Wiring a Plug

Wiring your own plug

INTRODUCTION

Today we will be looking at the basic concept of wiring a plug for household use. Ever get to that stage when you need another extension cord in the house, but don't have the money to go out and buy expensive ready made cords? Sure, its convenient and all, but it's a bit cheaper doing it yourself.

First things first: A Plug and a Socket are two complete different things.

PLUG:

Here we have the standard 3 pin plug.

Here we have the standard 2 pin plug.

SOCKET:

This is the wall socket for the 3 pin plug.

Combination sockets are also available in many combinations.

As you can see there are multiple types of sockets and plugs in different combinations.

GETTING STARTED

*SAFETY FIRST: IF YOU ARE GOING TO DO THIS YOURSELF AND NOT GET AN ELECTRICIAN, REMEMBER TO UNPLUG AND TO WORK SAFELY.*

We will be working with the South African wiring of plugs.

• Firstly you will need your three wire cable (Desired length)
• Next you will need your male plug or female plug (Descripion to follow afterwards)
• Wire cutters (Side cutter) and wire stripper
• Edison screwdriver (Star or Flat depending on what is needed)

After gathering the needed supplies, we can start.

Male Plug

1.     Strip the wires about 1cm at the end.

2.     Open the plug by removing the screws. (Some plugs have an added piece that you have to release using a Flat Screwdriver by inserting it and slightly turning)

3.     Loosen the screws on the 3 pins.

4.     The wires are coloured as follow : Green & Yellow, Blue, Brown

5.     The Earth Wire will be the Green & Yellow one and is always connected to the top pin. (Labeled "E")

6.     The Live Wire is the Brown wire and is connected to the Right pin (Plug viewed with pins facing away from consumer) (Labeled "L")

7.     The Neutral Wire is Blue in colour and is connected to the left pin (Plug viewed with pins facing away from consumer) (Labeled "N")

8.     Secure the screws so that no copper wire is exposed for safety reasons (Prevents short circuiting)

9.     Secure wire in the grippers so the cable of the lead does not pull out.

10. Close up the plug using the screws previously removed.

Below is a visual representation:

Female Plug

1.     Strip the wires about 1cm at the end.

2.     Open the plug by removing the screws.

3.     Loosen the screws on the 3 pin receivers.

4.     The wires are coloured as follow : Green & Yellow, Blue, Brown

5.     The Earth Wire will be the Green & Yellow one and is always connected to the top pin receiver. (Marked "E")

6.     The Live Wire is the Brown wire and is connected to the Right pin receiver (Plug viewed with pin receivers facing the consumer) (Marked "L")

7.     The Neutral Wire is Blue in colour and is connected to the left pin receiver (Plug viewed with pin receivers facing the consumer) (Marked "N")

8.     Secure the screws so no copper wire is exposed for safety reasons (Prevents short circuiting)

9.     Secure wire in the grippers so the cable of the lead does not pull out.

10. Close up the plug using the screws previously removed.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please tell me what you think about wiring of plugs and how you would improve on it. Feel free to ask any questions you have.My email adress: ruanput1234@gmail.com

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