Cooker switch burnt out

[magicmcone]

Hi there,

Today, just suddenly when switched on the oven, this switch that controls it on the wall blowed up.
The fuse tripped and then I switched off the mains and opened it and found part of the switch as well as that cable slightly burnt.
Any idea why this could have happened?
I have replaced tons switches but not sure if I should get a professional to look at it or can I just replace the switch after cutting the cable to where isn’t damaged.

Many thanks in advance.

 

[chivers67]

Looks like the neutral(s) were loose and over time have become burnt out. Strip it back and re-terminate it making sure the connections are tight

What power output is the Oven as that cable doesn't look very big?

 

[Deleted member 267285]

Depending on the current that seems too small for a cooker? Being on the neutral wire I’d say it’s fairly common if it’s become loose/was fitted loose.

 

[magicmcone]

The oven is 2.3kw. Had never opened that box before. Thin cables are the load (including the neutral one that failed) and thick ones, the feed to the oven.

 

[sparkwright]

Technically, that thin cable is ok for your 2.3 kW oven only - so likely a bad connection - as already suggested by CBW.

To get a good sound connection on all the thin wires
1) cut off all the melted, burnt, crispy insulation
2) clean up any discoloured copper with wire wool or similar to get bright clean copper.
3) double over the copper end by folding back on itself so you have a decent quantity of copper within the terminal which will make better contact and less likely to snap or break.

 

[magicmcone]

Thank you all for your replies guys. Have looked for the oven technical specs and confirm that is 2.3kw and 1.5mm wire, which is what I have there. Most likely case of a bad connection.
Will get an electrician in anyway, but quite reassured knowing that it shouldn’t be a bigger issue.
Many thanks again.