Plug won't go into socket

Peenut · 22 May 2013

Hi,
I have had 2 outdoor electrical sockets installed in my garden.
One has my decking lights permanently plugged in and the other is free for using strimmer, drill or whatever else.
However, I literally cannot get any plug to go into this socket. It goes in a few mill and that's it and no amount of pushing or wiggling will get it to go in.
Any suggestions gratefully received !

rjm2k · 22 May 2013

Sounds faulty

Greenie9657 · 22 May 2013

Hi Peenut

Second to whats already been said. Usually when pushing any plug into a socket the top prong will go in first (on by a few mill) and open the bottom 2 holes for the plug to sit it. Im guessing the socket is faulty and the bottom 2 holes arent openning.

Hope this helps

winston1 · 23 May 2013

Big hammer!.

Seriously, the shutter mechanism is probably a bit corroded. TURN POWER TO SOCKET OFF, then squirt switch cleaner, penetrating oil, or even WD40 in via the earth socket. Wait a few minutes then try the plug again. If it works clean off any drips running down the outside before turning the power back on.

If this fails have the socket replaced.

THRIPSTER · 23 May 2013

More likely to be some dainty person treading on the pins of the plug and deforming these so that they don't fit?

Regards

stillp · 23 May 2013

winston1 said:
Seriously, the shutter mechanism is probably a bit corroded. TURN POWER TO SOCKET OFF, then squirt switch cleaner, penetrating oil, or even WD40 in via the earth socket. Wait a few minutes then try the plug again. If it works clean off any drips running down the outside before turning the power back on.

Please don't do that. You have no idea what effect WD40 or whatever will have on the insulation of the cable or the body of the socket-outlet, and at best it would only be a temporary cure.

Just replace it.

securespark · 23 May 2013

Sure there's nothing in the earth pin aperture stopping the pin from going in?

stillp · 23 May 2013

securespark said:
Sure there's nothing in the earth pin aperture stopping the pin from going in?

If so, that's another reason to replace the socket.

Scoby_Beasley · 23 May 2013

stillp said:
securespark said:

Sure there's nothing in the earth pin aperture stopping the pin from going in?

Click to expand...

If so, that's another reason to replace the socket.

Most likely why you can't get the L & N pins in. If you look you should be able to see a red or white or black angled piece of plastic in the earth pin hole.

securespark · 23 May 2013

Sometimes you get a bit breaking off an ISOD and it gets left behind.

Yes, I know you often find the whole thing snaps off, but I have found remnants of plastic pins left behind from plug tops belonging to cheap lighting kits.

Often, to avoid replacing an otherwise serviceable socket, you can fish the offending item out.

Scoby_Beasley · 24 May 2013

I've stripped a "same make" cheap socket in the past to repair its expensive kin!

I'm also one of those that strips things down when they're OK to see how they work.
So when they go wrong.......

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Plug won't go into socket

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