How to Wire a UK Plug Correctly

Wiring a plug is a basic skill everyone should have. Get it wrong and you risk fire or electric shock. Get it right and it takes two minutes. Here's how.

Important Safety Note

This guide covers wiring standard UK 13A plugs on flexible appliance cables. It does NOT cover:

• Fixed wiring in walls
• Fuse board work
• Anything you're not confident about

If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician.

What You'll Need

• Screwdriver (usually flat blade for plugs)
• Wire strippers or sharp knife
• Correct fuse for the appliance
• New plug if replacing

The Wire Colours

UK plug wiring uses standard colours:

• Brown - Live (Right)
• Blue - Neutral (Left)
• Green/Yellow - Earth (Top)

Memory aid: "BRowN is to the Right" - BRN = Right side.

Or: "Blue is Neutral, bLue is Left" (both have L).

Step by Step

1. Prepare the Cable

1. Cut cleanly if damaged, or strip existing
2. Remove outer sheath to expose about 50mm of inner wires
3. Don't cut into the inner insulation

2. Open the Plug

1. Remove the cover screw
2. Note how the cable grip works
3. Loosen the terminal screws

3. Position the Cable

1. Place cable in plug with outer sheath reaching past the cable grip
2. The outer sheath must be gripped, not the inner wires
3. Cut wires to length - each should reach its terminal comfortably without excess

4. Strip the Wires

1. Strip about 8-10mm of insulation from each wire
2. Twist stranded conductors to prevent fraying
3. Don't nick the copper - weakens the connection

5. Connect the Wires

• Green/Yellow to top terminal (Earth) - marked E or symbol
• Brown to right terminal (Live) - marked L
• Blue to left terminal (Neutral) - marked N

Insert each wire fully into its terminal. Tighten screws firmly. No bare copper should be visible outside terminals.

6. Check Your Work

• Each wire in correct terminal?
• All screws tight?
• No loose strands?
• No bare copper visible?
• Outer sheath extends past cable grip?

7. Secure and Close

1. Tighten cable grip firmly on outer sheath
2. Insert correct fuse
3. Close plug and tighten cover screw

Choosing the Right Fuse

The fuse protects the cable, not the appliance:

• 3A (red) - Appliances up to 700W (lamps, phone chargers, radios)
• 13A (brown) - Appliances over 700W (kettles, heaters, power tools)

Use the smallest fuse that won't blow during normal use.

Double-Insulated Appliances

Some appliances have only two wires (no earth). They're marked with a double-square symbol. This is normal - the appliance is designed not to need earth protection.

Leave the earth terminal empty. Don't connect anything to it.

Common Mistakes

Wires in Wrong Terminals

Live and neutral swapped can cause issues. Live in earth is dangerous. Always double-check.

Loose Connections

Loose wires cause arcing, overheating, and fire. Tighten properly.

Damaged Insulation

Nicked inner insulation can expose copper. Start again if you cut too deep.

Wrong Fuse

Oversized fuse won't protect the cable. Undersized fuse blows repeatedly.

Cable Grip on Inner Wires

The grip must hold the outer sheath. Gripping inner wires provides no strain relief and damages them.

When to Replace a Plug

• Cracked or damaged casing
• Burn marks
• Pins are bent or pitted
• Gets hot during use
• Connections inside are damaged

Replacement plugs are cheap. Don't risk using damaged ones.

Browse our electrical supplies for quality plugs and accessories.