How to Wire a UK 3-Pin Plug
Quick Answer
Connect the brown (live) to the right pin, blue (neutral) to left, green/yellow (earth) to top centre, and tighten the cord grip.
How to troubleshoot How to Wire a UK 3-Pin Plug
Wiring a plug is a fundamental DIY skill. This guide covers the correct wiring of a UK 3-pin plug with fuse, ensuring safety and compliance with British standards.
Step-by-Step Fix
- Strip about 10mm of insulation from each of the three wires.
- Loosen the screws on the terminal posts inside the plug.
- Insert the brown wire into the right-hand terminal (live), the blue wire into the left-hand terminal (neutral), and the green/yellow wire into the top centre terminal (earth).
- Tighten all screws firmly to secure the wires.
- Ensure the cord grip is clamped over the outer insulation, not the individual wires.
- Replace the fuse (3A for appliances up to 700W, 13A for higher loads).
- Close the plug and test with a socket tester.
Common Error Codes
| Code | Meaning | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| No power | Blown fuse or loose connection | Check the fuse and replace if needed; re-tighten all terminal screws. |
| Plug gets hot | Overloaded circuit or high resistance | Reduce the load and ensure all connections are tight and clean. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What colour wire is earth in a UK plug?
Earth is green and yellow striped.
Which side is live in a UK plug?
Live is on the right-hand side when looking at the socket pins from the back.