Learn to wire a UK 13A plug safely, connecting live, neutral and earth wires correctly, then fit the right fuse.
WP-01Gather your tools and the right plugYou need a new 13A plug top, wire strippers, a small flathead or pozidriv screwdriver, and side cutters. Check the appliance's rating plate for its wattage before you start — you'll need this to pick the correct fuse later. Work on a clear table with good light.
1 each · Fuse (3A or 13A, per appliance) 1 each · Small screwdriver (flathead/pozidriv) WP-02Unplug the appliance and make it safeUnplug the appliance from the socket before you touch the cable. Never cut or strip a cable that's still connected to a socket, even if the socket switch is off. If the old plug is cracked, scorched or the pins are loose, bin it rather than reuse it.
WP-03Open the new plug and check the layoutUnscrew the large screw on the back of the plug and lift off the cover. Inside you'll see three terminals: L on the right near the fuse, N on the left, and E at the top, usually the largest. There's also a cord grip at the base where the cable enters.
WP-04Strip the cable and prepare each coreStrip back about 40mm of the outer grey or white sheath, without cutting into the coloured wires inside. Strip roughly 10mm of insulation from the end of each core — brown, blue, and green-and-yellow if fitted — using wire strippers, not a knife. Twist the fine strands of each core so they sit neatly for the terminal.
WP-05Connect the wires to the correct terminalsBrown goes to L (live), blue goes to N (neutral), and green-and-yellow goes to E (earth). Push each stripped core fully into its terminal and tighten the screw firmly, with no bare copper showing outside the terminal. Some appliances are double insulated (look for a square-within-a-square symbol) and only have brown and blue cores — leave the E terminal empty and don't force a wire into it.
WP-06Fit the correct fuseCheck the appliance's wattage on its rating plate. Use a 3A fuse (coloured red) for appliances under 700W, such as a lamp or radio. Use a 13A fuse (coloured brown) for 700W and over, such as a kettle, iron or toaster. The fuse clips into the holder next to the L terminal — push it in fully.
WP-07Secure the cord grip and close the plugTighten the cord grip over the outer sheath of the cable, not over the bare coloured wires. This means a hard tug on the flex pulls on the grip, not on the terminal screws. Check no wire is trapped or squashed, then refit the cover and tighten the central screw.
WP-08Test the plug and tidy upPlug the appliance in, switch on at the socket, and check it works as expected. Unplug it again and give the plug a firm wiggle by hand — nothing should feel loose or rattle inside. Pack away your tools and dispose of the old plug and any wire offcuts safely.
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