Electrical problem in the kitchen

dnl05

Hi everyone,

I've got an electrical problem in my kitchen and I'd be grateful for any advice please.

In the kitchen there is a double wall socket which has a spur to a second double wall socket. Both have been working for years, but now when we want to use the spur socket, we get an arcing/cracking noise from the main double wall socket and the kettle/microwave won't work. If we go to use the main double wall socket, there's an arcing/crackling sound that comes out and it makes us feel that it is unsafe to use it. The single socket for the washing machine may also be linked to the main double wall socket. The main double socket does not feel warm.

What could be causing this problem?

maninthestreet

Has a connection come lose in the wall socket? Maybe the switch mechanism on the wall socket is dodgy as well. If you know what you are doing, you can switch the electricity off at the fusebox/consumer unit, then remove the wall socket to check. Probably best to replace the suspect wall socket with a new one.

27col

Almost certainly due to a loose connection. Have a look inside (after having switched off the power to the kitchen, obviously)If there is no burning visible then just re-tighten the connections. If there is burning visible then it is advisable to replace the socket concerned.