Double socket failed (one side only)

[600rob]

What would potentially cause only one side of a double socket to stop working?

I've got a double socket that when installed was working as normal.

Over time a socket on one side has stopped working.
I would have thought that if the wiring was loose, the entire unit would not work or the breaker would get tripped. (I've checked the wiring and all is fine)

But that's not the case. I've got one side working and the other is dead.

Both switches operate normally.

For info, the unit is in the kitchen and normally gets used for a kettle and a coffee machine. (Very rarely at the same time)

Either way, I've got a replacement but just curious as to what the cause could be as I've never experienced it before.

 

[BS3036]

Really, only you can answer this. Drill out the rivets and carefully take it apart and examine it.

 

[Jurassicspark]

Some cheap sockets are subject to failure in a relatively short time.

Try plugging in something else in that offending side of the socket, does it then work?

How do you know the socket is at fault and not the appliance?

 

[600rob]

I've done all your suggested checks and everything works fine.

I suppose it's just a case of some internal component failure like you suggested with cheap sockets. The thing is this one wasn't cheap. It's one of those fancy black nickel flat plate types...not a bog standard plastic one.

You'd hope that the more expensive ones actually last but I suppose the price is in the look and feel of the product rather than the internals.

Could be any only cheap unit under the hood I guess.

 

[Alec_t]

I had a similar failure with the half of a double socket used for the kettle, i.e a fairly high current.
Inside the switch is a brass rocker strip. One or other end of the strip lands on a contact to complete the circuit. My theory is that the heat developed when the contact wears results in the brass being annealed and softening, so contact pressure is reduced, making the contact worse.

 

[Murdochcat]

This is a very common fault with modern sockets. Buy a replacement is the best solution

 

[Taylortwocities]

This is a very common fault with modern sockets. Buy a replacement is the best solution

Try and read the thread before jumping in

Either way, I've got a replacement

 

[JohnD]

Probably overheating. The grips for the square pins of the plug are designed to accommodate use and wear, so IMO it is more likely to be the switch, which has a small spring and relatively small moving parts and contacts.

 

[Murdochcat]

Try and read the thread before jumping in

My advice stands for the OP and future viewers of this thread

What’s your problem?

 

[JohnW2]

The thing is this one wasn't cheap. It's one of those fancy black nickel flat plate types...not a bog standard plastic one. .... You'd hope that the more expensive ones actually last but I suppose the price is in the look and feel of the product rather than the internals.

Quite so. In fact, it's not uncommonly the converse - i.e. that the more expensive ('fancy') ones may be aesthetically more pleasing, but less satisfactory in terms of functionality/reliability etc. !

 

[plugwash]

Hmm, I'd expect most manufacturers to use much the same internals, regardless of whether they were making a white plastic product or a fancy metal one.

 

[JohnW2]

Hmm, I'd expect most manufacturers to use much the same internals, regardless of whether they were making a white plastic product or a fancy metal one.

On would expect that, and it's probably true of 'fancy-looking' accessories manufactured by mainstream manufacturers of 'white plastic products'. I think it's the smaller, 'specialist' manufacturers for whom that may not always be the case.