How To Wire A Plug Correctly

Question 1

How to strip an electrical cord

Answer 1

1. Use a craft knife to score a circle around the outer cable, don’t cut all the way through the plastic.
2. Use a wire stripper to remove the outer plastic coating the wires insert each wire into the striper to an approximate depth of 20mm. Then hold the wire with one hand while you squeeze the stripper to remove the insulation

Question 2

Where does each wire go

Answer 2

The yellow/green wire (earth) goes to the top, the blue (neutral) wire goes to the left (remember bl-ue , the l is for left), the brown (live) wire goes to the right (remember br-own, the r is for right)

Question 3

What are the 12 steps to wiring a plug

Answer 3

1. Bare the ends of the three wires inside the electrical cord for about half a centimeter, by cutting away the plastic insulation
2. Gently twist the strands of the copper wire with your fingers
3. Fold over the twisted strands
4. Remove the plug by either snapping or unscrewing it
5. Unscrew the little screws on each of the plugs pins
6. Insert the twisted copper wires into the holes in the pins
7. The green and yellow wire must always be inserted into the top pin
8. The blue wire is inserted into the left pin
9. The brown wire is inserted into the right pin
10. Tighten the little screw on each of the plugs pins
11. Make sure the electrical cord is firmly gripped by the arrestor clips.
12. Replace the cover of the plug

Question 4

How to change a lightbulb (5 steps)

Answer 4

1. Switch off the main switch on the distribution board or electricity dispenser
2. Switch off the light at the light switch or wall socket
3. Remove the faulty bulb.
4. Switch on the mains switch on the distribution board or electricity dispenser and then switch the light on
5. Discard the old lightbulb safely

Question 5

What to look out for when doing a safety inspection (8)

Answer 5

Breakages, 
deterioration, 
signs of overheating, 
missing parts (screws, covers, switches), 
faulty appliance controls, 
doors and covers not closely smoothly or adequate, 
Correct labelling when needed 
Loose fixtures or fittings

Question 6

What are some safety precautions when using plugs (9)

Answer 6

• Look for the SABS sign and only use SABS approved plugs
• do not overload plugs rathe use an adaptor
• do not pull a plug by the cord
• switch the switch off at the wall socket before pulling the plug out
• do not connect electrical appliances to light sockets
• ensure that all wall sockets have their switches in the off mode when not in use
• never put bare wires into sockets
• do not stick fingers into sockets
• in there are babies in the house ensure all wall sockets are covered with a safety cap keeping the area safe for babies to play In

Question 7

What are some safety precautions for cords (6)

Answer 7

• do not use frayed cords
• do not run electric cords under carpets and rugs
• do not join cords with tape
• do not run cords through hinges
• do not run cords where people can easily trop over them
• use SABS approved electrical chords or wires

Question 8

What are some safety precautions to stay safe around water and electric appliances (6)

Answer 8

• Do not use electrical appliances in the bathroom
• never touch electrical appliances with wet hands
• never fill a kettle when it’s plugged
• never now wet grass with an electric lawnmower
• never hold electric appliances while one hand is touching metal objects (this is because our body is made up of 70% water )
• never use water to put out electrical fires if the mains are not switched off