Wiring Different plug types

This page contains links to the following circuit diagrams

  • Single way light switch
  • Two way light switch
  • Ring Main and Spurs
  • High Current circuits
  • High Current circuits
  • Wiring a Uk standard plug top
  • Electrical Theory

    • 1. Select the cable with the correct current rating 3 Amp - Wire size 0.5mm2 (each conductor 16 x 0.2mm) for equipment upto 700 Watts 5 Amp - Wire size 0.75mm2 (each conductor 24 x 0.2mm) for equipment upto 1200 Watts 13 Amp - Wire size 1.25mm2 (each conductor 40 x 0.2mm) for equipment upto 3000 Watts

    2. Prepare the cable. Remove cable outer sheath and trim the wires as follows: BROWN wire 20mm long BLUE wire 30mm long GREEN wire 50mm long Strip 12mm of insulation from each wire to reveal bare copper

    3. Select the correct Mains Fuse 3 Amp (Red) for equipment upto 700 Watts , 5 Amp (Black) for equipment upto 1200 Watts, 13 Amp (Brown) for equipment upto 3000 Watts.

    For thin cables (up to about 3A) the conductor diameter is small.

    TIPs and TRICKs

    To make a more reliable connection in the plug terminals, a useful tip is to fold the bare copper strands back on themselves before putting them in to the screw terminal

    Please note that installing the wrong fuse type can in some cases allow the device to overheat and may cause the device to catch fire

    4. Connect the wires into the Plug as follows: BROWN wire to L (Live) Terminal BLUE wire to N (Neutral) Terminal GREEN wire to E (Earth) Terminal Re-assemble the plug, making sure the clamp grips the cable, but doesn't crush it. Your completed plug should look very much like the one below.

    USA Mains Plug

    Looking end on

    Many appliances are are un-grounded and use a two-wire power cord and a simple 2-pin moulded plug.

    Two-pin plugs, sockets and extension cords are usually polarized - the smaller pin is the power 'hot' (live) and often brass coloured. The 'low' (neutral) side is the larger white-metal pin.

    USA and European Mains Plugs

    The introduction of more stringent FCC rules concerning EMC radiation and NEMA safety regulations has resulted in an increasing use of 3-pin plugs and 3-wire power cables.

    Grounded Plug - looking at the blades. An easy way to remember polarity:

    Brass pin/screw = Black wire [Hot] White pin/screw = White wire Green pin/screw = Green wire

    Usually moulded onto Cable

    Black = Live [Hot] White = Neutral [Cold] Green = Earth [Ground]

    D i s c l a i m e r

    Whether you're starting a fresh or a competent electrical person, be sure to read and study the following pages, if you have further questions please consult a qualified electrician, it's better safe than sorry -

    Don't forget - Electricity KILLS....