Sparking Socket

[con1_uk]

Does the socket just want replacing if it sparks when you turn it on/off?

Or is there something else wrong?


Thanks.

 

[pdcelec]

Conduct an insulation resistance test on the circuit and if ok conduct an earth fault loop impedance test on it. If both test prove satisfactory then come back with your results and someone will be able to help.

 

[Big_Spark]

Does the socket just want replacing if it sparks when you turn it on/off?

Or is there something else wrong?


Thanks.

Does it spark when an appliance is plugged in, so under load, or all the time??

If it only does it under load, check the load of the item causing the problem, you may be overloading the socket. Remember that even double sockets are onbly rated at a total of 13A, not 13A per outlet. MK rate theirs better than BS requirements and they will sustain 19A for a period of time.

If you have two loads that combined exceed 13A by a considerable margin, then this is likely the issue, you should put these loads on seperate sockets, and the faceplate should be replaced as the arcing will have pitted the contacts in the switch.

There is no real need to undertake insulation resistance tests and EFLI tests unless there is clear damage to the cores feeding the socket.

 

[con1_uk]

Its a double socket 1 has an extension plugged into it with a small lcd tv, Digi box, Hifi and a seperate MP3 hifi unit the othe plug has an iron plugged into it.

They spark when turned on and off.

I going upstairs to try some more tests will post back.

 

[con1_uk]

Right just tried more tests and

only one of the double socket switches sparks

It sparks when the iron is plugged in but the other switch dont spark when the iron is plugged in.

Hope this helps.

 

[con1_uk]

Any ideas please people? Do I just need a replacment socket or is there more?


Thanks.

 

[Big_Spark]

Right just tried more tests and

only one of the double socket switches sparks

It sparks when the iron is plugged in but the other switch dont spark when the iron is plugged in.

Hope this helps.

It could be a poor quality socket switch, or it could be that something has overloaded it in the past. It is obvious that the load of the Iron is causing the arcing in the switch.

Replace the faceplate with a quality unit (MK, Crabtree). Check that the cores feeding the faceplate have no damage to the insulation caused by heat. If they are OK then simply replace the frontplate. If there is any heat damage to the cores this chould be removed from the core and the copper shortened accordingly.....

 

[con1_uk]

Thanks Big_Spark I will go out and get one tommorrow.


Thanks to everyone for their replys.