage tester (optional but recommended for extra safety)
  • Socket tester

Step by Step Guide

1

Turn off power

Turn off the power to the circuit you’ll be working on. Locate the correct circuit breaker in your fuse board and switch it off. The circuit breakers should be labelled, if not it will likely have a 13A or 32A written on it and you may need to try a few to find the right one, so have something plugged in to know when off.

2

Removing plug socket

  • Unscrew the faceplate of the current plug socket using a flathead screwdriver (but could need phillips). Remove the screws and keep as you may need to reuse with the new USB plug socket. Gently pull the socket away from the wall to expose the wires.
  • Once wires are exposed double-check to be sure it’s safe to proceed by using a voltage tester to verify that there is no electricity running through the wires.
3

Disconnect the wiring

  • Take note of the wiring connections. You should typically see 1-3 cables, all should have three wires: a Live (red or brown), a Neutral (blue or black), and a Earth (green and yellow). It’s essential to keep track of which wire goes whereas you will need to replicate for the new USB plug socket, a good way is to take a picture on your phone.
  • Loosen the terminal screws with a flathead screwdriver to remove the wires from the old socket.
  • If your plug socket was attached to a metal back box, you may find there is an earth wire from the plug socket connected to the metal back box, do as above and remove from existing plug socket and not from metal back box.
4

Prepare the USB plug socket

Read the instructions for your USB plug socket to know its requirements.

5

Connect plug socket

  • Replicate the original plug socket by connecting the live wire/s (brown or red) to the corresponding terminal on the USB plug socket usually labelled “L” or “Live”.
  • Connect the neutral wire to the corresponding terminal on the USB plug socket (usually labelled “N” or “Neutral”).
  • Connect the earth wire to the corresponding terminal on the USB plug socket (usually labelled “E” or “Earth”). Remember you may have an extra wire to connect if you have a metal back box.
6

Secure the wiring

  • Make sure the wires are securely connected to their respective terminals. To check you have done correctly you should see minimum copper (if any at all) making sure you have tightened onto the copper and not the insulation.
  • Tighten the terminal screws to hold the wires in place. Do a tug test to ensure they cannot come out.
7

Attach USB plug socket

  • Carefully push the USB plug socket back into the wall or plasterboard box.
  • Screw the USB plug socket back onto the socket. Be careful not to trap any wires and the plug socket should be flush to the wall with no gaps or movement.
  • If the screws provide do not work, use the screws from the old plug socket.

 

8

Test the USB plug socket

  • Turn the power supply back on for the circuit. If the circuit breaker trips you have a fault and best to contact an electrician.
  • Plug in a socket tester to ensure wiring is correct.

 

To learn how to change a light fitting – click here

CONGRATULATIONS YOU HAVE COMPLETED IT!