How to wire a plug

Wiring a plug is not difficult but you would be surprised how often people get it wrong. They put themselves and their families at risk from electric shock or fire by not following six simple rules:

1. Strip off the outer cable sheathing to expose 4cm of the insulated wires. Remove the insulation to leave about 1cm of exposed metal core on each wire. Twist the strands of wire together neatly.

2. Connect the wires to the correct terminals. The brown Live wire to the terminal on the fuse holder marked L, the blue Neutral wire to the terminal marked N and the green and yellow Earth wire to the terminal at the top of the plug marked E or .

   Some appliances do not have an earth wire because they are double insulated and have no exposed metal parts - marked

3. Depending on the design of the plug, fit the exposed metal core of each wire through or around each terminal and tighten the terminal screws. Ensure that the insulation reaches right up to each terminal and that there are no loose strands of wire.

4. Fit the flex firmly into the cord-grip making sure that the grip fastens on the outer insulating sleeve of the flex.

5. Read the instructions on the appliance to see what rating of fuse is required and fir the correct fuse in the plug

6. Fit the plug cover - make sure that none of the outer insulation is cracked or chipped.

Plug errors - check you have not made any of these!