Is fault due to loose connections or faulty socket?

grumpy_codger

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82141976#Comment_82141976

Very likely it's a faulty cable. This fault is very difficult to detect.

My big 'industrial' vacuum cleaner behaved erratically. I checked the plug and the internal switch - to no avail. Only then I checked the cable and realised that the inner wire was brlken near the plug. Cut the cable, rewired the plug - and now it works flawlessly.

A tester with crocodile clips was very helpful with detecting the fault, but for this you need access to the other end of the cable inside the appliance.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82141976#Comment_82141976

You tested what in another socket?

Please confirm - this is a double socket, and BOTH of them displayed the same symptoms? Ie, MW would turn off as soon as you tried to power it up, and the radio worked but crackled?

If you are saying that both the radio and MW are now working, could I suggest you try them both at the same time? Get the radio running in one of the sockets, and then fire up the MW in t'other - any reaction from the radio?

This MW - does it have a grill or convention oven? If so, try these for a few seconds (they will draw more power than the actual Microwave setting), and with the radio also plugged in.

FreeBear

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82142058#Comment_82142058

Did have a poster here many years ago that his/her insurers refused to pay out after an electrical fire. They had been running a tumble drier from an extension lead and had noted that it had been getting hot.

If @cherry76 insurers catch wind that they suspected the socket was faulty, there might be grounds for refusing a payout in the event of a fire.

Whilst the socket might be working now, there may be a break in the ring main which is bad news for other sockets on that circuit. It needs checking and testing at the earliest opportunity.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82143165#Comment_82143165

Absolutely. This bears all the hallmarks of a loose wire connection, and that just does not repair itself.