Electrical socket problem

travel_freak

Hi there,

Hope someone can help with this query.

Had a new washing machine delivered yesterday. Plugged it in today for first time and there was a big "bang" and the fuse at the fuse board had blown - flicked down.

This is an ordinary double wall socket but one that I haven't used before as it's beneath the work surface at back of cupboard designed really just for the washing machine.

Anyway I flicked the fuse switch back up again and plugged the machine in again. This time no signs of life at all. I tested another electrical item in the same socket and it seems there is no electricity coming out of that side of the socket but when I plugged the hoover in the other side of the socket it works fine.

Don't understand how one side of a double socket can work and the other can't!!

Even more mysterious, now the washing machine doesn't work even if I plug it in another socket which definitely is working?

Any advice as to what might be going on gratefully received!

Regards,

bockster

hi there,
i would change the socket for starters so that you know where you stand with that, then worry about he washing m/c. have you checked the fuse in the washing m/c plug? a fault surge, even if caused by the socket, may have blown this fuse, or mabe, an internal fuse in the washing m/c.
please take care with electrics and if in doubt seek advice.

good luck

PROFESSIONAL_LANDLORD

Don't understand how one side of a double socket can work and the other can't!!

Looks like the machine is faulty

The reason one side of the socket aint working is because the short circuit which developed when you plugged in the WM, burnt the connections in the socket. which will of course need replaced.

vaio

PROFESSIONAL_LANDLORD wrote: »

Looks like the machine is faulty

The reason one side of the socket aint working is because the short circuit which developed when you plugged in the WM, burnt the connections in the socket. which will of course need replaced.

which of course the shop that sold you the machine will pay for when you send them the report from your electrician

baldelectrician

it could have been the socket that was faulty originally and the surge of the fault killed the electronics in the nice new washing machine.

have the socket replaced and get a minor works certificate issued. You call the washing machine people and explain that it doesn't work and you want it fixed / a new one. Explain you got an electrician to test the socket so it couldn't be that

travel_freak

hi there,

Thanks for the helpful replies/suggestions.

Am v. worried now! Baldelectrician when you say that it could have been the socket that was faulty in the first place, what is it that could have been wrong with the socket - something major that might require major work or if wires were crossed or something like that in the socket?

There are other sockets above the work surface in the kitchen and I've checked all of these are working since the "big bang" and they seem to be okay.

Many thanks.

Regards,

specialK

Whenever I have had a new washing machine delivered (5 in the past 7 years), the delivery men have checked the socket I would be using for the machine.

I thought this was standard practise. Years ago, the delivery men would not leave the washing machine at my mums as they found a fault with the socket?

Did they not check your electrics first?

adandem

specialK wrote: »

Whenever I have had a new washing machine delivered (5 in the past 7 years), the delivery men have checked the socket I would be using for the machine.

Did they not check your electrics first?

I have never heard of this before Surely that principle could apply to any electrical goods

specialK

adandem wrote: »

I have never heard of this before Surely that principle could apply to any electrical goods

Never had TV electrical socket checked out, but come to think about it, I have also had fridge freezer socket checked out.

Maybe it is kitchen electricals?

(These checks have been carried out by the Dixons Group, and an online electrical retailer)

never_enough

adandem wrote: »

I have never heard of this before Surely that principle could apply to any electrical goods

Never had this happen to me either.

You will have to let the company you bought the wm from know that it's not working asap & get an electrician in. Impossible to know which way round the fault is, but the electrician may be able to help.