Socket For Storage Heater

[andycover]

Hi all,

Need a little help with replacing a socket for a storage heater.
The current socket is just a plain white plastic switch. no holes for plug etc.
Obviously this is the time of year when the heaters get turned on again but when I flicked the switch it seemed stuck so had a look inside & it appears to have melted a bit. nothing too drastic but enough to stop the switch from operating correctly.

It hasn't tripped the RCD or anything but I wanted to replace it.
Are there specific sockets for this, as it's obviously a higher load than the average switch/socket & where would I get one from?

Thanks in advance.
Andy

 

[Taylortwocities]

Any decent electrical supplier.

It a 20amp couble pole switch you need.

If you have a Screwfix nearby this is their's http://www.screwfix.com/p/crabtree-20a-dp-switch/85073

The problem is usually caused by a loose connection, or a faulty switch contact. If the cable is melted, make sure you cut it back to bright copper when you replace the switch. Otherwise you'll get a bad connection and it will melt again.

 

[andycover]

Thanks Taylortwocities,
Would it be ok to change for one of the metal switches or would it get hot etc?
Probably a daft question but thought I'd better ask

Also, would it pay to replace the flex while I was at it?
If so, what spec flex would I need?
Thanks again

Andy

 

[Taylortwocities]

Metal switch will not get hot, if the connections are OK!

No point changing the flex, you'll probably have to buy 25metre roll.
just make sure the terminations are done properly