Problem with Electric Sockets in Kitchen

sarah1975uk

I have a double plug socket in my kitchen where the washing machine & dishwasher are plugged into. All been fine until tonight, the applicances dont work now, fuse box didnt blow the switch and i have tried appliances in other sockets and they work fine but in this particular socket now doesnt appear to be working and not sure why or how to fix it. Above the work surface i have an isolator switch fuse thingy and that seems fine. So would appreicate some help from someone who has any idea what is causing my problem Thanks in advance Sarah x

Canucklehead

Good evening: Check the fuse in your isolator switch (how do you know it is ok?) More info here... http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/fuses.htm

HTH

Canucklehead

sarah1975uk

the isolator switch above the work surface is fine have checked and replaced fuse to be sure, the plug socket just still doesnt seem to be working

sarah1975uk

Thanks Andy very detailed helpful post. Right ok hubby has done the things you have suggested and still no power at that particular socket. Driving me totally nuts as this is the only socket thats near to where my washing machine and dishwasher are lol PS no we have not done any recent diy or alterations that could have caused this problem. totally bizzar dont miss sockets till they dont work eh. Sarah xx

maninthestreet

Is their actually a switch mechanism itself on this 'isolator switch'? If so, may be this switch mechanism itself broken - this happened to a socket in my lounge and had me stumped for days until I simply replaced the entire socket faceplate and all was well.

sarah1975uk

wow thanks for that maninthestreet, your idea didnt even enter my head, never heard of that before the switchs flicks on and off just no power lol i really should dye my hair blonde hehe! Got british gas home care just checked the policy and i have option 400 that includes cover for my home electrics so have booked an engineer who is comming tomorrow afternoon, will reply with what the problem is, so it can help others in the same situation as me. thanks everyone who has helped me here what a helpful friendly bunch you all are

Canucklehead

Hi

Just to be clear.. Are you saying that above the worktop you have one of these?http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/doc/12/vid/831/13A_SWITCHED_FUSED_SPUR_%2B_NEON.html
And under the worktop you have one of these.. http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/doc/12/vid/833/CRABTREE_13A_DOUBLE_SOCKET.html

If so then that's not right. The possible load on that fused switch will exceed the fuse rating (13amp) when both the appliances are calling for heat (assuming the washing machine has a 3kw heater)
Your fused switch is either burnt out or there is a problem with the cable from the socket to the fused switch.
If you are not sure get an electrician.
A silly question.. are you looking at the right switch?

sarah1975uk

Canucklehead wrote: »

Hi

Just to be clear.. Are you saying that above the worktop you have one of these?http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/doc/12/vid/831/13A_SWITCHED_FUSED_SPUR_%2B_NEON.html
And under the worktop you have one of these.. http://www.allaboutelectrics.co.uk/doc/12/vid/833/CRABTREE_13A_DOUBLE_SOCKET.html

If so then that's not right. The possible load on that fused switch will exceed the fuse rating (13amp) when both the appliances are calling for heat (assuming the washing machine has a 3kw heater)
Your fused switch is either burnt out or there is a problem with the cable from the socket to the fused switch.
If you are not sure get an electrician.
A silly question.. are you looking at the right switch?

Hi Canucklehead

Thanks for going to so much trouble to help and showing pics, ok the first pic is right without the red light on it that is above the work surface and the 2nd pic is what i have below the work surface behind the appliances. Thanks Again Sarah xx

sarah1975uk

forgot to say too that when this socket stopped working the trip switch on the fuse box didnt trip so even more dumfounded now lol

Canucklehead

Hi

When I said it's not right I meant it's not supposed to be like that .Each appliance should have it's own fused switch. You will always have a problem as long as it's left like that
Someone will argue that if you use one machine at a time it's ok., but it's not ok if the person using it doesn't know(friend /guest) what happens when you sell up? The new owner will not know unless you tell them.

Corgi Guy.

Fuse in switch will go first.

espresso

All you need is an electrical test screwdriver like this, to test at the switch.