Preparing Your Wires

What is the condition of the wires? Are they too short? Follow these steps to prepare your wire:

  • Strip away some of the outer casing using a sharp knife. Try not to cut into the copper wires inside. 
  • Cut the wire to the right length with wire cutters make sure they fit into the plug nicely.
  • Trim away about half a centimetre of insulation from each wire.
  • Twist the exposed copper wire into points.

Make Sure You Have the Right Fuse

If there is too much current to the appliance the fuse breaks the circuit so it is important to have the right fuse to protect the appliance. Depending on the wattage of the individual appliance you will require a different fuse. Fuses come in 3A 5A and 13A. For example: Low wattage (up to 700W) things such as a lamp will require a 3A fuse. Medium wattage items (700-1200W) will use a 5 A High wattage things such as a PC (1200+W) will require a 13 a fuse.

Wiring the Plug

Loosen the screw on each pin to its fullest extent and slide the copper wires into each hole then tighten the screws up again. Make sure there are no random bits of copper showing. As follows:


Illustration of plug interior and wires

Illustration of plug interior and wiresCredit: Mike GransburyCredit: Mike Gransbury

Making it Neat

Screw the cable grip tightly over the outer casing of the cable not over the individual wire. This ensures a safe snug fit. Make sure all the wires are neatly in place so they won’t be squished. Replace the outer shell of the plug and tighten up the main screw.

Final Check

Are there any colour wires on the outside of the plug? If so you will need to tighten the cable grip ensuring that it is gripping the cables outer casing, you may also need to shorten the copper wires if you can’t get a snug fit.

Congratulations you have successfully wired a plug.