Outdoor electrical socket

[Spengler]

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]

I can't see how those LEDs are actually connected to the socket.

It looks like it is a normal socket held into the enclosure with 4 screws clamping it from the back but there no sign of wires coming from it to the LEDs.

 

[nicebutdim]

I can't see how those LEDs are actually connected to the socket.

It looks like it is a normal socket held into the enclosure with 4 screws clamping it from the back but there no sign of wires coming from it to the LEDs.

I don't fancy paying £24 to Screwfix to find out, but would guess the LEDs are on the plate and the frames simply provide a lens for them to shine through. Otherwise replacing the socket would be unnecessarily arduous and IP rating more difficult to maintain.

 

[SJD]

BG IP66 sockets are typically their standard white sockets mounted in a weatherproof frame - hence the standard screw holes with white plastic covers in the white faceplate. So the black rectangles are just lenses.

Still no nearer to guessing why the socket doesn't work. I'd ask the OP whas was connected there before, and did it actually work? Could for example, it be fed from something that appears live but can't actually deliver a sensible amount of power (e.g. was it a switch for something else)?

 

[littlespark]

With a user name like "spengler" im expecting a call to the ghostbusters to sort this out....


The cable needs its proper gland fitted.... it doesnt appear to even have a compression gland fitted, never mind an swa gland...

The cable could quite easily by pulled out.


On a nice weather day, change it to just a regular socket as a test.... if it works, its the outside socket at fault.... if it doesnt, then its where this cable is coming from. Is there a photo of the other end?
Make sure to change it back!

 

[Dustydazzler]

Or just save all the agro and get a proper sparks round for 45 minutes to test the supply cable and re-fit the socket 'properly'