Socket switchs sparking?!?!?

[tommyl18]

Hi,

There a couple of our sockets that are sparking at the switch when you turn them off whilst using appliances ie, kettle, toaster etc I thought one of the sockets was faulty so replaced it with a new one and the new one was sparking also, the rcd at the consumer unit doesnt trip but I have a portable rcd for use with 230 volt portable appliances and when plugged into these sockets it works ok untill you turn the socket off then the portable rcd trips out. The sockets are on seperate circuits.

 

[securespark]

Are you switching off when the appliance is under load?

 

[tommyl18]

yea is that normal though?

 

[Taylortwocities]

It is normal for the switch to spark when it is under load.

It is not normal, or recommended to use the switch when the appliance is actually working. You will drastically reduce the working life of the switch contacts as the spark will eat away the contact material.

So, plug you kettle in to the socket.
Turn on the switch on the socket
Turn on the switch on the kettle.
Wait until it boils. You'll know when this is because steam comes out of the spout and you can make a cup of tea. Also the kettle will make a satisfying click noise to tell you that it has done its job.
Now you can turn off the switch (look, no spark)
And remove the plug.

Meerkat

• Taylortwocities
• 11 Dec 2009
• 53

Simples!