Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement

はじめに

A type F power outlet, also known as a Schuko socket, is a common electrical socket used in many European countries. Over time, these outlets may become damaged or worn out, and it's important to replace them to ensure safe and reliable electrical connections.

Before we get started, it's important to note that this guide involves working with 230V mains power, which can be extremely dangerous if not handled properly. If you're not comfortable working with electrical wiring, or if you're unsure about any aspect of the process, we strongly recommend that you seek the assistance of a qualified electrician.

Assuming you're confident and capable of working with electrical wiring, this guide will walk you through the steps of replacing a type F power outlet, including how to safely disconnect the power supply, removing the old outlet, and installing the new one. It's important to remember that electrical work should always be approached with caution, so make sure to follow the instructions carefully and double-check your work at every stage of the process.

必要な工具と部品

手順1 Turn off power

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Turn off power: 手順 1、 3の画像 1

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Turn off power: 手順 1、 3の画像 2

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Turn off power: 手順 1、 3の画像 3

Find your Breaker Panel.
Identify the breaker to turn off.
There'll typically be a table listing the circuits corresponding to breakers.
Turn off the breaker.

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手順2 Determine voltage absence

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Determine voltage absence: 手順 2、 2の画像 1

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Determine voltage absence: 手順 2、 2の画像 2

Use a Duspol or any other Voltmeter to test if there is voltage at the contacts.
You can also use a single pole phase tester, but that's not the proper way to do it.
Do not work on live circuits if you are not an experienced professional.

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手順3 Remove the old outlet cover

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Remove the old outlet cover: 手順 3、 3の画像 1

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Remove the old outlet cover: 手順 3、 3の画像 2

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Remove the old outlet cover: 手順 3、 3の画像 3

Remove the outlet cover by unscrewing the middle captive screw with flat head screwdriver.
Remove the frame.
If you can't remove the frame because there's a switch on the same frame, take a look at this guide, on how to remove the cover of a switch.

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手順4 Remove the wall outlet

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Remove the wall outlet: 手順 4、 1の画像 1

Loosen the holding claws by turning the two screws.
If your outlet is mounted inside a cavity wall box you can remove it by loosening the two screws around the perimeter and turning the switch until the two keyholes line up.

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手順5 Disconnect the wires

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Disconnect the wires: 手順 5、 1の画像 1

Disconnect the wires form the old outlet.
If the old outlet has Push-In contacts, you can unlock the terminals by pushing down on the clear plastic levers.
If you short Earth to Neutral you'll trigger your GFCI/RCD even if the power is off.

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手順6 Connect the new outlet

Connect the wires to the new outlet.
There is no rule on where to connect the Phase Conductor, but it's usually considered best practice to connect it on the right side, as it makes it easier for electricians to test the outlet with a Duspol.

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手順7 Mount the outlet

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Mount the outlet: 手順 7、 3の画像 1

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Mount the outlet: 手順 7、 3の画像 2

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Mount the outlet: 手順 7、 3の画像 3

Mount the outlet by following the previous steps in reverse.

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手順8 Turn the power back on

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Turn the power back on: 手順 8、 1の画像 1

Turn the power back on.

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手順9 Test the new outlet (with a single-phase tester)

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Test the new outlet (with a single-phase tester): 手順 9、 1の画像 1

Use a single pole phase tester to test your outlet.
Tip: To increase visibility of the phase tester's indicator, touch PE or a grounded object with your hand. This should cause the tester's indicator to shine more brightly or become more noticeable.

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手順10 Test the new outlet (with a Duspol)

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Test the new outlet (with a Duspol): 手順 10、 3の画像 1

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Test the new outlet (with a Duspol): 手順 10、 3の画像 2

Wall Outlet (Type F) Replacement, Test the new outlet (with a Duspol): 手順 10、 3の画像 3

Measure across Hot and Neutral.
You want 230V
Measure across Hot and Ground.
You want 230V
Measure across Ground and Neutral.
You want 0V
Apply load between Hot and Neutral by pressing the two large buttons.
If this trips your GFCI, you either swapped Ground and Neutral, or your Neutral belongs to a different GFCI than your Phase Conductor.