Scorched 13 Amp sockets

[Socketman]

I am interested to hear about any scorched sockets you have come across in situations where "safety socket covers" are in use.

For some time FatallyFlawed has been warning that socket covers (which frequently have oversize pins to make them harder to get out) can cause permanent damage to socket contacts. A strained contact can result in poor performance, and possible arcing.

We have started to hear from electricians about situations where they have needed to replace failed or damaged sockets as a result of long term use of socket covers.

If you have any experience of this issue please respond to this thread, or contact us directly by email.

Many thanks for your help. :Salute

 

[green-hornet]

Hi socketman, I have for a long time known of the misuse of socket covers, and indeed the dangers of using them. For some strange reason people think they are safer than the standard modern socket!!

My advise to anyone, and especially nursery owners, is to remove all off them and throw them in the bin, they are useless and cause more problems than if you had nothing in place.

Never get me started on carp products that are dangerous.

Socket cover manufacturers please contact me by PM where my details WILL be produced for you, if not contact any Mod or indeed Admin who has my authority to disclose my personal details, you charletans.

 

[SLIPSHOD & SLAPDASH]

When carrying out periodic testing its quite common for any socket outlet that has had something permanently plugged in to get higher than expected readings. Turning the switch on & off a few times, plus pulling the plug in & out a few times usually cures this. I have not noticed anything different when the 'safety' covers have been fitted. However, with all the garbage materials we now have to fit coupled with the manufacturers skill in cutting more and more metal from the sockets its only going to get worse.

 

[sellers]

whilst i agree that socket covers aren't a very good idea, I personally think that in nurseries and similar, that not having them is positively worse. Surely something better can be designed?

Without them it would be easy for a child to stick something in the earth and then in turn stick something in the live.

With a cover the child has to first remove the cover and then follow the previous steps, adding another stage to the process surely makes the chances of shock less?

 

[m4tty]

If they get hold of certain socket covers and insert upside down the earth pin opens the shutters accessing live parts.

 

[sellers]

true, but I can open up the shutters sticking in my driver, test lead, pencil. I can see how its ironic that the cover is a perfect tool for opening the shutter but its not the only thing that can open them up, its the only thing that covers them up.

 

[Theorysparky]

fair point sellers

but a small child would need to stick something in to open the shutters then stick something else into the open shutters

but my thought on this is ,,,they get the cover off the turn it upside down push it back in ,,,shutters are open

you cant make everything child proof,,,,how many little ones have died due to poking things into a socket ???? not many

how many plugs are out there without the live/neutral sleeving on it

 

[Socketman]

Thanks for all the comments, but what would be really welcome is more evidence of socket cover use having led to damaged sockets. :Welcome:

 

[green-hornet]

whilst i agree that socket covers aren't a very good idea, I personally think that in nurseries and similar, that not having them is positively worse. Surely something better can be designed?Without them it would be easy for a child to stick something in the earth and then in turn stick something in the live.

With a cover the child has to first remove the cover and then follow the previous steps, adding another stage to the process surely makes the chances of shock less?

I have re wired quite a few nurseries, and they always put socket covers in after. The problem is they can and do get misused, some of the socket covers can be installed upside down, opening the earth safety clip, and effectivley allowing small objects to be placed inside the socket. Ofcom have had all the information from the safety experts and still insist or request that they are fitted.

The modern socket outlet does not need socket covers, and if abused they can become even more dangerous than not using.

 

[Andy™]

13a sockets already have built in protection from sticking objects into the. fitting 'safety covers' just helps to bypass these...

if you really want something they cant touch, then dont fit any sockets and only have items connected via FCU

 

[Socketman]

I have re wired quite a few nurseries, and they always put socket covers in after. The problem is they can and do get misused, some of the socket covers can be installed upside down, opening the earth safety clip, and effectivley allowing small objects to be placed inside the socket. Ofcom have had all the information from the safety experts and still insist or request that they are fitted.The modern socket outlet does not need socket covers, and if abused they can become even more dangerous than not using.

Thanks Green-hornet, it is a very sad thing that nursery managers are still under the mis-aprehension that Ofsted requires them to use socket covers, this is taken from an Ofsted document published last September:

"Childcare safety issue