Double Sock, One Switch Not Cutting Power Reliably

[betamaxbandit]

Hello. Had an issue a few months ago with a double electrical socket. One of the switches was stiff and sticking most of the time. I contacted a local electrician to put a new faceplate on which he did. Problem is, ever since then, the righthand switch is temperamental. It clicks on and off normally now but i have noticed that on a few occassions when switched to the off position, things plugged into that socket (an extension cord right now, not overloaded and good quality build) will still remain lit up. I've tried turning my computer on when it is in that state thinking that there might still be a bit of held charge in the extension lead that is tricking me and powering the leds, but the pc turned on and ran as normal so it must have been getting full power. This has happened a handful of times. I'd say 80% of the time it turns off things as it should. It always turns power on with no problems. Oddly, the switch on the old faceplate which stuck was also the righthand switch. Probably just a coincidence. I saw a orange flash once when turning it off, was a milisecond and very small, could have just imagined it but i don't think I did.

Of course I intend to get another electrician to look at it. One is coming out tomorrow actually and I will relay all this info to him. I just thought i'd ask for some insight so i know what type of service fee i'm looking at and if its a quick fix.

Thanks

 

[grumpyjohn01]

I have noticed these sorts of problems before when the wall the accessory is on is not flat such that when the faceplate screws are tightened the faceplate is distorted or bent slightly. In minor cases just loosening the screws slightly can cure it though if that means the accessory can move around that is not a good idea. In more extreme cases I have had success with setting a 10mm spacer plate in the wall over the box with constuction adhesive to provide a flat surface for the accessory to mate to.

 

[DPG]

What John said above, and possibly cheap brand sockets?

 

[Rockingit]

Sounds like a cheap replacement accessory to me, possibly affected by poor fixing as said above. Something about buy cheap buy twice?

 

[betamaxbandit]

Thanks for everyone's advice. The electrian came to look today and said all the wiring was sound but switch plate was sticking a bit. He's replaced it with a new one. Happy it was an easy fix.