Wall plug socket really hot with fan heater

[OM2]

We've got a fan heater.
When plugged into one wall socket, the wall socket gets really hot.
Is this normal?
It's just a basic 2KW fan heater we purchased from Lidl.

I'm guessing something is going wrong. It shouldn't over heat like that?

What should I do?

Thanks.

 

[flameport]

Loose wiring in the plug, damaged contacts in the socket, loose wiring at the socket, plug not made to proper specifications, fuse clips loose, combinations of all of them.

If it's only with one socket, replace the socket.
If with several, cut the plug off, destroy it so it can't be used, and fit a new plug.
If it's been overheating for any length of time, replace both the socket and plug as both will be damaged by the heat.

 

[Koolpc]

My mates tumble dryer plug gets quite hot when in use. Plug looks ropey too. But he aint bothered!

 

[OM2]

Thanks for the replies
I'm definitely bothered!

I'll need to investigate further.
The plug socket is part of an extension built 5-6 years ago.
So fairly new. It was just a basic plug socket.

 

[oldbutnotdead]

Warm to the touch (if it's been on 2kw for hours) would be normal, hot is not normal. All the rest as @flameport

 

[securespark]

Buy a good brand of plug and socket then the chances are they will be more robust.

The current MK Logic Plus are not built like the original 70s Logic range but I still think they're better made than a lot of other brands.

 

[OM2]

@oldbutnotdead it's definitely hot. I can touch. But not warm. Execissively hot I would describe.

@securespark I got the cheapest one I could find at screwfix. But is MK brand though.
I was penny pinching and trying to save costs on absolutely everything at the time.
Can you give me a link to a recommended option on screwfix? Thanks

 

[conny]

Can't believe the prices for an appliance plug but have a look at these. Steer clear of the Diall one though, (looks too cheap compared to the others but then they look VERY expensive just for a plug).

13 A Electric Plugs | Plugs, Adaptors & Fuses | Screwfix

Buy 13 A Electric Plugs at Screwfix.com. Free next day delivery available. Pay your way. PayPal accepted online. Apple Pay accepted in store. UK call centre ready for your call 24/7. 60 days free credit available.

www.screwfix.com

For the socket. I never bother with the usb type simply because I prefer my phones etc to be used with the one supplied with the unit.
I've got some LAP ones in my old shed and not had any problems with them in nearly 8 years. I use one of those 2kW, front facing, heaters in there with no problems.

13 Amp Sockets | Switches & Sockets | Screwfix

Buy 13 Amp Sockets at Screwfix.com. Accepts standard UK plugs. Various colours and finishes. Buy online and collect in store in as little as 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

 

[JohnW2]

Can't believe the prices for an appliance plug but have a look at these.

Good grief. They (all but the Diall one) seem like crazy prices. I'm sure I've never paid anythiong remotely like that much for a plug!

Steer clear of the Diall one though, (looks too cheap compared to the others but then they look VERY expensive just for a plug).

Again, I certainly agree about 'the others'. However, I have to say that the vast majority of plugs I use (many of which have been in satisfactor service for many years, if not decades) look just like that Diall one (and probably didn't cost much more than it).

In reality, I would have thought that about the only thing that can possibly be significantly iffy about a plug are the fuse connectors (including the attachment of one to the L pin) but beyond that, I'm not sure what is really likely to be inferior about a cheap one in comparison with those ultra-expensive ones.

Kind Regards, John

 

[FrodoOne]

With any "High Current" device (Heater, Iron, Vacuum Cleaner etc.) one should always check the temperature of the pins - on unplugging, immediately after use.
If one pin is "warmer" than the other, it indicates a "loose connection" (somewhere) - usually to the socket-outlet - or socket-outlet pins which have lost tension.

 

[DetlefSchmitz]

If one pin is "warmer" than the other, it indicates a "loose connection" (somewhere) -

In the UK it indicates that the pin is the live one connected to the fuse - which gets warm.

 

[securespark]

My socket choice would be:

MK Logic Plus 13A 2-Gang DP Switched Plug Socket White - Screwfix

Order online at Screwfix.com. Double pole switched socket. Easy to install. FREE next day delivery available, free collection in 1 minute.

www.screwfix.com

Don't know what the heck is going on with Screwfix plug prices.

Masterplug 13A Fused Plug - White | Wickes.co.uk

Masterplug 13A Fused Plug - White

www.wickes.co.uk

 

[wundaboy]

Before you do anything, I'd follow @flameport's advice and try it in a number of sockets. If they all heat up, then it's the plug that's at fault. A lot of these moulded on plugs have crimp/solder connections inside which are liable to fail under a high current draw, such as with a fan heater.

This is what the plug on a cheap Tesco 2kW fan heater did to a socket in my mum's house. Previously, a 3kW heater had been plugged into it for years with no problem at all.

 

[sparkwright]

Before you do anything, I'd follow @flameport's advice and try it in a number of sockets. If they all heat up, then it's the plug that's at fault. A lot of these moulded on plugs have crimp/solder connections inside which are liable to fail under a high current draw, such as with a fan heater.

This is what the plug on a cheap Tesco 2kW fan heater did to a socket in my mum's house. Previously, a 3kW heater had been plugged into it for years with no problem at all.View attachment 296132

Out of general interest, did you continue using the same 2kW heater, with a new plug and socket?

 

[wundaboy]

Out of general interest, did you continue using the same 2kW heater, with a new plug and socket?

Yep, still in use with no further problem. I put an MK toughplug onto it, as I've used them for the same issue with tumble dryers, and they don't heat up even slightly.