Switches, sockets, plugs and cables
Switches
They switch the lamps on and off, singly or several on one plate, so that each lamp can be lit on its own.
Sockets
They have a live (L), a neutral (N) and a separately earthed wire (E).
Three-pin plugs
The largest pin joins the appliance's metal case to the house earth. The RCCB needs that connection to trip when current leaks.
Two-pin plugs
Used for appliances fully cased in plastic that cannot leak current; they have no earth.
Figure to be added
Cables
| Circuit | Cable |
|---|---|
| 5 A or 6 A lighting circuit | A single wire of 1 mm2 cross-section (diameter 1.13 mm) |
| 15 A or 13 A socket circuit | Seven strands, 1.5 mm2 in all |
| Wire | Colour | Old colour |
|---|---|---|
| Live | Brown | Red |
| Neutral | Blue | Black |
| Earth | Green | — |