fuse confusion - is it safe to replace the face on a plug socket yourself?

500pages

The dishwasher stopped working mid-cycle and wouldn't switch on again.

Having pulled it out from the wall and unplugged it, I noticed that the on/off switch on the plug socket didn't make that satisfying "click" noise so tried the plug in the other socket. The machine then switched on. So it seems to be something is awry with one of the two plug points in the plug socket rather than the dishwasher.

Questions are:

i) any ideas why would this have happened? (I suspect the outflow pipe is a tad clogged but would this have affected things?)

ii) do plug sockets have fuses in too? I'm confused(!) - there's a fuse in the appliance's plug itself; then there's the circuit breaker; is there also one in the plug socket - it says "13A" on it so I'm guessing so - can't seem to find an answer to this seemingly simple question online, probably because I don't know how to ask...:o

iii) would it be safe for me to replace the plug socket myself if I switch of the MCB and fuse for that circuit. I have done a bit of supervised re-wiring before and this does look simple but am I being naive?

Thanks!

jonnyb1978

Faulty socket. Easy to replace. Electric off. Unscrew. Take note of wiring to new socket. screw back in.

Perfectly safe whilst electric is OFF

SailorSam

Draw a little picture to make sure you put the wires in the eight places.
It's simple, if you can put a new plug on the hoover or table lamp, you can wire a socket.

500pages

Thanks for the reassurance! I'll give it a go and hopefully give new life to the dishwasher again...

robotrobo

SailorSam wrote: »

Draw a little picture to make sure you put the wires in the eight places.
It's simple, if you can put a new plug on the hoover or table lamp, you can wire a socket.

sailor sam means the RIGHT place not eight places,

you might find with the electric isolated at the mains, unscrew from the wall & blow any dust or grit that as got in the on off switch mechanisam, flick the switch if it seems ok , put back on wall & switch power back on , if all that fails then replace switch , easy job with the ELECTRIC SUPPLY OFF!

jhs14

Do 13A plug sockets have fuses built in - no. The 13A refers to the fact that they are rated to take 13A (in practice they will comfortably take a bit more than that)

ariba10

It might help to take a photo with your phone when you take the cover off and before you disconnect any wires.

adonis

I have replaced sockets in the past and use one of these to test it after.
Just make sure all the wires are in the correct holes and the screws are tight enough.

wallbash

Yes, have had one them for years, always the last thing to do, before packing the tools away. Worth every penny.

prowla

Don't forget to switch off the electricity before you try and do the job! :-)

tea-bag

TBH I think we should not be encouraging people to muck about with electrics especially somebody who seems so clueless like the Op (no offence) . I trained and qualified as a electrician in my youth. I don't do it now long story. One false move you could be dead or cause a fire. We also have no idea the condition of their wiring it could be old and just fall apart.

You don't need to pay for the full services of a electrician just get a competent neighbour or friend or relative to have a look.

I know this is MSE but there are some places saving money is a false economy.