Intermittent power to wall socket

rods1982

Hello,

Having some electric problems in our flat, hope someone can help!

One of the plug points in our living room seems to get power intermittently, i.e. the on/off switch needs to be flicked a few times before the device attached receives constant power. It also seems to be getting worse as time goes on.

We have a similar problem with the switch for the boiler - so it's tough to get hot water sometimes.

So my question is, can I do anything to check for the problem and possibly fix it myself, or should I call an electrician?

Thanks in advance for your help!

ariba10

It will probably be solved by changing the socket itself.

olias

Dead easy to do as well.

*TURN OFF POWER*

undo two screws, take off wall plate (socket), undo 3 screws holding live, neutral and earth wires and remove socket, repeat in reverse with new socket.

Turn power back on.

Should cost about a fiver or less for a new socket.

Olias

ormus

wickes do a box of 6 pcs double sockets, for under ten squid.

mitchj

Make sure that the Live neutral and earth connections are not in a different place on your new socket. If they are make sure you get them in the right terminals.

New manufacturers often change where the terminals are on the back, which can be a pain if there are a few wires.

ormus

afaik they are always marked. L - N - E.

rods1982

Great to hear that this may be an easy fix! Thank you all for your help, it's much appreciated

olias

Just to clarify in case you are not DIY savvy at all. The power needs to be turned off at the main fuse/consumer unit - NOT just the switch on the socket!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry if that sounds patronising, just want to make sure you are safe!

Olias

rods1982

Ha ha, I am indeed a bit of a DIY novice but I did know that! :rotfl:

Thanks for looking out for me though!

Red_Cat

I once had a similar issue, one day it stopped working. Turned out to be a loose connection to the socket and flicking the switch made it worse with time.

Good advice here, kill the power at the consumer unit or fuse box. If in doubt get help.

The_Pedant

If you're looking to replace it yourself, then it's probably worth seeing how much play there is in the wires behind the socket first (as well as checking the terminal positions as mentioned above).

I've had a couple of sockets in my house where there was hardly any play, or extra length in the wires which made it really hard to wire in a new socket with the terminals in a slightly different location.