Step-by-Step
3. How to properly wire a plug.
Alright, time to get our hands dirty! But not literally — remember to turn off the power at the circuit breaker before you start. With that safety precaution out of the way, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of wiring a plug.
First, carefully cut the outer jacket of the electrical cord to expose the individual wires inside. Use your utility knife or sharp blade to make a shallow cut around the cord, being careful not to damage the wires themselves. Peel back the outer jacket to reveal the wires, usually three in number: a brown (live), a blue (neutral), and a green and yellow (earth) wire. If you’re working with an older cord, the colors might be different, but the principles remain the same.
Next, use your wire strippers to remove about half an inch of insulation from the end of each wire. Be careful not to cut or nick the wires themselves, as this can weaken them and create a potential fire hazard. Twist the exposed strands of each wire tightly together to prevent them from fraying.
Now, loosen the screws on the terminals of the new plug. You’ll see three terminals, each marked with a different symbol: L (live), N (neutral), and E (earth). Attach the brown wire to the L terminal, the blue wire to the N terminal, and the green and yellow wire to the E terminal. Make sure the wires are securely wrapped around the screws in a clockwise direction. Tighten the screws firmly, but don’t overtighten them, as this can damage the terminals.
Finally, reassemble the plug, making sure all the wires are tucked neatly inside. The cord grip, which is the part of the plug that clamps down on the cord, should be tightened to secure the cord in place and prevent it from being pulled out. Once you’ve reassembled the plug, you can turn the power back on at the circuit breaker and test your work. If everything is working correctly, congratulations! You’ve successfully wired a plug.