Outdoor electrical socket

Spengler · Apr 13, 2024

Hi,

I replaced an outdoor electrical socket recently with a 2 gang, BG socket which has LED lights to show when it is switched on. Since then I can’t get it to work. The LED lights come on so it definitely getting power. But both 3 pin plug sockets refuse to work. I have read and re-read the instructions it came with and I have definitely fitted it correctly.

I thought it was the socket itself so I went out and bought another one which also has LED lights on and after fitting I have exactly the same situation.

I have checked the consumer unit and all seems fine. The outdoor sockets are on their own trip switch.

Any ideas on what I might be doing wrong?

FYI the previous outdoor socket worked fine.

davesparks · Apr 13, 2024

What are you using to test the socket?

Spengler · Apr 13, 2024

davesparks said:
What are you using to test the socket?

I am plugging in an iPhone charger to the 3 pin plugs and seeing if it will charge my phone. I’ve also plugged in other electrical devices and have the same problem. The LEDs are on but the 3 pin plugs just won’t work.

I also removed the whole socket and put an electrical test screwdriver on the live wire and it lit up showing it is live.

Is there another way I should be testing it?

westward10 · Apr 13, 2024

Definitely not with a neon screwdriver.
Got any pics of the socket and wiring.

Spengler · Apr 13, 2024

westward10 said:
Definitely not with a neon screwdriver.
Got any pics of the socket and wiring.

Thanks guys here’s some pics

westward10 · Apr 13, 2024

If that cable is connected the same at the other socket then the armour is not earthed and it needs to be.
Nothing is shouting anything wrong and the connections aren't great. Not impossible the socket is faulty.

westward10 · Apr 13, 2024

Try it with the old socket back on.

Dustydazzler · Apr 13, 2024

Could be a N - E reversed at the other end ?

But still wouldn't explain why the old one worked and the new one now doesn't

Spengler · Apr 13, 2024

westward10 said:
If that cable is connected the same at the other socket then the armour is not earthed and it needs to be.
Nothing is shouting anything wrong and the connections aren't great. Not impossible the socket is faulty.

Thanks Westward

littlespark · Apr 13, 2024

Grey and black might be other way round. Most people use grey as neutral and black as earth, but not all.

westward10 · Apr 13, 2024

Would probably still work if no RCD in play which hopefully there is.

DefyG · Apr 13, 2024

Wondered if it was WiFi controlled with the blue indicators as only ever seen red indicators on BG before.

nicebutdim · Apr 13, 2024

DefyG said:
Wondered if it was WiFi controlled with the blue indicators as only ever seen red indicators on BG before.

I can't quite figure out that socket/enclosure combination. As you state, BG indicated sockets have red neons over each outlet. Their wifi sockets do have blue indicators, but they're located around a flush, round switch.

SJD · Apr 13, 2024

Looks to be a BG WPL22 socket, which should be an ordinary IP66 socket from e.g. Screwfix (stock code 420XH), not Bluetooth or WiFi controlled.

Slightly puzzled by one photo showing what appears to be an SWA gland below the socket, yet the armour is brought into the socket housing and not earthed, while incorrect would not be the reason for it not working. Or maybe the cable enters via a nylon gland.

I'd be checking the connections at the other end of the cable, but not with a neon screwdriver!