How to install MK Electric's Masterseal Plus Rapid Fix Switchsocket in nine simple steps

Amy Burley, Offering Manager at MK Electric, explains how the unique design of Masterseal Plus Rapid Fix helps with ‘right first time’ installation – in nine easy steps.

The right balance of speed and quality is the sweet spot for electrical contractors. If a project can be completed quickly and without compromising on quality, the happier customers will be and the more time contractors have to complete additional jobs.

Switchsockets, as the most prevalent electrical device in most buildings, can make installation projects time-consuming. Meticulously wiring and fitting each socket can be cumbersome for contractors, and any errors can quickly lead to lengthy fault-finding processes. If a contractor can get an install right first time, customers will be happy – but balancing this with an efficient install can be tricky.

It’s with these challenges in mind that MK Electric has launched its Masterseal Plus Rapid Fix switchsocket. Marrying the robust enclosures of MK’s renowned Masterseal Plus range with innovative Rapid Fix tool-less and spring-loaded cable clamps, the new sockets can reduce installation times by up to 45% whilst providing a safe, secure connection that won’t degrade over time.

Come rain or shine

The switchsocket is IP66 rated for protection against dust ingress and high-pressure water jets when in use and IK07 impact rated to withstand potential knocks and scrapes from people and equipment. It is made from high quality materials, and won’t discolour, crack or fade in UV light or extreme weather, making it ideally suited for outdoor power needs.

Its spring-loaded clamps can accommodate all cable types for small power circuits, including up to 4 mm stranded cable. Individual cable entry and incorporated colour-coded terminals help make installation more efficient without compromising on product performance.

The product is well suited for any job and can help to simplify challenging install locations such as corners and enclosed areas. The clamps prevent over- or under-tightening, which can lead to the degradation of the connection over time, by keeping wires in place with the right amount of pressure.

The Rapid Fix switchsocket comes with a 20-year product guarantee and features a 3-pin operated ‘child resistant shutter system’ and double-pole switching for added user safety.

MASTERSEAL PLUS RAPID FIX FEATURES

Upward facing access points that allow the insertion of test probes into the socket outlet. This replicates the approach usually taken when using a standard screwed terminal socket, and ensures access posed by the new screwless terminal arrangement is not constrained.
Rear drill holes, which help deliver speedy on-site installation.
A fixed gasket and the seal attached to the mounting frame, removing the risk of error when placing a floating gasket.
3-pin operated child resistant shutter system and double-pole switching, maximising end-user safety.

INSTALL THE MASTERSEAL PLUS RAPID FIX SWITCHSOCKET IN NINE SIMPLE STEPS

STEP 1
Prepare enclosure for fitting: remove knockouts from the back box, and drill out drain holes as required.

STEP 2
Mark install location: once you’ve aligned the backbox against the wall, mark up where you need to drill and fix enclosure backbox to the wall.

STEP 3
Install supply cable: once the enclosure is fitted, carefully insert the conduit – or armoured cable – and feed in the supply cable.

STEP 4
Strip wire and check length: strip back the outer sheath and trim the wires to length, allowing slack for cable ends to reach the terminals. Carefully strip back the inner insulation to expose 10 mm of conductor. A handy strip length ruler is incorporated into the socket design to allow wires to be stripped to the correct length and checked easily.

STEP 5
Open the levers: a completely toolless operation, just make sure to fully open the levers before inserting the cables. Due to the spring-loaded clamps this may take a little force but it is an important feature to provide a robust connection.

STEP 6
Insert the cable: the Rapid Fix design features individual, colour-coded terminals to improve installation efficiency. Each terminal accepts one rigid (solid or stranded) cable up to 4 mm2.

STEP 7
Close levers: close each lever as you go, before moving to the next cable. The spring-loaded clamps will snap shut and keep the cables in place with the right amount of pressure. This prevents over- or undertightening and degradation of the connection over time, making for a reliable job all round.

STEP 8
Fit the socket: once the cables are connected to the terminals, you can safely screw the front of the socket to the box. Carefully push the wired socket into the backbox, taking care to make sure the cables are not trapped or pinched and use the fixing screws to mount the socket.