Outlet Power Mystery

[zapmenot]

We have a washer and tumble dryer - each plugged into their own socket (UK standard).

Both have been functioning fine for 7 years.

Yesterday I discover that the tumble dryer has stopped mid dry - the lights are off - no power.

No breakers have been tripped.

Plugging the tumble dryer into the other socket the machine works fine.

Plugging the washing machine into the faulty socket it does not switch on.

BUT - If I plug a light into the suspect socket it lights up - as expected!

Anybody have a cue what is going on?

 

[James]

Socket is worn out / damaged.
You should change the plugs as well as they may well be damaged through overheating and this may not be visible.

 

[Avo Mk8]

As above from James.

Possible poor connection, eg loose terminal screw(s), in the troublesome socket.
The probable reason a lamp works, but the appliances don't, is that a resistance has developed in a termination which allows a small current to flow (lights the lamp), but when loaded more, it dissipates heat in the faulty connection, maybe arcing, and the appliance doesn't receive enough voltage to function.

If that has happened, and there is any sign of heat blackening the copper conductors, or the cable insulation melting, that needs to be cut back to clean unaffected cable before re-terminating. Don't just tighten screws on top of a problem!