Faulty socket??

[Jeff7777]

Hi I am not a electrician but wondered if anyone could help. This morning I put the washing machine on and about a hour later my rcd tripped out. I could smell a burning smell from behind the washing machine so pulled it out. Behind is a double socket with a hole burnt on it. Further inspection the neutral terminal had melted but the wires weren't that hot and checked and them for heat and breaks back to the rcd which seemed ok. I replaced the socket and all seems fine. Could it be the original socket was fault all could there be another problem. The original socket was fitted about 3 yrs ago and seemed ok until today.
many thanks.

 

[trev]

Hmm, how did you check the cables for heat? Please tell me you isolated everything before putting your fingers in there.
It sounds like a loose termination has been arcing away and has finally given up the ghost. Might be an idea to get a spark in to check things over for you.
Post up your rough location, one of our members will be near you

 

[Deleted member 9648]

Usually caused by heavy loads on a cheap rubbish socket....or a loose connection at the socket. I'ts likely that the plug on th W/M may be damaged by heat as well.....best cut it off and replace. As Trev said though....it may be best to get a check....long range diagnosis can be inaccurate!

 

[Guest55]

............Might be an idea to get a spark in to check things over for you.

I knew someone would say that lol.
I'm so disappointed it was you Trev ;-D

 

[Jeff7777]

Yeah turned everything off. I am in the Norwich area. I would ask my father in law who is a electrician but he's on holiday. Typical!!!! I wondered if the vibration from the washing machine loosened the terminal in the socket made it blow.

 

[trev]

I knew someone would say that lol.
I'm so disappointed it was you Trev ;-D

Could be a couple of things though mate that's why I went for "the default"

 

[trev]

I wondered if the vibration from the washing machine loosened the terminal in the socket made it blow.

Unlikely Jeff

 

[Guest55]

Yeah turned everything off. I am in the Norwich area. I would ask my father in law who is a electrician but he's on holiday. Typical!!!! I wondered if the vibration from the washing machine loosened the terminal in the socket made it blow.

Thats quite an insightful diagnosis , you should be an electrician lol.
Plus you changed a socket without killing yourself - youre already halfway to Domestic Installer status ;-)

 

[trev]

Isn't guitarist down that neck of the woods?

 

[Des 56]

Thats quite an insightful diagnosis , you should be an electrician lol.
Plus you changed a socket without killing yourself - youre already halfway to Domestic Installer status ;-)

Biff are you trying to say that the level of entry for Domestic installer has now been raised substantially

 

[trev]

Oh dear I can see where this thread is going

 

[Jeff7777]

Thanks Trev. I think my father in law is back on tues. I will get him to have a look.
thanks for the help.

- - - Updated - - -

And thanks wirepuller.

 

[telectrix]

in the meanwhile, just keep an eye on it, just in case.