SOCKETS

bowtan · Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 11:00 am Post Subject: SOCKETS

I recently changed my kitchen sockets from plastic to stainless steel lookalike, but I keep getting a shock from 2 of the sockets the rest in the kitchen are fine.

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 11:45 am Post Subject:

What sort of a shock?

Static spark when you touch one, and then nothing, or a tingling?

Have you checked for trapped wires?

Is there a proper earth connection on the sockets?

Do you think that maybe you should call an electrician, given that you have created a possibly lethal problem that you don't know how to investigate or solve?

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I mustn't warn people that the "experts" on the plumbing forum can't be trusted to tell the truth.

JohnD · Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 11:54 am Post Subject:

Incidentally, if you get a bit of a shock when you touch it with warm dry hands, when you are wearing shoes and socks, then you can expect to get a much worse one if you have wet hands, are not wearing shoes, or are touching some other piece of metal (such as the sink, or a kettle, cooker or toaster) with your other hand.

If you have children in the house they are particularly likely not to wear shoes, and I would be very anxious about the risk of shock.

bowtan · Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 1:30 pm Post Subject:

Problem solved ! A socket under the worktops that I had fitted, the plate fixing screws were touching the back of a shallow box I have now re-fitted with a deeper box and all is well. Thankyou for your suggestions.

plugwash · Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 1:39 pm Post Subject:

it sounds like there is something badly wrong, relying on plate screws is just about tollerated for earthing the backbox but i certainly wouldn't rely on it for earth continuity to a socket.

is there any earth wire going to the earth terminal on the socket?

ban-all-sheds · Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 1:57 pm Post Subject:

bowtan wrote:

Problem solved ! A socket under the worktops that I had fitted, the plate fixing screws were touching the back of a shallow box I have now re-fitted with a deeper box and all is well. Thankyou for your suggestions.

That cannot possibly have been the cause.

Your problem is not solved.

__________________
I mustn't warn people that the "experts" on the plumbing forum can't be trusted to tell the truth.

Steve · Posted: Tue Aug 08, 2006 4:42 pm Post Subject:

reckon he'll be back?