British General plug socket problem

[madMARTINmarsh]

Hello all.
I recently replaced two double switched plug sockets, the original socket had jammed switches (they were as old as my 50-60s built house I reckon) so I got these new ones, installed them but now the switches don't always work.
When I press them to turn the socket off sometimes the switch doesn't click and the electrical items still get power, sometimes the switch will work as it is supposed to. I've had a look inside and there are no loose wires, the wires are a bit tight in the back box but it isnt dangerously crammed in as far as I can see, I didn't have to force or bend anything in.

When I installed the new socket I replaced the wires exactly as they were in the old socket front.
Is it possible that the socket is faulty?
Is there anything else I may have missed?

Any help and advice is warmly welcomed.

Martin.

 

[Octopus]

Employ a spark ?

 

[telectrix]

Employ a spark ?

agree, something is not right here. as previous post, could be over tightening on an uneven back box. when both BG and MK sockets are showing same problems.

 

[Richard Burns]

What load are you switching with this socket?
Barring an alignment problem the most likely source of switches failing to operate is switching a very heavy load that welds the witch contacts together as the switch opens and creates an arc, this would be consistent with the tapping the socket clearing the fault briefly.
If possible avoid switching the equipment off under load.

 

[NDG Elecs]

BG - whether that's British Gas or General, in my humble opinion, should stay well clear of electricity in general. British Gas seem to have a policy of charging way over the odds and British General parts usually have a failure rate which makes using their gear unsustainable being self employed.

 

[telectrix]

i use BG gear as preference. had virtually no failures, both with their CUs and accessories.

 

[Octopus]

BG - whether that's British Gas or General, in my humble opinion, should stay well clear of electricity in general. British Gas seem to have a policy of charging way over the odds and British General parts usually have a failure rate which makes using their gear unsustainable being self employed.

I've used BG switches, sockets etc for a very long time - failures are rare to say the least .......

 

[NDG Elecs]

Their faceplates are generally better than their switchgear, I agree. Carp cage clamps and non-tripping RCDs being the usual culprits. But I have had numerous repeated premature failures of bath pulls and light switches too. To the extent I am really reluctant to use them anymore. A one hour job has turned into a two hour one when I have to go back three months later to replace again. Then it's also the hassle and time taken to return the things. And the phonecall to say it's not working, normally happens when I'm stressed and run off my feet!!

 

[dmxtothemax]

Their is a lot of cheap electrical stuff out there now.
And the flimsy plastic switchs are a problem
and are a common reason for premeture failure
Trouble is, it is hard to find good quality any more
Most seem happy to buy the cheap stuff