Power socket blowing appliances

[srgl99]

Hi,

Background of the house - Full re-wire 4/5 years ago.

We bought a new microwave which blew after 2 weeks of usages. Thinking it was just the microwave we took it back and had it replaced, the second one blew after one use (Fuses checked on both) so I assumed it must of been a faulty batch. With there being no microwave plugged into the outlet, I plugged the iron in last night to that outlet for the iron to stop working too, again, fuse not at fault. All items have been checked in other sockets and they are definitely dead after being in that socket.

The socket in question is a double, it also has the fridge plugged into the other side of it that still works fine.

Is it the socket that is causing the problem, or does the problem lie a little deeper?

 

[Technician]

My suggestion is to go back to first principles to

discount the sockets as the cause.

Take the socket circuit out of service and do the FULL

set of tests followed by a live Zs test at each one after

re-instating supply. Verify live Zs by OSG. Check that

live Zs reads are acceptable.

Read Roys post; specialist kit IS needed.

 

[roys]

srgl99, what technical experience / test kit do you have?

 

[Guy]

My suggestion is to go back to first principles todiscount the sockets as the cause.

Take the socket circuit out of service and do the FULL

set of tests followed by a live Zs test at each one after

re-instating supply. Verify live Zs by OSG. Check that

live Zs reads are acceptable.

we dont know wether the op has an electrical background............................srg199 do you?

 

[srgl99]

Hi guys, thanks for the replies.

Technically minded, but not experienced with electric fitting. I can understand the principles of the testing. Obviously I don't have the equipment to do it myself.

Purpose of the asking the question is to get an idea of what could be at fault, I prefer to have a slight understanding of any issues under my roof, the best reason is that it gives me a heads up on what to expect from the electrician if I need one.

 

[roys]

Just to confirm:

So the fuse in the plugs never blew on either the microwaves or iron.

The items intially worked and then stopped. How long did they last?

Is the plug top hot?

Of course I have to advise you against poking about the electrics as it does hurt.

Where do you live, there is many good reliable guys on this forum that will be able to check it out for you for a very fair price.

 

[srgl99]

Fuses were all good.

First microwave worked for a few weeks. Second for 30 minutes. Iron for 5 minutes.

I wasn't able to check if the plug top was hot or not, I'll admit that the cooking and ironing wasn't done by myself!

I'm in Sunderland, any recommendations would be awesome.

 

[Technician]

Simple start without opening anything up;

socket tester to check for obvious faults;

reverse polarity at sockets and the like.

 

[Andy™]

im guessing dodgy contacts in the socket, or a loose connection

i live a bit up the road in shields, PM me if you want me to have a look