Learn and understand the electrical wire Colors in Ireland and how to wire a socket.
When setting up an electrical socket, there are rules or guidelines to follow. It may seem easy, especially when carried out by a professional. However, you may set yourself up for a rude shock if done improperly. Incidents like electric shocks, short circuits, and malfunctioning of the socket.
Knowing the different electrical wires is foundational to understanding how to wire a socket. While this is not a definitive guide, we aim to help you gain theoretical knowledge on Ireland's electrical coloring system, which is live and neutral. Before we you read on, ensure you get advice from a qualified electrician when it comes to electrical work.
Safety First
Before we begin, it is important that you understand safety processes first. Electricity could be dangerous, and direct contact with wires could be fatal if the equipment is turned on.
Here are a few tips to understand how to protect yourself when installing and wiring a socket.
The electrical wiring system in Ireland is important to know. Whether for a simple installation like wiring a socket as we'll discuss here or general wiring for a residential apartment, commercial space, or industries (or factories).
Among the wiring system factors to understand are the types of wiring colors available.
Here is a simple table to help you know which colors to install.
Wire | Colour |
---|---|
Live | Brown |
Neutral | Blue |
Earth | Yellow & Green |
The live wire (brown) is responsible for transferring power to the appliance. The neutral wire (blue) moves electricity away from the equipment. The earth wiring (sometimes yellow as a standalone or yellow and green together) plays a crucial function. Any excess electricity in or around a property will be redirected into the earth. This poses a safety function, especially when the live or neutral wire is damaged. Together, they form a closed circuit.
As stated, the live wire distributes electricity into the appliance. There is a danger of electrocution if the live wire is active but is not connected to the earth, or at least, the presence of a neutral wire. You must confirm that there is no power in the live before you fix the socket.
In Ireland, the neutral wire is blue. It protects the appliance by redirecting power away from it. This wire is mostly located at the tail end of the circuit, covering the entire connection after excess power has flowed into the earth from the live wire. You're unlikely to be electrocuted if in contact with the blue wire. However, it could become excessively hot because of the amount of electricity passing through it into the ground.
Before 1977, the earthing wire was only yellow in Ireland and parts of the UK. This important piece of the circuit connects the appliance body to the earth. This means the current carried by live wire can't be transferred into the case. You can't be electrocuted on contact with the earthing wire. However, please take necessary precautions when handling it.
When you're ready to get started on the socket and a plug, you need a few tools to get to work. They include:
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to wire a socket:
Electricity can be a source of joy, but it could be dangerous. Fixing a socket could solve many challenges, but you must follow procedures to protect yourself and your appliances. Always best to get an electrician to do the task.