We only recommend attempting this task if you feel confident in doing so, if in any doubt then please call us for some technical support.
Every now and then you may find that a fuse will blow and it is necessary to replace it. Replacing a plug or fuse on small household items like Kettles, hairdryers, irons or similar items can be done by a competent person rather than buying a new appliance or calling for an electrician.
Changing a plug
Always use a new plug that meets UK BS standards and that carries a Kitemark. You can purchase plugs from most retail stores or supermarkets.
Step 1: Gather the required tools, a sharp knife, preferably a Stanley knife, a suitable sized screwdriver and wire cutters (if you have them.)
Step 2: Ensure the appliance is unplugged from the power supply.
Step 3: Remove the old plug. You can simply cut off the plug from the cable, if you don’t have wire cutters you can unscrewing the casing and remove the wires.
Step 4: You now need to prep the cable for the new plug. If you did cut off the plug, use the knife and carefully score around the outer insulation, approximately 50mm/2” from the end.
Take extra care to not cut the inner wires. You should be able to remove the outer insulation so that only the blue, brown and green wires are showing.
Step 5: Cut the blue, brown, and green wires to the length shown in the instructions included with the plug. If you removed the old plug by unscrewing the casing you will not have to prepare the outer cable. You may have to make sure the wires are neat and tidy (the metal strands on each conductor are tightly twisted together) and are the correct length.
Step 6: connect the right coloured wires to the correct pins. Gently twist all the copper strands of wire in a circular motion so that all metal strands are together before inserting into the brass hole of each pin conductor. Make sure no strands of wire are left lose.
Use a suitable screwdriver secure each conductor by screwing the grub screw until it is tight. Gently tug each conductor to ensure the connection is tight.
Step 7: Double check that your colours match the instructions included with the plug (or see picture above). Some appliances like lamps may have only 2 conductors (blue and brown), if so match the colours as in the diagram as in blue and brown.
If your appliance has a green wire, this is the ‘Earth’ and must always be connected to the appropriate terminal. The final step after checking all connections are correct and secure is to fasten the cable grip to remove strain from the cable.
How to replace a fuse
Safety first: Always turn off and unplug the appliance first. Examine the plug carefully for scorch marks or burning, if you find any then you will need to replace with a new plug.
Step 1: Ensure you have the correct wattage fuse. Having switched off the power point & unplugged the appliance, open the plug cover to check the fuse. Typically a UK fuse will be
Red 3 Amp fuse,
Black 5 Amp fuse,
Brown 13 Amp fuse.
it is essential you replace the fuse like for like, never use a higher rated fuse. The correct fuse would have been fitted at the original factory to match the wattage of the appliance, if you do not use the correct one you will be risking the fuse blowing again or worse it could burn and start a fire. If in doubt always consult an expert.
Step 2: Replace the fuse by locating a suitable sized screwdriver, carefully remove the screw under the base of the plug. Normally it will be the larger screw. Turn the screw anti clockwise and the plug will come apart after several turns.
Again take careful note to see that no scorch marks are present or burn marks. It is also recommended you check that no strands of copper are lose where they enter the brass conductors and the screws holding the wires are tight.
Step 3: Prize out the blown fuse and push in the new one. Replace the plug cover and tighten the screw being careful not to over tighten. Ensure the power point is switched off before inserting the plug. Do not touch the appliance when switching the power point back on.
Warning – if fuse blows again
If you have changed the fuse and followed all steps correctly and the fuse blows again then it is highly likely the device has a fault. Switch off the power point and remove plug. Do not allow anyone to use the appliance. You will have to contact an electrician for more advice.