Both my fridge and seperate freezer failed at same time?

[GoodGosh]

Hi there, I was making something to eat yesterday and while the fridge door was open the light went out so I presumed the light needed changed.

However, this morning I noticed that the fridge actually turned off altogether and so has the freezer. They are both different makes and ages but plug into the same double socket.

I looked at the central fuse socket which says MK Sentry on it but although I can see all the different fuse sizes listed under their relevant appliances I can't see that any have tripped. The one labeled 'Fridge' says 15amp but is still in the On position. I tripped the Test button and that worked fine.

Would there be a fuse inside the double socket on the wall?

Thanks for any advice please

 

[plugwash]

Would there be a fuse inside the double socket on the wall?

Highly unlikely

Have you tried plugging the fridge and freezer in elsewhere?
Have you tried plugging anything else into the socket you normally use for the fridge and freezer?

 

[riveralt]

Individually plug the fridge and freezer into another socket that you know works either that or an extension lead from a socket you know works.
If neither works then the fuse in the plugs could be at fault - change them and at the same time look to make sure the wires inside the plugs are correctly wired.
If both work then you have a problem with the circuit. With the power off and verified check that the wires in the socket are correctly terminated.
If they are then how many other sockets are on the circuit? Do the same check with them.
If the one socket and/or others appear okay then the problem could be at your Consumer Unit (fuse box).
Do you feel comfortable and competent enough to start working on this?
If not then get an electrician.
If you do feel comfortable and competent to open the CU then firstly make sure you have isolated the CU. To do this do you have a isolator switch between the metre and the CU? If you do then turn this off first - if you do not then I would suggest you call an electrician because just turning the main switch on the CU will not isolate all the cables inside.

 

[GoodGosh]

My goodness thanks for such fast replies riveralt and plugwash.

I feel so dumb now though for not trying these things out first. I checked the double sockets with the kettle and the kettle didn't function so I just plugged the fridge and freezer into a 4 way extension lead and they're working again phew yous are saviours.

The only time I've ever needed to do anything with a fuse box is to change a fuse but I can't see in this thing how to remove the individual fuse sockets. When I did it before it was very simple and each fuse socket would release by gently pulling it at top and bottom.

I'm sure the whole flat was re-wired 6 months ago as on the MK Sentry box it says last inspection August 2011, next one due 2016.

Thanks btw for saving all my food!

 

[plugwash]

If it's really a 15A device (rather than a 16A one) in the consumer unit* then the flat almost certainly was not rewired 6 months.

Can you provide a photo of the consumer unit? unfortunately I think you have an older MK unit which means if the breaker has failed it may be difficult to get a replacement. MK used to do a retrofit kit for putting new breakers in old consumer units but I think that is also discontinued now.

*note fusebox is considered an archaic term nowadays.

 

[riveralt]

I'm sure the whole flat was re-wired 6 months ago as on the MK Sentry box it says last inspection August 2011, next one due 2016.

If it was rewired six months ago and it was wired by a member of the competent persons scheme then you will have their details available on the Electrical Installation Certificate - contact them since you will have a guarantee.
If the flat is rented - contact your landlord its their responsibility.

 

[GoodGosh]

Hi guys, thanks again for replying. I'm afraid I don't have the ability to upload photos at the moment.

It looks like the model no. is MK Sentry LN 5470 but I can't find an image of it on Google.

There is a blank white single socket about 15cms above the double socket if that means anything?

Thanks very much again for taking the time to help me

 

[Taylortwocities]

It looks like the model no. is MK Sentry LN 5470

Are you sure it isn't LN5740

If so, that is an old style MK RCD, and certainly not just 6 months old.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Could have been rewired but the old CU left in place.

 

[Taylortwocities]

Yeah, right