Electric plug problem?

martin57

Hi,

I have a single electric plug socket over part of the kitchen worktop that is very convenient to boil a kettle etc. The washing machine plug beside it is wired for washing machine only. I have been using an adapter when I boil a kettle and maybe have dishwaster on at same time in the single available single socket.

I heard a fizzing noise tonight in the adapter and it got really hot, was difficult to pull out of the socket so (got it out eventually) but one of the socket holes seems a little burned damaged. So I plan on replacing the single socket cover. As its a tiled surface with old tiles that I couldn't replace and no room for a double socket there what is the best way when using 2 electricial appliances at the same time in this single socket?

Are those multi socket things you see at supermarkets or maybe argos better than the old square type electricial adapter?

thanks very much for any advice.

martin57

[Deleted User]

Hi,

you could maybe use a 'single to twin socket converter', which fits neatly over your existing socket, so looks fine.



Would check out the socket anyway, sounds as though you have faulty connections in the outlet, or the outlet contacts are so worn that they don't grip the plug prongs tight enough and you are getting a bit of arcing.

Remember to isolate the socket before doing anything, and if not sure, get someone who knows what to do.

Electricity kills.

ic

The problem you're at is that a single socket will be fused to supply a maximum of 13 amps - this is enough for approx 3kW. A kettle will use 3kW when on, a washing machine in the region of 2 to 2.5 kW (as it has to power the water heater, motor and pumps), and the dishwasher again 2 to 2.5kW. So when you plug in two of these at the same time, you'll be trying to draw over 13 amps, so the fuse burns out and cuts the power. Each of these appliances should have their own plug when switched on and should not be running through an adaptor. If they are through an adaptor, only one should be running at any one time.

The plug suggested may also fall into this problem - I've used the double to triple converters from the same range, and they too actually have a fuse on the left side of the unit (so out of shot in that photo). You'll need to check on this. This plug might be an alternative: http://www.screwfix.com/p/1g-to-2g-sw-skt-conversion-kit/72700, again only if it doesn't have a fuse.

Easiest option is probably to boil the kettle somewhere else.

fluffpot

Certainly don't use an adapter. Horrible things - better off using a trailing socket. However, if you have the dishwasher and kettle on at the same time it could well blow the fuse in the plug because it's over loaded. This is why you've got a burnt socket/broken adapter now as there's no fuse in those things

ormus

those adapters are the devils work, nearly all made in china and the quality is rubbish.
throw it away. and fit another socket on the ring main.

martin57

Thanks for replies. I had a laminator and dishwasher on at same time. As the plug is in the space between 2 windows not enough room to put in a couble socket unless I was to do away with the washing machine's dedicated plug and just hook up the washing machine as required.

Just saw this at argos wonder if its a better idea for an adapter.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9822650/Trail/searchtext%3EELECTRICAL+ADAPTER.htm

thanks again
martin57

moonrakerz

I don't wish to be nasty here, but anyone who uses multi-way adapters for high power appliances like kettles and dishwasher is not only asking for trouble - but has little knowledge of the basics of (house) electrics.

Get an electrician in !!!

ic

As I described above, it doesn't matter what adaptor you use - run too much on it at the same time and it will blow the fuse, or worse cause an electrical fire.

STOCKWIRE

ic wrote: »

The problem you're at is that a single socket will be fused to supply a maximum of 13 amps - this is enough for approx 3kW. A kettle will use 3kW when on, a washing machine in the region of 2 to 2.5 kW (as it has to power the water heater, motor and pumps), and the dishwasher again 2 to 2.5kW. So when you plug in two of these at the same time, you'll be trying to draw over 13 amps, so the fuse burns out and cuts the power. Each of these appliances should have their own plug when switched on and should not be running through an adaptor. If they are through an adaptor, only one should be running at any one time.

The plug suggested may also fall into this problem - I've used the double to triple converters from the same range, and they too actually have a fuse on the left side of the unit (so out of shot in that photo). You'll need to check on this. This plug might be an alternative: http://www.screwfix.com/p/1g-to-2g-sw-skt-conversion-kit/72700, again only if it doesn't have a fuse.

Easiest option is probably to boil the kettle somewhere else.

I think you are mistaken. Sockets on a ring main are not fused,(unless they are fused spurs) plugs are.

ic

Yes, standard sockets are not fused, but I know the double to triple converter socket made by clipsal features a 13 amp fuse (I have six of them installed at home). Each is in essence a fused multi-way adaptor. I'm warning that this may be the case for other similar converters, including the single to double converter pictured above.

Take a look at this single to triple converter as an example: http://www.screwfix.com/p/1g-to-3g-unsw-skt-conversion-kit/46085# - the fuse cover is visible in the picture.