What causes socket switch to jam

[RobTi]

Hi double socket around 15 year old switch started to get stiff and just now jammed off, explanation please ?
Thanks

 

[terryplumb]

Failed component part within the switch mechanism . Fit a new socket.

 

[Mottie]

I had that. It had overheated (kettle socket).

 

[333rocky333]

Overtime they tend to get hot sometimes even melting part of the mechanism

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• 333rocky333
• 19 Oct 2019

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• 333rocky333
• 19 Oct 2019

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• 333rocky333
• 19 Oct 2019

 

[FrodoOne]

While it could be a failure as suggested, if it has been getting stiffer over a period of time, it could be just accumulated dust which has congealed due to moisture.

You have little to lose by first trying a suitable spray lubricant.
One made for a cleaning and lubricating "Electrical Contacts" would be best but you are unlikely to do much further harm by using a quick drying silicone spray lubricant.

 

[mattylad]

Obviously turn the power off before trying any sprays into the switch and clean the front afterwards.

You would be best just changing the socket though, a new one is not expensive.

 

[RobTi]

Thanks everyone for a couple of pounds I will renew it

 

[Deryck Tintagel]

Thanks everyone for a couple of pounds I will renew it

FWIW I had the same in my house - sockets were original from when built in 2000. They are Eagle or some similar brand and most to be fair have lasted quite well. One did manage to lose the rocker though! I have gradually gone around and changed them to MK when decorating or had the need to replace them. Interestingly I had a neutral missing from the back of a socket (it was loose when I removed the plate).

One tip I got from Youtube was to connect up the socket, dress the cables and push the socket back into place. Then bring forward slightly and re-tighten the screw connections

 

[FrodoOne]

Thanks everyone for a couple of pounds I will renew it

OK.
Do as you wish!

However, if one switch was getting stiffer over a period of time, it may be "interesting" if (after removing it), you spray it as I suggested and determined the result.

The result of such an "experiment" would be "interesting" so, please advise!