OMG spark from wall plug

Help_needed

Hello

My son has just turned the TV on. By pressing the switch on the wall plug. There was a big bang!
Thank god he is ok.

Do you think i have fault electrics?
The switch on the wall is now all black.
Ive tried the TV and that works ok.

My house is only 5 years old.
Do i need an electrician asap??

Help needed

ic

So no fuses have blown tripped? The plug for the TV worked fine, and you didn't need to switch anything back on at the fuse box?

Help_needed

It has tripped the switch in the fuse box.

I have been brave or silly and tried the toaster in the socket and it worked

I just dont no why it happened??

maninthestreet

So the wall socket went 'Bang!', and is now blackened, but still appears to be working ok???

ic

I'm no sparkie, but it sounds to me like the switch in the socket has worn out with repeated use, and when switched didn't switch cleanly causing the spark. You probably just need to replace that socket - ideally with a socket that switches both neutral and live (dual pole). However others here may have other views. Whilst you're at it, you may want to replace any others that get excessive use.

If you're switching the TV off to avoid standby, use the main power switch on the TV itself - this will be easier to reach and should stand up to the repeated switching. As long as its the switch that offers a firm responsive feel, then you can be rest assured the TV is actually off - switching off at the socket won't gain any additional savings in electricity usage.

Help_needed

Yes that right

Help_needed

So i need to get someone in to replace the wall socket. I was beginning to think i have bad wiring

ormus

could be a loose wire behind the socket or a faulty socket. a plastic part broke perhaps?

Paul_the_Painter

Cost of a new wall socket - about £2.00 for white.

Cost to fit it - almost any number you care to mention, but it is an easy DIY job, takes about 10 minutes.

If you are not confident, get in a sparks, but it is totally legal, and safe, to do it yourself.

mikey72

Paul_the_Painter wrote: »

Cost of a new wall socket - about £2.00 for white.

Cost to fit it - almost any number you care to mention, but it is an easy DIY job, takes about 10 minutes.

If you are not confident, get in a sparks, but it is totally legal, and safe, to do it yourself.

But not £2 for a decent one.

muckybutt

ic wrote: »

I'm no sparkie, but it sounds to me like the switch in the socket has worn out with repeated use, and when switched didn't switch cleanly causing the spark. You probably just need to replace that socket - ideally with a socket that switches both neutral and live (dual pole).

If you aint a sparks then dont comment !

Switches that have worn out DONT go bang ! For it to have tripped a mcb or the rcd in your fuse box the socket has developed a fault either live to earth or between live and neutral that it what caused the bang.

Personally dont get a cheap and cheerful socket, invest in something more substantial like MK or Crabtree.

If you are at all in doubt then for your health and safety get a fully qualified electrician, I would estimate cost of doing that £30 - £40 more obviously if there is a problem with the electrics.