Whenever you buy an electrical appliance in the UK, it should automatically come with a plug already fitted to the device – either directly connected to the appliance or as a power lead which simply just needs plugging in. However, when you need to change a plug on an appliance around the house you need to know what you are doing to avoid any danger. Electrocuting yourself is a common form of danger in any household and I have listed some key points to help keep you safe when you’re doing these kinds of jobs in the house.
So, before trying to fit a plug it is completely worth understanding a little about how it works and the design of it. You should also know that the official voltage for mains electricity in the UK is 230V, although it is often referred to as 240V. However, there is a tolerance range which power companies may operate within, so many have chosen to supply a standard 240V worth of electricity. So, we know about the voltage yet it is also important to understand all the bits that make the plug work such as the fuses and the ‘Flex’. A length of flex will usually comprise of three insulated conductors, encased in an insulating sheath. Each of the electric conductors will have different colour insulation, according to the terminal it should be connected to:
• Brown – Live
• Blue – Neutral
• Yellow and Green – Earth
If you have any appliances around the house which are older you might find this guide will apply to you:
• Red – Live
• Black – Neutral
• Green – Earth
The reason for this tiny change is because red and green are two common colours which are subject to colour blindness. The wire colours were later changed to avoid any serious consequences of getting those cables completely confused with each other which could end up in disaster.
