A picture paints thousand words

Bluecat34 · Apr 22, 2019

Dear All,

I took this photograph as because I need a new box. I need a new box as the switch on this one do'es has ceased to function. I found it ceases to function as my washing machine shut down.

I have three questions,

1 What is the correct description of this box?

2 As a novice to electricity are they easy to fit?

3 Is it mandatory to have socket, with an on/ off switch?

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely

Bluecat34

[ElectriciansForums.net] A picture paints thousand words

westward10 · Apr 22, 2019

Is is a one gang 13A switched socket outlet. Do you have a switch above the counter which also controls the socket.

freddo · Apr 22, 2019

Bluecat34 said:
1 What is the correct description of this box?

What box? That is a 13A 1 gang socket in the photo. Does another appliance work when plugged in or is the switch stuck on?

Bluecat34 said:
2 As a novice to electricity are they easy to fit?

An electrician is recommended as they can fully test any work carried out.

Bluecat34 said:
3 Is it mandatory to have socket, with an on/ off switch?

Sockets do not need to have switches, they are provided for convenience. Switches are not present on the sockets in many other countries.

The Ghost · Apr 22, 2019

Hi @Bluecat34 I used to live in Bradwell Juxta Mere at Othona community. Lovely place Hunstanton.
1 Single socket
2 No
3 Try buying one without a switch.

Pete999 · Apr 22, 2019

If your W/M has stopped working have you checked the plug top fuse and connections?

Charlie_ · Apr 22, 2019

If a picture paints a thousand words then what’s with such a long winded question?

Bluecat34 · Apr 22, 2019

Dear All,

Thank you for all your rapid responses and questions.

"Do you have a switch above the counter which also controls the socket", yes is the answer

"What box? That is a 13A 1 gang socket in the photo. Does another appliance work when plugged in or is the switch stuck on?"

Answer the only appliance that works is the washing machine, the switch will neither stay on or off

I have a question now, how would I go about getting a qualified electrician plus should I let him get the replacement box?

Looking forward to hearing from you soon

Yours faithfully

Bluecat34

westward10 · Apr 22, 2019

You can get unswitched sockets and if you do not feel confident replacing it yourself it would be sensible to get an electrician in.

Bluecat34 · Apr 22, 2019

"If your W/M has stopped working have you checked the plug top fuse and connections? " Answer "I checked the 13 amp fuse by testing with an appliance that had already had the 13 amp ie my iron, and it worked"

If a picture paints a thousand words then what’s with such a long winded question? Answer " As Bob Hoskin's used to say "Its good to talk"

Bluecat34 · Apr 22, 2019

Thank you Westward,

The reason I asked the question about the switch was because I feel the washing machine broke the switch and if a switch is not required then it makes sense to remove the problem.

Regards

Bluecat34

Charlie_ · Apr 22, 2019

Don’t let the electrician supply the socket..
You could potentially save yourself up to 50 pence buying it direct

Pete999 · Apr 22, 2019

Bluecat34 said:
"If your W/M has stopped working have you checked the plug top fuse and connections? " Answer "I checked the 13 amp fuse by testing with an appliance that had already had the 13 amp ie my iron, and it worked"

If a picture paints a thousand words then what’s with such a long winded question? Answer " As Bob Hoskin's used to say "Its good to talk"

OK but did you check the electrical connections on the lead on the W/M?

Bluecat34 · Apr 22, 2019

No I haven't I have been running the washing machine using a 13 amp fuse I tested in my iron and have used the washing machine twice , since then.

So I don't think its the lead, however thanks for flagging that up.

Regards

Bluecat34

Deleted member 105166 · Apr 22, 2019

@Bluecat34 , to summarise, can you confirm:

your washing machine has a 13A plugtop on the end of its flexible cable and the washing machine works if you plug it in somewhere other than the socket you photographed.
the socket you photographed is defective in that it has a "gammy" switch that fails to latch in either the open or closed position.
the switched FCU (fused connection unit) that supplies the socket you photographed is working correctly.

Be this the case, you simply need to ask a local electrician to replace the 13A switched outlet. As already suggested above, since you have a switched FCU, an unswitched socket would be preferable. Switched sockets behind fixed appliances are never a great idea, since flexible hoses can move as the appliance is pushed back, partially depressing the switch.