Help! Electrophobe with dodgy wall socket and no idea what to do.

AndromedaWay

Hello!

I'm probably best starting this off by saying that I have OCD and am severely electrophobic; I wince every time I push a plug in or flick a switch! Ridiculous, I know, but it makes me massively, obsessively vigilant.

We've had an issue with a wall socket for awhile now; it became increasingly difficult to push a plug into it. A couple of times it made crackling noises, which scared the living daylights out of me (!), but when my husband repeated the motion it didn't happen so we let it go. But today, it happened again: a loud, crackling, hissing kind of noise as soon as the plug was inserted.

My husband confirmed this wasn't a figment of my imagination, so I immediately completely overreacted and disconnected everything and turned the switch off. I'd have the fuse off as well if I knew which one it was

From a brief browse online it looks like my panic was somewhat justified, and we need an electrician. Contacted landlord who told us to whatever is needed and he'll reimburse us, so that makes it easier. But of course I have this phobia and I'm terrified of getting someone in to help.

So: what kind of qualifications do I need an electrician to have? I can find guides for employing a reliable plumber or mechanic, but Google has failed me on electricians. I have found mention of NICEIC - is that enough, or should there be something else?

Secondly: any electricians on here have an idea what the issue might be and how it'll be rectified?

So far I've emailed a few local places I found via Google and placed an ad on Rated People. What do I do when someone contacts us back? Do they quote over the phone or need to come out and see? If someone comes out do we have to let them do the work or can we shop around as it were?

This is the first time I've had an issue with electricity and I'm really worked up about getting it right, not being ripped off (even if we'll be reimbursed) and making sure it's done by someone qualified. I would be pathetically grateful if anyone could help orient me in the right direction!

stevemcol

It does sound like a straight forward socket replacement. NICEIC / ECA is fine but can't you get a recommendation from anyone you know? Have you thought of trying ratedpeople.com? Haven't myself but the concept looks promising.
Anyway, if it is just a replacement socket, 15 minute job and so minimum call out fee + parts which should be about a fiver or less. Call out fee depends on where you live.

Southend1

I replaced a cracked socket recently myself. It's a simple job and the socket only costs a few quid at B&Q or similar but obviously precautions need to be taken to ensure you don't get electrocuted. Clearly you won't be up for doing this yourself but could your partner or a relative or trusted neighbour do the job for you? You could buy them a drink as a thank you. Just a thought, as it will probably cost £50+ to call out an electrician. Though you may prefer a qualified electrician for the peace of mind given your phobia.

27col

You hardly need someone "qualified" just to change a socket. It is probably just a loose connection in the socket, it may not even need replacing. You are just letting your condition complicate a basically uncomplicated job. Any sensible DIYer or handyman could fix this, standing on their head.
You don't seriously expect that a qualified electrician would stand there and let you quiz him about his qualification/ability to replace a faulty socket, do you. Especially if that was all you wanted doing.

Justicia

AndromedaWay wrote: »

My husband confirmed this wasn't a figment of my imagination, so I immediately completely overreacted and disconnected everything and turned the switch off. I'd have the fuse off as well if I knew which one it was

If you don't feel confident, can your husband replace it?

stevemcol

27col wrote: »

You hardly need someone "qualified" just to change a socket. It is probably just a loose connection in the socket, it may not even need replacing. You are just letting your condition complicate a basically uncomplicated job. Any sensible DIYer or handyman could fix this, standing on their head.
You don't seriously expect that a qualified electrician would stand there and let you quiz him about his qualification/ability to replace a faulty socket, do you. Especially if that was all you wanted doing.

It's obvious from the post the the OP is not confident to do the job, though I agree it should be a doddle (I probably wouldn't choose to stand on my head while doing it). The reason I recommended to fine a decent spark (assuming they've no friends that could do it otherwise why post on here?) is not in terms of qualification but to make sure they aren't stung by 'the consumer unit in knackered and it will cost you 300quid' scenario, or 'the whole lot needs re-wiring'.

Justicia

stevemcol wrote: »

(assuming they've no friends that could do it otherwise why post on here?)

..because many people believe that ALL electrical work must be carried out by a "qualified electrician" and that minor replacements like this can be carried out by themselves, their partners or friends, if they are competent (and confident) to do so...

Justicia

I don't think that the OP is going to return, anyway...

brutus1983

Don't use the socket until its replaced if it is a loose connection when under load it will ark I live in a rented house when I was at work the my lady was hoovering and due to it arking it melted the insulation

It is a 10 minute job to replace a socket if you or your husband do plan on replacing it yourself just. Ensure your connection is nice and tight and you have the right polarity and obviously switch of the electrics before you do it


And an nic or napit registered spark is only needed if the job is notifiable


I am a spark myself